2002 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 325 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 31 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 54 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchAug 7, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 82 MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 SONATA VEHICLES. REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATING. IF THE TOP EDGE OF THE HANDLE HAS VERY THIN CHROME PLATING THAT PORTION OF THE PLATING MAY WEAR AWAY MORE EASILY THAN MORE THICKLY PLATED AREAS AS THE DOOR HANDLE IS USED. THE WORN CHROME PLATING ON THE UPPER EDGE OF THE HANDLE MAY RESULT IN A CRACK OR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD SURFACES OF THE HANDLE, WHICH MAY FORM A SHARP EDGE.
A SHARP EDGE COULD LACERATE OR OTHERWISE INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-787-999-3333.
Campaign 09V317000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMay 21, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 91,350 MY 2002-2003 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES. REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATE. IF THE TOP EDGE OF THE HANDLE HAS VERY THIN CHROME PLATING, THAT PORTION OF THE PLATING MAY WEAR AWAY MORE EASILY THAN MORE THICKLY PLATED AREAS AS THE DOOR HANDLE IS USED. THE WORN CHROME PLATING ON THE UPPER EDGE OF THE HANDLE MAY RESULT IN A CRACK OR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD SURFACES OF THE HANDLE, WHICH MAY FORM A SHARP EDGE.
THIS MAY INFLICT LACERATION INJURIES TO ANYONE USING THE DOOR HANDLE.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V171000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.
IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V124000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 26, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
Campaign 04V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 9, 2004
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V178000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireMar 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS), IF THE T125/70D-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON A FRONT WHEEL POSITION, THE TCS MAY INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATE BEGINNING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE TCS WILL CAUSE AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE AT THE WHEEL WHERE THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE, AND MAY PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN AT SPEEDS ABOVE 20 MPH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE WITH A NEW LARGER DIAMETER T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE AND A NEW TIRE PRESSURE LABEL WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO THE T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE. VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2002 THROUGH DECEMBER 16 2002, ALREADY CONTAIN T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRES, WILL ONLY REQUIRE NEW TIRE PRESSURE LABELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V097000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowMay 24, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE TO SOME LATERAL ACCELERATIONS THAT ARE NOT CAUSED BY SIDE IMPACTS TO THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS FORCEFULLY SLAMMING A DOOR CLOSED.
INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF A SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WHEN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH HAS NOT OCCURRED COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 02V145000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
63 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Feb 25, 2009
VIBRATION IN FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AT HIGH SPEEDS. I TOOK MY 2002 SONATA TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CRADLE THAT INVOLVES THE HALF SHAFT/CONTROL ARM IN THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED THROUGH WITH FIST SIZE HOLES. I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME OVER $500.00 TO REPLACE THE HALF SHAFT AND CRADLE, ALSO THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED HAD MY WHEEL FALLEN OFF. THAT WAS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD. AFTER THEY REPLACED THE HALF SHAFT, WITHIN 2 DAYS I HAD A GRINDING/RATTLE ON THE SAME RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME NOW IT WAS THE BUSHINGS IN THE SUSPENSION AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE UNTIL THEY WORKED ON THE CAR ORIGINALLY. IT WILL NOW COST ME OVER $300.00 TO HAVE THE BUSHINGS REPLACED. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS WITH THE ORIGINAL WORK. THERE IS A FEDERAL PROBE GOING ON WITH THE NHTSA, IT IS STATED THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR SHOULD BE STANDING BEHIND THEY'RE PRODUCT, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES THAT COULD IN TURN SAVE SOMEBODY'S LIFE IF THEIR CAR WOULD FAIL DUE TO THIS FLAW. *TR
Suspension, Feb 3, 2009
MY WIFE OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, AND LAST WEEK SHE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE DRIVES 60 MILES ROUND TRIP TO HER JOB 5 DAYS A WEEK. ONCE SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT, I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THINKING IT WAS IN NEED OF A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. MY TECHNICIANS CALLED ME BACK TO THE SERVICE AREA AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. ALSO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AS TILTED TO THE SIDE SLIGHTLY. I TOLD THEM TO BEGIN REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY, AS MY WIFE'S SAFETY IS MY TOP PRIORITY. I CALLED HYUNDAI ON 2/3/09 AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, AND TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN 3 TO 4 BUSINESS DAYS. I EXPECT FULL REIMBURSEMENT, AS I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAMES. THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE THAT RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FRAMES, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ THE SWAY BAR ENDS LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE WORN. UUPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Tires, Jul 17, 2008
MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT , TOOK IT TO A SERVICE STATION TO BE LOOKED AT. THEY BROUGHT ME IN TO SEE THAT THE WHOLE FRAME UNDER THE CAR IS RUSTED. THE BOLTS THAT HOLD UP THE AXLE AND SUSPENSION WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE UNDER CARRIAGE. THE WHEEL WAS TILTED AND THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WAS WORN ALL THE WAY DOWN . THERE WAS NOTHING THERE TO SUPPORT THE WHEEL. *TR
Suspension, Dec 29, 2006
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE FILED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LATEST COMPLAINT I HAVE IS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM. MY SON COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN THIS BROKE. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL GARAGES INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE HAS EVER REPLACED AN UPPER CONTROL ARM EXCEPT ON A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY OLD AND THEN VERY SELDOM. MY SON WAS TURNING A CORNER WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FELL SIDEWAYS. UPON LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM WE DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THIS SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE NOT HAPPENED ON A 2002 VEHICLE.
Suspension, Aug 5, 2006
WHILE DRIVING TO MARYLAND TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER, THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE SO HARD THAT I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND AS SOON AS I COULD I PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT THE CAR. THERE WAS NO FLAT HOWEVER, THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. IT WAS VIBRATING SO HARD MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT CAME OPEN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT MY TIRES HAD DEAD SPOTS IN THEM AND I SHOULD RETURN THEM TO THE STORE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THESE TIRES FOR SIX MONTHS WITHOUT A PROBLEM. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I WENT TO THE STORE WHERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES. THEY EXAMINED THEM AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. I HAD THE CAR COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER BEFORE I TOOK THIS TRIP. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES BUT IT IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING A HIGHER RATES OF SPEED. I AM WORRIED NOW ABOUT TAKING THE CAR ON TRIPS. BELIEVE ME, YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A SUDDEN BREAKDOWN OR CONTROL LOSS ON THE DC BELTWAY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD I ONLY HAVE 29500 MILES ON IT. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE CAR. *JB
Suspension, Jul 8, 2006
IN 2004, AT APPROX 45K MILES, VEHICLE DEVELOPED CREAKING NOISE IN DRIVER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION. DEALER REPAIRED FOR "LOOSE TRANVERSE CROSS MEMBER". PROBLEM RE-DEVELOPED AFTER 3 MONTHS. SEPARATE DEALER REPAIRED FOR "WORN BUSHINGS". PROBLEM RE-DEVELOPED AFTER ONE WEEK AND HAS WORSENED TO A CLUNKING NOISE AT LOW SPEED. HESITANT TO RETURN TO DEALER UNTIL PROPERLY DIAGNOSED DUE TO CONSISTENT REPAIR DELAYS RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE LOSS OF VEHICLE USE. (CURRENT TOTAL 7 DAYS FOR THIS PROBLEM). *NM
Suspension, Jun 10, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THE RIGHT LEFT WHEEL BEARING IS BEING REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Mar 30, 2005
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS MAKING A RUBBING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE BEARING NEEDED REPLACED.*AK
Suspension, Nov 4, 2004
WENT TO HAVE BRAKES REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RIGHT, FRONT BALL JOINT AND ARM WERE LOOSE. CONSEQUENTLY, BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE CAR WAS UNBALANCED THE TREADS ON THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE BALD - SO OI HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES ALSO. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND ONE GOOD POTHOLE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE BALL JOINT AND ARM TO BREAK OFF. THE MOST DISTURBING THING ABOUT THIS WAS THAT I DETECTED NO CHANGE IN THE HANDLING OF THE CAR. NO NEW NOISES. NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE ALREADY FILED ONE COMPLAINT ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SENSORS. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 9 TIMES PRIOR TO THIS ONE. NOW IT IS A CAM SENSOR AND I BELIEVE A SPEED SENSOR. NOT ONLY THAT BUT BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD. IT HAS ROUGHLY 78,000 MILES. YOU CAN ONLY GET PARTS AT A DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS ARE NOT ONLY OVERPRICED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES OUTRAGEOUS PRICES TO DO ANYTHING. YOU CAN UNHOOK THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX IT AND THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN A SHORTER AMOUNT OF TIME THAN UNHOOKING THE BATTERY. I HAVE SPOKE WITH HYUNDAI WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED AND ALL YOU GET IS WE'LL FIX IT UNTIL THE WARRANTY IS UP THEN YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK. I CAN'T KEEP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF LONG ENOUGH TO EVEN SELL IT. *JB
Suspension, Nov 6, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AT ANY SPEED, CAUSING BY THE UPPER BALL JOINT AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Oct 8, 2002
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH FRONT VIBRATION. *MR THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN U-BOLT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE FROM FRONT END WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE FRONT LEFT AXLE FAILURE, WHICH WAS REPLACED. BRAKES CONSTANTLY SQUEAK AND PULSATE, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *YH