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
325 reports, newest first.
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
Steering, Jul 5, 2006
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH A 2.7 LTR. 6 CYL. ENGINE,WHEN I GOT OFF AT MY EXIT I TOOK A RIGHT TURN WITH NO PROBLEM BUT WHEN I WENT TO TAKE AN IMMEDIATE LEFT TURN I TOTALLY LOST MY POWER STEERING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD I FOUND THAT THE METAL LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BURST. THIS IS ONLY A 4 YEAR OLD CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO GARVEY HYUNDAI WHERE THEY REPLACED THE LINE. SO I CHECKED MY WIFE'S CAR WHICH IS IDENTICAL EXCEPT THE COLOR AND FOUND THAT HER LINE IS IN THE SAME RUSTED CONDITION BUT HAD NOT YET BURST SO SHE CALLED LIA HYUNDAI BY OUR HOUSE ,TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED TO MINE AND THAT HERS IS IN THE SAME CORRODED CONDITION AND THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL IT ALSO BURST EVEN IF IT IS CORRODED. I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STEER THE CAR IF IT DOES BURST AND WHEN MINE BURST IT SPRAYED ALL OVER UNDER THE CAR, GETTING ON THE CONVERTER, MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE CREATING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PART BUT THE LINE RUNS ALONG THE FRAME AND WHERE IT ROTTED THEY HAVE A PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE TO PROTECT THE LINE BUT IT ALSO CAUSED IT TO PREMATURELY ROT THE METAL LINE UNDER THE RUBBER HOSE SO THE LINE BURST. DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND BOTH ARE IDENTICAL CARS ROTTING THE SAME WAY, I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO OTHERS BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN AND IF SOMEONE CAN'T STEER THE CAR AFTER IT BLOWS THEY COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR A FIRE COULD START DUE TO IT GETTING ON THE EXHAUST. I WOULD LIKE TO GET A RESPONSE SOON AS MY WIFE IS CONCERNED ABOUT IT HAPPENING TO HER. THANK YOU. *JB
Steering, Jun 7, 2006
POWER STEERING LINE RUSTED OUT AND BLEW. UNDER A PROTECTIVE RUBBER SLEEVE. IT BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING. *NM
Tires, Apr 21, 2006
VALVE STEMS HAVE BEEN PULLED FROM TIRE BY SHIFTING HUB CAPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AFTER TIRES WERE RECENTLY REPLACED. ONCE WHILE THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND ONCE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 16, 2006
WE HAD PURCHASE A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE ON 07/05/05 MOTOR WAY AUTO GROUP. THE CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH. SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR REPAIR GUY, AT THIS TIME WE THOUGH IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. BEFORE HE COULD CHECK ANYTHING I TOOK MY CAR HOME AND IT JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AT THIS TIME HE CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY-WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT. A LOT OF COSTLY REPAIRS. HE TOLD US THAT IT IS RARE THAT ALL THOSE SENSORS WENT BAD AT ONE TIME. SO I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT SYSTEM AND I GOT THIS REPORT. HOW DO I GO BY GETTING MY CAR FIX RIGHT.*JB
Air bags, Jan 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
Structure, Jan 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTERIOR MATERIAL ON THE PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO A CHILD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLES. THE CONSUMER IS NOW HAVING THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. *JB UPDATED 3/9/2006 - *NM
Visibility, Jan 13, 2006
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE FREQUENTLY SINCE PURCHASE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OFF THE SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT HARD FOR DRIVER TO SEE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE WIPER FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN A BAD SNOWSTORM. THE LEFT WIPER OVERSHOT THE WINDSHIELD AND HUNG OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT WIPER CONTINUED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND MANUALLY BROUGHT THE WIPER BACK ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. ONCE SHE RESUMED DRIVING THE WIPER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPER SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY TO PREVENT MOTOR BURN OUT. *NM
Wheels, Jan 10, 2006
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE DUE TO A LEAKY VALVE. *TS TWO DAYS AFTER THE TIRES WERE REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT DUE TO A LEAKY STEM VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER AND THE TIRE WAS REMOUNTED WITH A NEW STEM VALVE. THREE DAYS LATER THE SAME TIRE WAS FLAT AGAIN AND A FEW DAYS LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT ALSO. AFTER INSPECTING THE WHEELS THE CONSUMER OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE BULGE WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL COVER TO SPIN. THE COVER WOULD SPIN UNTIL THE STEM VALVE WAS PRESSED AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE ACCESS HOLE IN THE WHEEL COVER. EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL COVER WOULD CUT INTO THE STEM VALVE AND CAUSE A FLAT TIRE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE HUB CAPS HAD BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. AFTER REMOVING ALL FOUR HUB CAPS THE VEHICLE HAD NO MORE FLAT TIRES. *NM
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2006
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF ALL 4 DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLIES OF MY 39 MONTH OLD HYUNDAI SONATA. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO COVER THE OBVIOUS FAILURE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 11, 2005
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS WE HAVE TWO 2002 HYUNDAI SONATAS, MODEL GLS 6 CYLINDER. BOTH CARS HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT ROTORS WARPING AND HAVING DIFFICULTY BRAKING TO AN EMERGENCY STOP. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED ROTORS ON EACH VEHICLE ONCE, AND WITHIN AN 18 MONTH PERIOD, THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURS. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 27, 2005
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL GAS TANK THE PUMP CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF AFTER PUMPING ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE. WHICH PREVENTS ME FROM FILLING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE MADE NO ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR ATTEMPTED TO FILL THE VEHICLE AT SEVERAL SERVICE STATIONS WITH THE SAME RESULTS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 23, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA LX. THE BRAKE LINE WAS ATTACHED TO WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ATTACHED AND IT RUBBED AGAINST THE CV BOOT, CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE AND THE CV BOOT TO FAIL. THE CONTACT BROUGHT CAR LAST OCTOBER TO DEALER BECAUSE THE CV BOOT FAILED AND IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CURRENTLY, THE BRAKE LINE AND THE CV BOOT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT A GARAGE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT LOOKED AS IF THE BRAKE LINE CAME LOOSE FROM WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE, AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE WITH A TEMPORARY ONE IN ORDER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DELAER CLAIMED THAT WHOEVERR REPLACED IT INSTALLED IN IMPROPERLY. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE CV BOOT. SHE REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE OUT OF POCKET. HER HUSBAND FELT THAT THIS WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE BRAKE LINE WAS SECURELY FASTENED EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE FAILURE. TWO BOOTS AND ONE BRAKE LINE WERE REPLACED. *AK *NM
Structure, Sep 10, 2005
ON JULY 26TH, 2005, I WAS MEETING A CO-WORKER FOR LUNCH WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON THE FRONT FACIA COVERING THE BUMPER ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS BUBBLING AND STARTING TO PEEL. AFTER WORK THAT SAME DAY, I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE SALESPERSON WHO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HAD HIM WALK OUT TO INSPECT THE FACIA. HIS FIRST QUESTION TO ME WAS WHETHER I HAD THE VEHICLE REPAINTED. I TOLD HIM I HAD NOT! HE THEN ASKED ME IF I HAVE EVER BROUGHT MY CAR TO A TOUCHLESS CAR WASH, WHICH I HAVE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS HERE IN TOWN. HE THEN STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE 7500 PSI CAUSED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE WATER THAT THEY WERE NOT AT FAULT AND THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I ASKED WHY THIS WAS NOT OCCURRING ON THE BODY OF THE CAR OR ON THE REAR FACIA, AND HE STATED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW. DISSATISFIED WITH THIS RESPONSE, I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IN FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA AT 800-633-5151 THAT EVENING (8/5/05) AND SPOKE WITH A GENTLEMAN. AFTER TELLING HIM OF THE SITUATION, HE THEN STATED THAT I SHOULD TRY TO GET THE CAR FIXED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP! ON MONDAY, AUGUST 8TH, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REPRESENTATIVE, WHO STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT GOING TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. I RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE BBB AUTO LINE DATED AUGUST 30TH, STATING THAT MY VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING WITH THEIR PROGRAM. MY VEHICLE HAD 27,500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. APPARENTLY, THE BBB AUTO LINE AGREEMENT WITH HYUNDAI IS TO ONLY ACCEPT CLAIMS WITHIN TWO YEARS OR 24,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST (SEE DOCUMENT HYUNDAI-NY 8/2000). HYUNDAI WARRANTY EXPRESSLY STATES WARRANTY AGAINST PAINT DEFECTS FOR 3 YEARS, 36,000 MILES. I HAVE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT TO THE NYS ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE AS OF 9/7/2005. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2005
SUBJECT:2002 HYUNDAI SONATA.I HAVE TWO PROBLEMS ONES THE AIRBAG LIGHT THE OTHER IS ENGINE LIGHT ON.THESE COULD LEAD TO A SERIOS INJURY ACCIDENT, IF AIRBAGS DONT WORK OR IF I CANT STOP CAR BECAUSE ENGINE DIES!I KNOW SOMEONE ELSE THAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH HERS.MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED,BUT THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX BOTH PROBLEMS!ANYWAY MY MAIN PROBLEM IS THE ENGINE LIGHT THAT STAYS ON,THE CAR DIES WHENEVER IT WANTS.I THINK THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND THEY DONT WANT TO FIX .PLEASE LOOK INTO IT FOR ALL SONATA OWNERS,THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FIX!THANK YOU!
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 10, 2005, crash
SINGLE VEHICLE ROLLOVER; DRIVERS' DOOR UNLATCHED AND CAME OPEN DURING THE ROLLOVER. *JB
Power train, Aug 9, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING SEMI TO ALMOST REAR END MY VEHICLE DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT IS WARRANTED. SIMILAR FAILURES WILL CAUSE DEATHS. I HAVE NOTIFIED AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE THROUGH HYUNDIA'S CONSUMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT TO NO AVAIL. THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE A DEATH CAUSED BY THIS MALFUNCTION IN THE POWERTRAIN.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 5, 2005
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR FUEL CUT VALVE RECALL. SINCE NEW FUEL CUT VALVE WAS INSTALLED VEHICLE WILL NOT START AFTER REFUELING. DEALER REPLACED NEW FUEL CUT VALVE, PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER CAN NOT DUPLICATE FAILURE. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH THE CONSUMER AFTER EVERY REFUEL WITH NO EXCEPTIONS. *NM
Seat belts, Aug 2, 2005
BACK MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILURE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 1, 2005
DT: ROTORS HAVE GONE BAD. THE BRAKES PUMP BACK WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED.*AK THE DEALER TURNED THE ROTORS AT 13624 MILES AND WITHIN 1000 MILES THE ROTORS WARPED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. ANOTHER SERVICE CENTER INDICATED THAT EH ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Steering, Jun 23, 2005
POWER STEERING LOSS DURING OPERATION CAUSED BY POWER STEERING LINE FAILUE. POWER STEERING LINE FAILED DUE TO OXIDATION. OXIDATION WAS CAUSED BY DESIGN FLAW THAT TRAPS WATER DRAINING FROM AIRCONDITIONER EVAPORATOR IN RUBBER TUBE DESIGNED TO PROTECT POWER STEERING LINE FROM ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2005
DT: THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTINGLY STOPS WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER SAYS SHE HAS TRIED TO SEE IF SPEED OR DISTANCE AFFECTS IT. SHE SAYS THERE IS NO REASON THAT SHE CAN SEE TO MAKE IT STOP WORKING. THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE 5TH TIME TODAY. THE MANUFACTURER CALLED THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. SHE SAID OTHER ELECTRIC COMPONENTS ARE NOT WORKING AS WELL. THE DOORS, WINDOWS, AND CLOCK ARE SLOWLY GETTING WORSE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS THAT IT MIGHT LEAD TO SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS, LIKE A FIRE. *JB
Air bags, Jun 11, 2005, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SMASHED FROM THE LEFT FRONT FENDER SHOVING THE HOOD AND FRONT END SO FAR TO THE RIGHT AND IN THAT THE PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE SIDE AND FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. I WAS INJURED BY THE DOOR POST. IT WAS A 2002 HUNDAI SONATA..WE ARE AFRAID THAT IT MAY BE A CHILD INVOLVED NEXT TIME THERE IS A FAILURE OF THE SIDE AND FRONT AIRBAGS ON THE SONATA..PLEASE BRING THIS TO SOMEONES ATTENTION TKS LRW
Power train, Jun 10, 2005
SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE HYUNDAI SONATA HAD THEM BOTH REPLACED WITH LOW MILEAGE, PROBLEM IS BEING OVER LOOKED BECAUSE WITH THE 100,000 WARRANTY NOBODY EVER FILES A COMPLAINT , THEY JUST REPLACE THEM , THIS PROBLEM IS THERE ,REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT, LEFT FRONT, LOUD NOISE OCCURED AND GETS LOUDER HAS YOU DRIVE,
Suspension, Jun 10, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THE RIGHT LEFT WHEEL BEARING IS BEING REPLACED. *AK