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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 325

Of the 2002 reports, 31 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 54 people were injured.

Primary concernStructure88 reports · 27% of complaints
Owner complaints325Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship7 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Structure88
  2. Suspension63
  3. Air bags52
  4. Service brakes26
  5. Electrical system24
  6. Steering24
  7. Hydraulic21
  8. Fuel system20

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 7, 2005, crash

    DT: CALLER GOT INTO CAR, PULLED IT OUT OF GARAGE AND GOT OUT OF IT. WHEN SHE GOT BACK INTO VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN GEAR IT MADE A SCREAMING NOISE AND ACCELERATED. SHE HIT THE BRAKES, BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. SHE TRIED TO STOP THE CAR BY GOING UP A HILL INSTEAD VEHICLE HIT A HOUSE THREE DOORS AWAY. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INSURANCE CLAIMED THAT DEALER SAID THERE NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK

  2. 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

  3. Vehicle speed control, Feb 22, 2005

    WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

  4. Air bags, Feb 22, 2005

    WHILE DRIVING AIR BAGS AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 9, 2005

    DURING INSPECTION DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF CORRODED FRONT/REAR BRAKE ROTORS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2005

    VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE, AND IT WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND THE TIMING BELT WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE.*AK

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2005, crash

    8/27/02 BELT NOISE AND BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE PULLEY BELT WAS REPLACED. 1/33/03 RECALL ON <A ONMOUSEOUT="WINDOW.STATUS=''; RETURN TRUE 'AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION'; RETURN TRUE;" ONMOUSEOUT="WINDOW.STATUS=''; RETURN TRUE;">AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION</A></A> WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. 9/8/03 CAR ENGINE RACED TO 5000-6000 RPMS, HAD TO TURN OFF IGNITION. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN FIND NO EXPLANATION. 9/16/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WHILE IN PARK, ENGINE RACES TO 5000 RPMS. AFTER 3 RESTARTS AT THE IGNITION, THE IDLE RETURNS TO NORMAL. 9/21/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WAIT TO TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. 10/7/03 SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. 10/23/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FILL VENT VALVE, REPAIR. 12/18/03 RECALL SERVICE DONE. 5/9/04 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IGNORE, IT GOES OFF AFTER TWO WEEKS. 8/6/04 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IGNORE, IT GOES OFF AFTER TWO WEEKS. 11/4/04 WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. COLLISION OCCURS, ACCELERATION CONTINUES, CAR SPINS OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A GRASSY FIELD. I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FROM CONTINUING INTO THE FENCEPOST. PATROLMAN SAID THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN. INSURANCE COMPANY VALUED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. AFTER IMPACT THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING AND SHE WAS STILL PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE PULLED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE OFFICER ON THE SCENE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING. *TC YHE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED.

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jan 10, 2005, crash

    WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS ONCE SERVICE FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING. RECALL CAMPAIGN: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 02V145000. 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. *TC

  9. Tires, Dec 22, 2004

    THE CONSUMER HAS A TIRE FOR LIFE CONTRACT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH P205/65R15 M/S. THE VEHICLE MANUAL STATED THAT THE APPROPRIATE TIRE SIZE SHOULD BE P205/60R15 91H. *AK *SC

  10. Air bags, Dec 20, 2004, crash

    MY HYUNDAY SONATA HAD AN ACCIDENT, HIITING A PARKED SUV AND THE SONATA WAS TOTALLED BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY (INFLATE). *AK

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2004

    WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED A DRUMMING SOUND WAS HEARD IN THE REAR. THE NEXT OCCURRENCE A DRUMMING SOUND WAS HEARD WITH A GRINDING SOUND. *TC THE WAS A LOT OF CORROSION AND DIRT COLLECTED ON THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY DUE TO SALT AND SAND APPLIED TO THE ROADS IN THE WINTER. *SC *JB

  12. Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2004

    THE CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED 2 MAJOR RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST FOR THE ECM (V02) AND THE SECOND FOR THE FUEL VALVE (O66). THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *NM *SC

  13. 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

  14. Tires, Oct 18, 2004

    I REPLACED MY TIRES WITH THE CORRECT TYPE CALLED FOR MY CAR, 205/65R15 H94 BF GOODRICH TRACTION T/A AND NOW I KEEP GETTING FLAT TIRES FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED HUD CAPS SHIFTING ON MY WEEHLS AND PRESSING ON THE VALVE STEM. SO FAR THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT I AM AFFRAID OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I AM AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IT HAPPENES. THE DEALER SAYS THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, BUT HOW SO IF THEY ARE THE CORRECT TIRES FOR MY CAR. THE DEALER WILL JNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT ALL!*AK

  15. Air bags, Sep 23, 2004

    THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPAIRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS *JB

  16. Tires, Wheels, Sep 22, 2004

    BF GOODRICH TIRES (20565H15) ON A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER LESS THAN 50 MILES FRONT LEFT TIRE WENT FLAG DUE TO A SEVERED VALVE STEM. STEM WAS SEVERED BY HUB CAP MOVEMENT. REMOUNTED TIRE, AND TIRE LEAKED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. REMOVED ALL HUB CAPS FOR NOW. HYUNDAI BLAMING TIRE MANUFACTURER, BUT SIZE IS RECOMMENDED SIZE AS STATED ON AUTO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE WHO CHANGES TIRE BRANDS ON THIS MODEL. TIRE DEALERS SHOUL DBE MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS NEEDLESSLY INJURED.*AK

  17. Wheels, Sep 22, 2004

    FACTORY INSTALLED HUB CAPS TURN ON WHEELS WITH ACCELERATION AND BRAKING, CAUSING PRESSURE ON TIRE VALVE STEMS. THIS LEADS TO PIERCING OF TIRE VALVE STEM AND RAPID DEFLATION OF TIRE. HUB CAPS HAVE JAGGED EDGES ON HUB CAP WHERE CONTACT IS MADE WITH TIRE VALVE STEM. THERE IS NO MECHANISM TO PREVENT THE HUB CAPS FROM MOVING.*AK

  18. 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

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2004

    CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE WAS HAVING TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH HER VEHICLE AND DOES NOT WANT IT ANYMORE. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS GOING BAD. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 300 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. THEN AFTER THAT WAS REPAIRED. SHE DROVE IT A WHILE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO COME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME WHEN SHE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS TOLD THE O2 SENSOR WAS BAD. THIS ALSO WAS REPAIRED. *JB

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2004

    PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON HYUNDAI SONATA.*MR WHILE BRAKING THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE FRONT HE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. OVER TIME THE NOISE PROGRESSED INTO A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT 19400 MILES AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN SHOWED THE CONSUMER THE CORRODED AND DIRTY SURFACES THAT THE BRAKE PAD HOLDER RESTED ON. THIS SURFACE IS HORIZONTAL AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE SURFACE TO DRAIN OR CLEAN ITSELF. THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER BUT THE CONSUMER WAS CHARGED $160. FOR THE LABORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT HAVING THE BRAKE REPLACED AT 19000 MILES IS UNREASONABLE AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *NM

  21. Tires, Wheels, Aug 4, 2004

    GOODRICH CONTROL PLUS TIRES CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. WITH 25 MILES ON THE TIRES, A FLAT TIRE WAS PRESENT. THE TIRE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VALVE STEM HAD BEEN CUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TWO DAYS LATER ANOTHER FLAT TIRE WAS PRESENT. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE EACH TIME. IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE FROM A "T" SERIES RATED TO TIRE TO AN "H" RATED TIRE. SOON AFTER PLACING THE "H" RATED TIRE, AND USING A SHORTER VALVE STEM, THE HUB CAPS CONTINUED TO ROTATE ON THE RIM, CAUSED BY THE TIRE FLEXING AGAINST THE HUB CAP. *SC

  22. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2004, crash

    WE RECENTLTY PURCHASED A USED BUT SHOWROOM CONDITION HYUNDAI SONATA WITH SOMEWHERE AROUND 29,000 MILES ON IT FROM A DEALERSHIP. AFTER ABOUT THREE WEEKS MY SON HAD TO LEAVE IT IN A PARKING LOT. THE THROTTLE/CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (EVEN THO HE DID NOT HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL ON) WAS STUCK. HE THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED SO HEDROVE THE CAR A FEW MORE WEEKS AND WAS ON HIS WAY HOME WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME HE RAN INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CAR WAS DAMAGED PRETTY BADDLY BUT THANK THE LORD HE WAS NOT. HE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE UTILITY COMPANY IS CHARGING US ABOUT $4000.00 OR MORE DOLLARS FOR THE WORK THEY HAD TO DO TO THE POLE. I CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THE CAR IS AT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. CONSUMER AFFAIRS IS MAILING ME A FORM TO FILL OUT. I DO NOT KNOW IF HYUNDAI IS GOING TO CLAIM RESPONSIBLITY OR NOT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED TO SEE IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE/CRUISE CONTROL STICKING MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP OR CAUSING ANY OTHER PROBLEM. I HATE TO SEE SOMEONE DIE FROM THIS.*AK

  23. Structure, Jun 17, 2004

    WHILE OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WAS SHARP. CONSUMER'S HAND WAS CUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND HE REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 16, 2004

    HYUNDAI SONOTA 2002 HAD FRONT ROTORS REPLACED AT 10,500 MILES DUE TO WARPING. FRONT PADS WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. AT 43,500, WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP ALL 4 ROTORS WERE WARPED DURING STATE INSPECTION. SO, ONLY 33,000 MILES ON NEW FRONT ROTORS. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS WERE STILL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (VIRTIUALLY NEW). THIS DOCUMENTED ON THE CARS STATE INSPECTION REPORT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP CONTACTED LOCAL HYUNDAI REP WHO REFUSED TO REPLACE ROTORS. REASON, EXCESSIVE BRAKING BY DRIVER SO NOT FAULTY MATERIALS FROM HYUNDAI. TWO REPORTS DON'T COINCIDE. EXCESSIVE BRAKING AND EXCELLENT BRAKE PASDS. LOCAL REP DID NOT COME INTO DEALERSHIP TO VIEW CONDITION OF CAR OR DO ANY INVESTIGATING INTO POTENTIAL FAULTY MANUFACTURING MATERIALS. OWNER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. CREDIT THE DEALERSHIP FOR COMPLIMENTARY CUTTING OF ROTORS BUT HISTORY SHOWS ROTORS WILL WARP AGAIN AFTER CUTTING.*AK

  25. Air bags, Equipment, May 6, 2004, crash

    DRIVING AT 25 - 30 MPH I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER MID SIZE VEHICLE. I SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WILL THOSE BAGS NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD ON? MY WIFE AND CHILD DRIVE THE 2003 . I AM VERY CONCERNED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WANT TO "REPAIR" MY VEHICLE THAT FAILED.