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.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Apr 8, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, INSTEAD THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. *AK THE RADIATOR HAD BROKEN ALSO. *SC
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2004
ONSUMER STATED EVERY TIME SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE SHE WAS BEING SHOCKED. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, BUT HDS NOT DETERMINED WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 20, 2004
BOTH FRONT DOORS INSIDE HANDLES HAVE CHROME PLATING PEELING AT SEAM. THIS PRESENTS A HAZARD BECAUSE THE SEAM IS AT THE TOP PORTION OF THE HANDLE AND CUT MY WIFE'S FINGER. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2004
CAR MAKES A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN COMING TO A STOP. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE BRAKES, AND SAYS THEY ARE AT 90%. DEALER HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE OF THE SCREECHING SOUND.*AK
Power train, Jan 10, 2004, fire
I PURCHASED A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT. TO DATE WE HAVE HAD THE O2 SENSORS REPLACED DUE TO NUMEROUS CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS. WE HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, THE CLUTCH DEPRESSION SWITCH AFTER HAVING THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED THE SWITCH FAILED TO WORK CONSISTENTLY PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. AFTER HAVING THE SWITCH REPLACED, THE VERY NEXT DAY I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL WHICH THEN CAUSED MY HEADLIGHTS TO DIM THE HEATER FAN/MOTOR TO DROP IN SPEED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO MOVE VERY SLOWLY. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOUSER HYUNDAI OF SPRINGFIELD, MA. AND WHILE WAITING FOR THE SERVICE BAY DOORS TO OPEN THE CAR WAS ENVELOPED IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE THE INSTANT I TURNED THE HEATER ON (JANUARY 10, 2004) TEMP OUTSIDE WAS -9 DEGREES. AT ANY RATE THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS NOTIFIED THE INSTANT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING BUT HE DID NOT SEE THE SMOKE WHEN I WAS WAITING AT THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. HE DID ADMIT TO SMELLING THE BURNING ??? BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN WE LEFT IT TO BE CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE OLD SAYING GOES WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THIS "FIRE" SO I AM CHECKING IT OFF AS SUCH IN THIS COMPLAINT. THE CAR IS AND HAS BEEN A SAFTEY CONCERN TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE A CO-WORKER AND MY WIFE AS WITNESSES TO BOTH THE BURNING SMELL AND ELECTRICAL "LOAD" MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO WHAT EVER HAS SHORT CIRCUITED AND MY WIFE IN PARTICULAR OBSERVED THE "SMOKE" BILLOWING FROM BENEATH THE CAR ON THE DAY WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FULLY INTEND TO FILE A COMPLAINT AS WELL WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE GOVERNMENT OF WHICH I AM EMPLOYED UNDER THE "LEMON LAW." RESPECTFULLY; DALE WYMAN. *AK
Air bags, Nov 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAD THREE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, TWO OF WHICH WERE DISABLED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN THIS INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM. *NLM
Air bags, Nov 5, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. *AK *SCC THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CONSUMERS ADDRESS TO NOTIFY HIM. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL OF 2002. AS OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR AT 27,700 MILES, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 5 SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT SHOWED AN OXYGEN SENSOR. WITHIN THE NEXT 100 MILES IT WAS ON AGAIN, THIS TIME IT WAS AN EVAP CODE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP SEAL SO THEY TIGHTENED IT. WITHIN ANOTHER 100 MILES IT CAME ON AGAIN AND WAS ANOTHER OXYGEN SENSOR. IT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS (AND AROUND 9,000 MILES) AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE EVAP CODE AGAIN AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE FUEL CAP. THIS HAD TO BE ORDERED AND I CALLED BACK AFTER THREE WEEKS AND SOMEONE HAD FORGOT TO ORDER IT SO IT AFTER ALL TOOK 3 MONTHS TO REPLACE IT. IN THE MEANTIME THE CAR WAS DETAILED AND THE COMPANY UNHOOKED THE BATTERY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED OFF FOR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH (THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN IT WENT TO THE DETAIL COMPANY). SO THE FUEL CAP WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WITHIN 100 MILES AFTER. THIS TIME IT WAS 3 DIFFERENT CODES. ONE FOR ANOTHER OXYGEN SENSOR, ONE FOR A THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR, AND ONE FOR A FUEL INCREMENT SENSOR. I AM AT 47,800 MILES NOW AND I AM TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE A FEW MONTHS TO GET THE OXYGEN SENSOR DUE TO HYUNDAI UPDATING THE SENSOR DUE TO A DEFECT. BY THE TIME MY CAR IS FIXED, THIS TIME THE WARRANTY WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE UP OR CLOSE TO IT AND ALL I CAN GET FROM HYUNDAI IS THAT THEY WILL FIX IT UP TO THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY AND IF THE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THAT IT IS MY PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT IS NOT A CONCERN DUE TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERY TIME. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2003
WHEN MOVING CONSUMER FOOT OFF BRAKE PEDAL IT WOULD PULSATE. DRIVER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY ALTERNATOR FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE.*AK HOUSER DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE AND CONFIGURATION. ANOTHER DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND DRIVE BELT. ALL WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *PH *JB
Tires, Sep 10, 2003
LEFT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHCLE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO REPAIR THE TIRE. THE SPARE TIRE HAD STRESS MARKS LOCATED ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE TIRE. HANKOOK, T125/70D15, DOT # H6MXBH490. *AK
Tires, Sep 10, 2003
LEFT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TRUCK, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER.THE SPARE TIRE HAD STRESS MARKS LOCATED ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE TIRE. HANKOOK TIRES, #T125/70D-15, DOT # H6MXBH490.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 27, 2003
2002 HYUNDAI,SONATA HAS 28,000 MILES. HAVE HAD TO HAVE ROTORS REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE 11000 MILES. CAR SHAKES AFTER ROTORS HAVE BEEN ON CAR FOR ABOUT 4 OR 5 THOUSAND MILES. *AK
Tires, Jul 16, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING DRIVER SIDE TIRE THREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL.*AK
Air bags, Jul 16, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AIR BAG LIGHT WILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2003
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT HYUNDAI IS HAVING A LARGE PROBLEM WITH O2 SENSORS, ESPECIALLY IN WARM CLIMATES. DEALER WORKED ON THE PROBLEM ONCE ALREADY, BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAVE RETURNED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING WORKED ON. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY PROBLEMS HE IS SUPRISED THEY HAVE NOT HAD A RECALL JUST FOR THE O2 SENSOR. *AK
Air bags, Jun 26, 2003, crash
VEHICLE WAS HIT ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR(S) - VEHICLE WAS ROTATED 180 DEGREES FROM THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT. NECK AND BACK INJURIES. BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 1, 2003
ON COLD MORNINGS WHERE THE TEMPERATURE WOULD DROP BELOW 30, I WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF BRAKE ABILITY. THIS WOULD ONLY HAPPEN THE FIRST TIME I DROVE THE CAR IN THE MORNING AND ALWAYS ON THE SECOND OR THIRD TAP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2002 AND THEY DRAINED THE BRAKE LINE AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT AND I HAD TO GO BACK. THIS LAST TIME I COULD NOT STOP IN TRAFFIC AND HAD TO ROLL THRU A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD ACTUALLY FREEZE UP OR LOCK IN THE "UP" POSITION IN THE CAR, THEREFORE NOT ALLOWING ME TO PRESS DOWN TO STOP. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD WORK. MY DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR MORE THAN A WEEK BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT THIS SECOND TIME. I BELIEVE HE SAID IT WAS A DEFECT IN A SPECIFIC PART. HE TOLD ME "BOOSTER VACUUM LINE CHECK VALVE FROZEN SHUT" AND HE REPLACED THE BOOSTER HOSE. IF THIS WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, I AM CONCERNED OTHER SONATA OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM AND I FELT I SHOULD REPORT THIS TO YOUR AGENCY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2003
RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER POPS ON AND OFF AT A STOP OR MOVING. WHEN YOU USE THE AC BUTTON, WINDSHIELD WIPER, WINDOWS, AND TURN SIGNALS THE SPEAKER EITHER SHUTS OFF OR TURNS ON. THE RADIO WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE SPEAKER TWICE AND THE WIRING AND WIRING HARNESSES WERE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP WITH AND WITHOUT REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT LEAST 12 TIMES. THE PROBLEM STARTED THE FIRST NIGHT WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2001. THE CAR HAS HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOW MOTORS, BATTERY, AND REMOTE DOOR LOCKS. I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE SPENT MORE TIME AT THE DEALER TRYING TO GET THE CAR FIXED THEN ACTUALLY ENJOYING THE CAR. I HAVE FILED CASES WITH THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE, A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT THE CAR, HEARD THE PROBLEM, IN FORMED THE DEALER ON HOW TO FIX IT. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL 6 DAYS LATER SAYING THE CHIEF MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO HE DID NOT TOUCH IT. EVEN THOUGH THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HEARD THE PROBLEM AND TOLD THEM WHAT TO FIX. I HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP IN THE LEMON LAW, I HAVE SENT A CERTIFIED DEFECT COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER. THE RECEIVED IT APRIL 11 2003 AT 12:00 PM. I AM JUST WAITING ON THERE RESPONSE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE TO MY SELF AND MY FAMILY. TWO VISITS AGO THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK, THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE (MAYBE TREE SAP) ALL OVER THE HOOD, ROOF, AND TRUNK. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION WHILE THE FACTORY REP WAS THERE. THE REP TOLD THEM TO COMPOUND THE CAR OUT AND RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE CAR WAS WASHED BUT THE SUBSTANCE WAS STILL THERE, NOW WITH SWIRL SCRATCHES IN THE PAINT WHERE THEY TRIED TO UP THE SUBSTANCE OFF THE CAR. DEALER AND CORPORATE WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. THIS WILL BE THE FINAL CASE FOR MY LAWYER AGAINST HYUNDAI. *NLM
Air bags, Mar 2, 2003, crash
IMPACT TO DRIVERS DOOR AND THE SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
Air bags, Feb 21, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
Seat belts, Jan 28, 2003
WHILE SITTING IN VEHICLE WITH THE SEAT BELT ON, IF CONSUMER MAKES ANY KIND OF MOVEMENTSEAT BELT TIGHTEN UP. CONSUMER HAS TO UNHOOK THE SEAT BELT AND FASTEN IT. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING OR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. TS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 10, 2002
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A SQUEAKING AND LOUD GRINDING NOISE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2002
INTERMITTENLEY WHILE APPLYING BRAKES FROM A STOP POSITION THE VEHICLE CONTINUE ON BEFORE STOPPPING. DEALER INFORMED THAT AIR HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE LINE. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 29, 2002
INTERMITTLY WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT A STOP POSITION CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL. DEALER INFORMED THAT AIR HAD TO BE REMOVED FROME BRAKE LINE. PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATION. PH