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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR HANDLE FAILED AND THE CHROME COATING FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 25, 2013
THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA I JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK... I THOUGHT I NEED ALIGNMENT BUT, FOUND OUT THAT I NEED REPLACE SUBFRAME. THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN NEW YORK) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I AM PLANNING TO CALL HYUNDAI. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 21, 2013
THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA WE JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK...THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN S.DAKOTA) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THE REPRESENTATIVE LIED TO MY EAR THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THAT RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE AND SHOULDN'T BE SO. I WISH I CAN GET SOME HELP. *TR
Suspension, Jan 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Suspension, Jan 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BE MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 6, 2013
OUR SON WHO WAS DRIVING OUR HYUNDAI 2002 SONATA NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS PULLING AND NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT AND THE MECHANIC CALLED US AND TOLD US THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO AN ALIGNMENT AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MUCH MORE SERIOUS THAN THAT; THEY TOLD US THAT THE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BECAUSE OF THIS IT ALSO DID DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. WE NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE. I SHUTTER EVERY TIME I THINK WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED TO HIM OR HIS FRIENDS IF HE HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD OR GOD FORBID DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. WE LIVE IN A STATE WHERE SNOW IS A PART OF OUR LIVES; WE ALWAYS WORRY ABOUT DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE BUT WE SHOULD NOT ALSO HAVE TO WORRY THAT OUR VEHICLE'S CRADLE WILL RUST THROUGH POTENTIALLY CAUSING HARM OR EVEN DEATH. *TR
Air bags, Dec 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HARNESS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2012
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA RADIO COMES ON AND OFF WHEN EVER IT WANTS TO AND I NOTICE WHEN IT RAINS IT MAKES A REALLY LOUD NOISE. I HAVE TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR 3 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS. NOT SURE WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS BUT IT IS VERY ANNOYING. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 17, 2012, fire
ALL THREE REAR BRAKES LIGHTS ON WHEN IGNITION IS SHUT OFF AND SMELL ELECTRICAL WIRE BURN. EVERY DAY NEED TO REMOVE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE THREE REAR BRAKES LIGHTS. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 24, 2012
MY CAR STARTED GETTING ERRATIC IDLING AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO TURN ON. I GOT THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES REPLACED AND THEN IT MILD DOWN AFTER AROUND 1WK AFTER, THEN THE ERRATIC IDLING WHILE ON DRIVE OR ON REVERSE STARTED AGAIN. LEFT IT LIKE THAT THINKING IT WAS MAYBE THE FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. HAD MY BROTHER THAT IS A MECHANIC CHECK IT AND SAID HE FOUND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES OUT OF SEQUENCE, BUT AFTER HE MADE SURE ALL WERE THE CORRECT ORDER THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, SAME ERRATIC IDLING AND THIS TIME IT REALLY DID FEEL LIKE SOMETIMES LOOSING POWER. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE THEN THAT I WAS DRIVING, DON'T RECALL THE MPH, BUT IT MUST OF BEEN AROUND 50 - 60 MPH CAUSE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. THE WHOLE ENGINE SPORADICALLY, IN LESS THAN A SPLIT SECOND, TURNS OFF THEN ON. ALL THE ELECTRIC PANEL AND THE FRONT DASHBOARD AND THE WHOLE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TURNS OFF/ON IN A "BLINK OF AN EYE". IT MADE THE CAR MAKE AN ERRATIC AND SUDDEN STOP, LIKE IF I HAD PUT THE BRAKES COMPLETELY OR THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED THAT SPLIT SECOND. THEN IT WENT BACK ON AND STILL DRIVING. AFTER THAT IT DID IT ABOUT 2 MORE TIMES LIKE AROUND THOSE MINS I WAS DRIVING, ABOUT MINS APART. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, IT'S BEEN GETTING WORSE AND NOW THE POWER SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND I HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE SIDE WITH NO POWER ON CAR. THEN SUDDENLY GETS POWER AGAIN AND I JUST START IT AGAIN. I'VE CHECKED THE CABLES OF BATTERIES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME I CAN'T GET THE CAR CHECKED FOR CODES CAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GETTING RESET SINCE IT LOOSES POWER COMPLETELY AND THEY CAN'T GET ANY CODES UNLESS THE ENGINE LIGHT IS LIT UP. SOMETIMES TURNING SIGNAL OR PUTTING THE BRAKES OR LIGHTS ON MAKE IT STOP OR LOOSE POWER COMPLETELY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPILLED OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY ACCEPT A SMALL QUANTITY OF FUEL BEFORE THE FUEL SPILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND HAD OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN RECENT MONTHS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 1, 2012
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 45 MPH AND HEARD A LOUD POP IN THE RIGHT FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE VEERED OF TO THE RIGHT AND ON TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL SOMEWHAT BUT IF THERE HAD BEEN PEDESTRIANS IN THAT AREA I AM NOT SURE THERE WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN SLOWLY TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT AND AFTER ASSESSMENT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED THEREBY POSSIBLY CAUSING A POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND UNKNOWN CONSEQUENCES, DEALER HAS SUBMITTED INFORMATION TO HYUNDAI CORP, THE VEHICLE HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR SAFETY DEFECT. RECALL #089 ISSUED IN APRIL 2008. WE ARE AWAITING HYUNDAIS RESPONSE AS TO THE STATUS OF OUR RECALL REQUEST AS OF 08/01/12. *TR
Suspension, Jul 26, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME RECALL. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN ILLINOIS. HOWEVER, SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN KENTUCKY, WHICH IS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED STATES. HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMED THE CONSUMER HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, DUE TO THE PRODUCTION DATE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AS SHE HAS PICTURES SHOWING THE CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB-FRAME, WHICH HAS SINCE RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. ACCORDING TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH IS WHY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED AND CAUSED SUCH HORRIBLE WEAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE AFTER MONTHS OF PURCHASING THEM. *JB UPDATED 08/15/12
Air bags, Jul 5, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SENSOR LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAGS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V145000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/ WINDOW ) AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Child seat, Apr 12, 2012
BOOSTER SEAT.... IT IS A GROW WITH YOU SAFETY FIRST. THE TETHER IN THE REAR OF THE SEAT, HAS TOTALLY BRAKEN AWAY FROM THE SEAT, AND ALSO LOCK AND RELEASE MECHINISM STICKS . SO, WHEN I PUT A HEAVIER COAT ON MY CHILD, IT TAKES ME FOREVER, TO GET IT TO RELEASE SO ITS CONSTANTLY SQUISHING HER. AND OF COURSE, SHE'S CRYING BECAUSE ITS HURTING HER! ALSO, IT DOESN'T SIT PROPERLY, ITS ALWAYS LEANING TO ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER! IT HURTS ME TO THINK WITH THE ISSUES @ HAND, IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO MY DAUGHTER! THIS WAS NOT A CHEAP CAR SEAT! A SINCERE THANKYOU! MICHIGAN (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=SONATA, MODEL=HYUNDAI). *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 15, 2012, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A COUNTY ROAD DOING APPROX. 45 MPH. THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE SUDDENLY TILTED 50 DEGREES INWARD AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE AUTO. AFTER NEARLY MISSING A TELEPHONE POLE, SHE PLOWED INTO A CORN FIELD AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. SHE SUFFERED A SPRAINED WRIST FROM STEERING WHEEL "WHIP" AND BRUISED HER KNEE IN THE ACCIDENT. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE MECHANIC , HE FOUND THAT THE A FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE HAD BROKE IN HALF. THE METAL IN THE FRAME HAD RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE BY PREVIOUS UNDER-CARRIAGE REPAIRS, SUCH AS TIRE CHANGE, OIL CHANGE ETC. THE CAR HAS HAD SUPERB MAINTENANCE THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY AND HAS BEEN BOUGHT AND SOLD WITHIN THE SAME FAMILY SINCE BEING BOUGHT NEW BY THE SON IN 2002. WE LOVE THE CAR AND HAVE ENJOYED THE 123,000 MILES OF DRIVING BUT ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI BECAUSE WE HAVE NO RECORD OF EVER RECEIVING A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. HYUNDAI HAS DECIDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE BUT HAS NOT SAID WHETHER THEY WILL REPAIR THE BODY DAMAGE OR THE TRANSMISSION IF DAMAGED FROM THE INCIDENT. WE COULD NOT GET MOVE THE SHIFTER AFTER THE INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 26, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED AT 6 MPH TURNING A CITY STREET CORNER. THE AXLE AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF, TAKING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITH IT. THIS CAR WAS 'REPAIRED' A FEW YEARS EARLIER WHEN IT WAS RECALLED FOR UNDERCARRIAGE RUST. THEY SPRAYED A RUBBERIZED COATING ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND TOLD ME I WAS GOOD TO GO! WE ALL KNOW, THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP RUST. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 20, 2012
THE BRAKE LINES FROM ENGINE TO THE BACK OF THE CAR NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ONE OF THE ATTACHMENTS (HOLDING THE BRAKE LINES IN PLACE UNDERNEATH THE CAR) GOT RUSTED AND CORROSION. THEN IT CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO GET RUSTED AND BRAKE FLUID STARTED TO LEAK PRETTY BAD. IS IT NORMAL FOR THE BRAKE LINES TO GET RUSTED?? SHOULD I REPORT TO HYUNDAI? THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WENT EMPTY SO QUICKLY AND I FOUND THE LEAKING SPOT. IT SQUIRTS PRETTY BAD WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE LEAKING SPOT IS UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHERE THE BACK SEATS ARE LOCATED. I NEED SOME ADVISE BEFORE I START DOING SOMETHING. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED WITH THE TIRE POSITIONED OUTWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE REPAIRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER, 09V124000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CONSEQUENCE OCCURRED WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 6, 2011
NOT MANY SEEM TO KNOW THE SOLUTION HERE. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH ONLINE AND GOING TO A MECHANIC SITE... I SPENT $250 ON A CANISTER,,, VALVE... AND FILTER... THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NO GO THERE. SO NOW I MUCH CONTACT HYUNDAI AGAIN.... AFTER THEIR ONLY ADVICE WAS TO BRING IT TO A DEALER. THE DEALER SOLD ME THE PARTS AND SAID THAT THIS WOULD FIX IT. JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY CONSUMER'S ONLINE THAT ARE SEARCHING FOR AN ANSWER. IMAGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN.... YOUR CAR THAT YOU HAVE MAINTAINED AND KEPT IN GOOD SHAPE... NO LONGER LETS YOU PUT GAS IN THE TANK. *TR
Suspension, Nov 16, 2011
MONDAY, 11-07-11, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE INSIDE INCH OF TREAD AND SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD EXTREME WEAR DOWN TO THE METAL WIRES. THIS CONDITION WAS NOT OBSERVABLE FROM THE FRONT OR SIDE OF THE CAR. THE REMAINING TREAD SHOWED NORMAL WEAR. THE LEFT TIRE SHOWS SOME OF THE SAME ABNORMAL WEAR PATTERN AS THE RIGHT, LEAVING ME TO BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. TUESDAY, 11-09-11, REPLACED FRONT RIGHT TIRE. WEDNESDAY, 11-10-11, SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT WITH FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE. HOWEVER, AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD BY THEIR MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT RIGHT FRAME WAS CRACKED AND SEPARATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CONTACTED MYRTLE BEACH HYUNDAI (MBH)TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM, AND TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THURSDAY, 11-11-11, MBH CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME IS CRACKED AND SEPARATING. TOLD US THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO US BECAUSE OF A RECALL, AND THAT CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. HOWEVER, WE WERE TOLD THAT A NEW REPLACEMENT FRAME PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF NEXT WEEK. ALSO, WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY ASSOCIATED PARTS TO REPLACE THE BROKEN FRAME, SUCH AS BOLTS, BUSHINGS, AND ETC. IF THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FURTHERMORE, WE WERE TOLD THAT MBH WOULD NOT PROVIDE US WITH A LOANER VEHICLE DURING THIS RECALL REPAIRS, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. WE ARE ON EXTENDED VACATION AT MYRTLE BEACH, SC AND ONLY HAVE THIS CAR AS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. RENTED A CAR FROM ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR FOR THE WEEK AT $156.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. IF CAR RENTAL IS NECESSARY LONGER THAN THE WEEK, THE COST IS $29.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. PER DAY. IN CONCLUSION, THE RECALL REMEDY OF THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SITUATION, AS MAY BE STATED TO BE FREE OR NO CHARGE TO THE VEHICLE OWNER, IT IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL THE RELATED EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIRS.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 17, 2011
MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ON IT IN 2004 FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE AND FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY. ACCORDING TO THE HOME OFFICE THE VALVE FIX WAS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE IN 2005, I HAVE NO RECORD OF THE INSTALLATION. IN 2011 MY VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE FUEL PUMP, SO I HAD IT REPLACED WITH A NEW FUEL PUMP I PURCHASED AT AN AUTO SUPPLY SHOP. AFTER THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW FUEL PUMP MY VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO START, THE GAS WAS TAKING TO LONG TO GET TO THE INJECTORS. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL NOT REMEMBERING ANYTHING ABOUT IT OR HAVING A VALVE INSTALLED. MY QUESTION IS ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT RECALL WHY ISN'T THERE NOTICE AT THE AUTO SUPPLY STORES ON VEHICLES AND PARTS ON RECALL. A RAISED FLAG IF YOU WILL, SO WHEN I (SOMEONE) GO TO PURCHASE THE NEW FUEL PUMP A NOTICE WOULD HAVE COME UP ABOUT THE RECALL. NOW THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION REFUSE TO FIX THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITHOUT COST TO ME. I THINK IT IS HYUNDAI RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE WORD OUT IN EVERY AVENUE AVAILABLE OUT THERE ABOUT THE RECALL. THEY KNEW THE FUEL PUMP WAS BOUND TO FAIL ONE DAY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. GOING BACK TO THE DEALER (WHO WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL) IS AN OPTION NOT THE ONLY OPTION. *TR
Steering, Sep 11, 2011
THE POWER STEERING LINE ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE CAR THAT RUNS BY THE FRAME OF THE CAR ROTTED AWAY AND CAUSED A POWER STEERING FAILURE. ABOUT ONE MONTH AFTER HAVING THIS REPAIRED I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED DUE TO CORROSION. I ASKED ABOUT THE POWER STEERING LINE BEING PART OF THIS AND WAS TOLD NO. THIS POWER STEERING LINE RUNS RIGHT ALONG THE SIDE OF THE PART OF THE FRAME THAT WAS INSPECTED AND SPRAYED FOR THE RECALL, HOW CAN THIS POWER STEERING LINE NOT BE COVERED BY THE RECALL? *TR
Air bags, May 16, 2011
I HAVE A HYUNDAI SONATA 2002. THE 'AIRBAG' LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONSTANTLY FOR OVER 4 YEARS. JUST RECENTLY I WANT TO SELL THE CAR AND STARTED TO LOOK UP HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, SINCE I COULD NEVER AFFORD IT BEFORE. I FOUND OUT THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK AS LONG AS THIS LIGHT IS ON. THIS IS A DEFECT FROM HYUNDAI AND SHOULD NOT BE THE BURDEN OF THE CONSUMER. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ALL OF ITS VEHICLES YEARS 2000 - 2008 WHETHER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED OR NOT. IT IS A TRAVESTY!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2011
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA TO KROGER GAS STATION TO FILL UP MY TANK THAT WAS ON 1/4 FULL. HOWEVER, WHEN I GOT THERE AND STARTED TO PUMP MY GAS IT STARTED OUT BY ONLY PUMPING OUT $0.05 OF GAS BEFORE THE PUMP CLICKED OFF. THEN IT ONLY WAS PUMPING $0.03 OF GAS BEFORE IT CLICKED OFF. I TRIED TO GINGERLY SQUEEZE THE HANDLE TO MAKE IT PRETTY MUCH DRIP OUT, BUT THAT WAS NOT WORKING EITHER BECAUSE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. I ENDED UP GOING TO A BP GAS STATION BC I THOUGHT MAYBE IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE KROGER PUMP, BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I ENDED UP PUMPING $16 OF GAS WHICH TOOK ME ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO DO! I HAVE 71,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND JUST STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM 2 DAYS AGO. GAS WILL NOT PUMP MORE THEN A FEW CENTS BEFORE IT SHUTS OFF AND I AM WORRIED THAT I WILL RUN OUT OF GAS AS WELL BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO FILL IT UP EITHER IF PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEM WITH GAS SPEWING OUT. *TR