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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 5, 2010
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, WHEN FUELING VEC CONSTANTLY CUT OFF THE FUELING TAKES ABOUT 10 - 15 MIN'S TO FUEL WITH A 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN THE VEC BEFORE RE-FUELING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT STATION I'M RE-FUELING. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2010
TRAVELING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 15 AT 75 MPH, WITH THE CAR ON CRUISE CONTROL. AT THE START OF A CURVE THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IT REACHED OVER 5,000 RPMS. STEPPING ON THE BRAKE ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING. I SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OVER 6,000 RPMS I SHUT THE ENGINE AND FINALLY GOT CONTROL OF THE CAR. DURING THIS TIME I HAD GONE OFF THE HIGHWAY DOWN A RAVINE HITTING BOULDERS AND ROCKS AND INTO THE DESERT AND DAMAGING MY CAR. I RE-STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED WEIRD. I SHUT THE ENGINE AGAIN AND WAITED FOR A LONGER PERIOD BEFORE RESTARTING. IT SOUNDED BETTER SO I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO GEAR AND STARTED FORWARD SLOWLY. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION FIRM NEARBY. THEY PUT THE CAR UP ON A COMPUTER, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CODE READ P.O. 12. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE UNWOUND THE CRUISE CABLE BY HAND AND IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE AS LONG AS I DID NOT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE CODE HAD BEEN ERASED. LATER DURING HYUNDAI INVESTIGATION I WAS TOLD THAT THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD REMOVED THE CODE IN ORDER TO TEST THE CRUISE CONTROL. ON MY RETURN HOME I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT HARMED. ALL I WANT IS HYUNDAI TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING THE CAR. HYUNDAI WAS NOT HELPFUL IN ANYWAY AND INSTEAD ACTED AS IF I MADE UP THE ENTIRE INCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME A DECISION WOULD BE MADE IN 4-6 WEEKS. AFTER THE 6 WEEK PERIOD I CONTACTED HYUNDAI IT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. NOW T HEY TELL ME THERE IS NO TIME PERIOD FOR A DECISION. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 29, 2010
1. HIT A POTHOLE, DAY OR TWO LATER NOTICED CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT 2. MECHANIC NOTICED LARGE HOLE (2"+ DIAMETER) WITH SIGNIFICANT CRACKING IN THE RIGHT SIDE SUBFRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL BY LOWER CONTROL ARM 3. ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 20, 2010, crash
ON MONDAY EVENING 01/18/2010 MY WIFE AND I LEFT OUR HOME WITH OUR 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WE DROVE NO MORE THEN 3 TENTHS OF A MILE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING PULLING VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT WE THEN TURNED AROUND AND DROVE BACK TOWARD HOME BUT ONLY MADE IT ABOUT 2 TENTHS OF A MILE BEFORE THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED BRINGING US TO A DEAD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY WE WERE ONLY GOING ABOUT 20-25 MPH THE POLICE WERE CALLED FOR TRAFFIC AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO R.J SHORE AUTOMOTIVE BRANFORD CT 06405 THE NEXT MORNING THE OWNER OF R.J.AUTO INFORMED ME THAT MY FRONT ENGINE SUB-FRAME HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, AND SHOWED ME A PRINT-OUT OF A RECALL FROM HYUNDAI DATED APRIL 14, 2009 THEN STATED HE CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN BRANFORD CT 06405 BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PICK UP THE CAR SO I HAD TO PAY $81.41 TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO BRANFORD HYUNDAI. THE STAFF AT THE HYUNDAI HAD NO ANSWERS AND CONTINUED TO STATE YOU WILL HAVE TO CALL THE CORPORATE OFFICE, SO I DID. THE EMPLOYEE CHRIS STATED THAT THERE WERE 200.000 VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN #089 OR #09V124000 AND WE HAVE NOT MAILED OUT ALL OF THE NOTICES (SHAME ON THEM BECAUSE IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND IF WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WE COULD HAVE DIED) THE EMPLOYEE THEN CALLED THE BRANFORD HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WOULD TAKE 1 OR 2 WEEKS TO FIX AND NO LOANER OR RENTAL VEHICLE WILL BE PROVIDED I SAID THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DEMANDED A LOANER STILL THE ANSWER WAS NO BUT SOMEHOW THEY MANAGED TO FIX MY CAR ON 01/20/2010 WHEN I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP AT 420PM ON 01/20/2010 MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT ALLOWED TO VIEW WHAT WAS REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO FIX THIS CAR QUICKLY BECAUSE OF MY CALL TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE I STATED (BENT OVER BACKWARDS, SOMEONE COULD HAVE DIED, FROM THIS ACCIDENT) THE MANAGER BOB GUEVERA, AND A CHRIS VAILETTE THEN CALLED THE POLICE AND TOLD US TO NEVER COME BACK AGAIN, TO HAVE THE CORPORATE OFFICE FIX MY CAR NEXT TIME. *TR
Suspension, Jan 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROSION. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000, SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,031. UPDATED 02/03/10 *BF UPDATED 02/11/10.*JB
Suspension, Jan 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A RECALL REMEDY REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE SUBFRAME HAD EXCESSIVE DAMAGES AND CORROSION. DURING THE RECALL SERVICE REPAIR THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE INTERIOR FRONT DRIVER CHROME DOOR HANDLE EXHIBITED A CRACKING AND SEPARATION. THERE WAS A SHARP EDGE ON THE CHROME PLATE SURFACE. THE DRIVER INJURED A FINGER ON THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. JS
Suspension, Dec 22, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE WAS A HOLE IN HER UNDERCARRIAGE DUE TO CORROSION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HER TIRES WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE HER VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000. UPDATED 01/06/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB
Suspension, Dec 17, 2009
ALL FOUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT STRUTS FACTORY INSTALLED ON A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 CYLINDER, HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS 51,000 MILES AND THE STRUTS HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THEIR JOB FOR 15000 MILES. WHEN LOOKED INTO, AT THE DEALERSHIP (VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIPS POSITION IS THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS UNLESS THEY ARE LEAKING. AND IF 1 WAS LEAKING THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THAT ONE STRUT.... HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.7 AWD VEHICLE ALSO. THAT VEHICLE HAS 79,000 MILES AND HAVE THE SAME DRIVIBILTY CONDITION. AND WAS TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP/ MANUFACTURER'S POSITION. *TR
Structure, Nov 17, 2009
I HAVE AN 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. MY COMPLETE SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT A FEW YEARS AGO. THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 OR 4 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME. THE COMPLETE SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED ON A HUSH HUSH BASES. I HAVE THE PICS TO PROVE IT. NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI OR KIA NEVER. MY GOD MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. BUT WHAT DO THEY CARE IT'S NOT THEIR FAMILY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE REGURGITATES FROM THE FUEL TANK. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AS IF THERE WAS NO FUEL AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $900.00 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82878.
Suspension, Nov 2, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH HE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE OUTER ARM ASSEMBLY HAD SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. 5 DAYS PRIOR, RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER# 09V124000 WAS PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117049. UPDATED 3/30/2010 UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB
Structure, Oct 12, 2009
EXCESSIVE SUB FRAME RUST CAUSED IT TO BRAKE, AND AS A RESULT PRACTICALLY DISABLED DRIVING AND ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS, AS THE WHEELS ARE ANGLED DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF THE SUB FRAME BENT. *TR
Structure, Oct 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDER THE FRAME OF HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY OTHER VEHICLES WITH RUST UNDER THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WELDED THE RUSTED FRAME ONTO TO THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT SINCE HE DID SUCH A GOOD JOB WELDING THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK ON IT. THEY ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER FOR A GUARANTEE IN WRITING THAT THE FRAME WOULD NOT BREAK AGAIN. HE ALSO ASKED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THE VIN IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 28, 2009
ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. TOOK FOR REPAIR AND THE CODE STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR/FUEL MIXTURE. AUTO REPAIR SHOP ASKED IF WE TURNED THE GAS CAP ATLEAST 3 TURNS AFTER LAST FILL--YES WE DID. WE PREVIOUSLY WERE NOT ABLE TO PUMP GAS THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF EVERYTIME WE TRIED TO PUMP. AUTO REPAIR REPLACED CHARCOAL FILTERS IN THE NECK OF THE FUEL TANK HAS RUN FINE SINCE THIS ENGINE LIGHT STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2009
SPEEDOMETER ON 2002 HYUNDAI IS DEFECTIVE, THE DIAL JUST STOPS WORKING DROPPING TO ZERO FOR PERIODS OF TIME - I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP IF MY CAR HAD UNDER 65,000 MILES THEY WOULD FIX IT FREE (WHICH SEEMED TO BE AN AWARENESS OF THE ISSUE IN MAY CAR & OTHERS). *TR
Structure, Sep 21, 2009
I OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA,ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST2009 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A LEAKING POWER STEERING LINE.THE MECHANIC WHO WORKED ON MY CAR TOLD ME I BETTER GET A NEW CAR,HE TOLD ME MY SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Sep 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE EXTERIOR REAR PASSENGER DOOR CHROME PLATING DETACHED FROM THE DOOR LANDED ONTO THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED SEPARATION AND EXPOSURE OF SHARP FRAGMENTS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2009
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR ON HALLOWEEN 2007, MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I WOULD PUT THE WIPERS ON AND MY RADIO WOULD TURN ON. MY ALARM RANDOMLY GOES OFF AND I CAN'T DISCONNECT IT BECAUSE IT IS TIED IN WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER FOR THE VEHICLE ( I WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC). THE DOORS USED TO LOCK BY THEMSELVES, NOW THEY JUST DON'T WORK ALTOGETHER. THE RADIO CUTS OUT AND RANDOMLY TRIES TO PLAY A CD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ONE IN IT. FROM THE TIME I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE BACKLIGHT ON THE RADIO NEVER WORKED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, IT ALL OF A SUDDEN BEGAN WORKING AND WORKS TO THIS DAY. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM FOR THESE REASONS AMONG OTHERS, AND HE REFUSED TO FIX THEM BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 1, 2009
CAN'T PUT GAS IN MY TANK, I WOULD HAVE TO SLOWLY PUT IT IN AND SOMETIMES I ONLY CAN GET 4-6 DOLLARS ALTHOUGH I HAVE DRIVEN ALL DAY AND MY GAS HAND STATES THAT I AM ON EMPTY. I REALLY FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I COULD POSSIBLE RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A COLLISION, OR JUST OVER FLOW MY GAS TANK, THIS I AM VERY, VERY CONCERN ABOUT. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
Structure, Aug 30, 2009
REPEATED USE OF INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CAUSED WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATING AND HANDLES CRACKED AND THEN HAD SHARP EDGES WHICH CUT MYSELF AND SOME OF MY PASSENGERS AND THEN I HAD TO TAPE THEM. I TOOK CAR BACK TO 2 DEALERS, 1 DIDN'T RESPOND AND THE OTHER FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH A BANDAID, LITERALLY. THEY FIXED IT BY PUTTING A CHROME ADHESIVE PAD OVER EACH OF THEM, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LOT AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE SUN, THE CHROME PLATED ADHESIVE STRIPS CAME LOOSE. I FEEL THE NEED TO FULLY REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES. THIS DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND ONLY MADE IT WORSE WITH THE DOORHANDLES BEING STICKY AND UNABLE TO OPEN AT TIMES UNTIL YOU STICK THE ADHESIVE STRIP BACK ON. I LOVE MY CAR AND HYUNDAI BUT DON'T THINK THEY DID THE RIGHT THING WITH JUST MASKING THE PROBLEM TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY. PLEASE HELP! NO DEATHS, BUT THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE WHO WERE INJURED BY CUTTING THROUGH THE SKIN AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN BAD SHAPE HAD I TAKEN A HEMOPHILIAC WITH ME AT SOME POINT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CHROME HANDLES EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CRACKS, PEELING AND SHARP EDGES AS A RESULT OF CONTINUOUS USE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES;DOORS;LATCH). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED. THE OTHER TWO DOOR HANDLES WERE NOT DEFECTIVE AND THE TECHNICIAN AFFIXED CHROME TAPE ON THE HANDLES, POSSIBLY TO AVOID THE CONSEQUENCE. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED WITH THE TAPE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 9/23/09 *CN UPDATED 09/28/09.*JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2009
THE DOOR HANDLE ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CUT MY HAND WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ONCE WHEN I PUT MY ARM UP ON IT WHILE DRIVING. I EVENTUALLY FILED DOWN THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CHROME TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. I REALIZE THAT THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Structure, Aug 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT AND KEPT PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENT ISSUES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 144,000.
Structure, Aug 11, 2009
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA BEGAN PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT ON 8/6/09 SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE THINKING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY ALIGNMENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT ON 8/10/09. WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON 8/9/09 MY CAR STARTED TO GET OUT OF CONTROL AND THEN CRASHED INTO THE CURB. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FOUND OUT THAT THE SUBFRAME AND AXEL WERE BROKEN AND THAT I WOULD BE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR THE AXEL AND LABOR. *TR