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.
Structure, Apr 28, 2008
BROUGHT MY WIFE'S CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SHE HAD COMPLAINED THERE WAS A FUNNY NOISE THAT HAD JUST STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR. I WAS INFORMED WHEN WE WENT TO PICK IT UP THAT THE FRAME CLOSE TO THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS RUSTED WITH A HOLE AND LOOKED IT WAS CRACKING. MY WIFE IS A VERY CAUTIOUS DRIVER AND WE TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT DUE TO ANY KIND IF IMPACT, BUT IT HAD JUST RUSTED AT THAT SPOT. *TR
Structure, Feb 24, 2008
ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED CAUSING AN SAFE SITUATION SHOULD IT FAIL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2008
CLUTCH WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE; SLIPPING. SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER SAID CLUTCH WAS NO GOOD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 29,700 MILES. THE NEW CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL PLUS LABOR COST ME OVER $1600. *TR
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 5, 2008
DOORS LOCK REMOTE WONT UNLOCK CAR IF I USE THE KEY TO THE DOOR ALARM GOES OFF AND I CANT SHUT IT OFF. *CN
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 14, 2007
ON 10/10/07 MY WIFE DROVE APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES HOME FROM WORK AND PARKED HER 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA IN THE GARAGE. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER SHE NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE HOUSE, AND RETURNED TO THE GARAGE TO INVESTIGATE. GAS WAS POURING FROM THE GAS TANK FILL DOOR ON THE CAR. THE GARAGE FLOOR HAD A 6' DIAMETER PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR. SHE OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR AND BACKED THE CAR OUT ONTO THE DRIVEWAY AND POSITIONED A CATCH PAN UNDER THE CAR. APPROXIMATELY 1/2 GALLON OF GAS WAS IN THE PAN AFTER SHE OPENED THE FILLER CAP TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 3/4 TANK OF GAS AT THE TIME. WE DELIVERED THE CAR THE DEALER THAT NIGHT FOR REPAIR. THEY RETURNED THE CAR ON 10/12 AFTER REPLACING A CANISTER AND VALVE ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, WITH THE FIRST TIME BEING APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS EARLIER, ALSO COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE FEEL VERY LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN A LIKELY EVENT WITH THE AMOUNT OF RAW GAS AND FUMES IN THE GARAGE HAD WE HAD A GAS WATER HEATER. IT IS NOW FOUR DAYS LATER AND WE STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE SMELL OF GASOLINE OUT OF THE HOUSE AND GARAGE. MY WIFE IS ALSO AFRAID TO PARK THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. JUST TO ADD TO THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, THE SERVICE WRITER WAS RUDE TO MY WIFE WHEN SHE PICKED UP THE CAR, AND WE NOW HAVE A DENT IN THE LEFT REAR DOOR. *JB
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2007
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA THE FINISH IS PEELING OFF THE DOOR HANDLES AND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CUT AS IT PEELS IT IS VERY SHARP. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2007
ON 09/04/07 I BOUGHT A USED 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA AND ON 09/05/07 THE CAR LOST 1ST AND 4TH GEAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WERE GOING OUT , BUT WHEN I STARTED REVIEWING OTHER CONSUMER RELATED ISSUES I NOTICED OVER 900 CONSUMERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR HYUNDAI'S , BUT THE CAUSE ENDED UP BEING THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR. WHICH IN SOME CASES TOOK CONSUMERS UP TO 6 MONTHS TO LOCATE ONE. UNFORTUNATELY I FINANCED THE CAR AS IS WITH NO WARRANTY. *JB
Steering, Aug 19, 2007
THE INSULATED PIECE OF TUBING THAT COVERS A SMALL PORTION OF THE POWER STEERING LINE SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH A BREATHABLE TYPE OF PRODUCT. MY POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING AND IT IS NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. THAT PORTION OF INSULATION ON THE POWER STEERING LINE RETAINS MOISTURE, THEREFORE IT CAUSES THAT PORTION OF THE POWER STEERING LINE TO RUST AND THE FLUID LEAKS OUT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR HAS ONLY 59,200 MILES ON IT. EVERY TWO DAYS I PUT IN POWER STEERING FLUID UNTIL I GET AN ANSWER IN REFERENCE TO THE WARRANTY. THIS LINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2007
THE DOOR HANDLES ARE PEELING (SILVER COATING) AND IT HAS CAUSED SEVERE CUTS TO ANYONE GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, BOTH ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS FRONT SIDE. *JB
Air bags, May 3, 2007
AIRBAG LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND REMAINING ON AT CERTAIN TIMES. CAR WAS BROUGHT INTO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2007. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND WAS NOT COVERED SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG HAD NOT EVER DEPLOYED SO IT MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM THE BEGINNING. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO NAPLETON HYUNDAI IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 WITH THE SAME AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEM AND WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE TECH. THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG. *TR
Air bags, Mar 26, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AND HAD REMAINED ON IN THE 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL 02V145000. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE SEPARATE TIMES FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THE DEALER WANTED TO DO SOME EXTENSIVE WORK ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE AIR BAGS, BUT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF HER OWNPPOCKET. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,283.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ,WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, AND THE TIMING BELT. THE MECHANIC MADE THE REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED THE NEXT DAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR AND THE TIMING BELT. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALERSHIP THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MODULE ASSY- TIMING AND ALARM SYSTEM WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE MODULE ASSY- TIMING AND ALARM SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THIS REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 74000 MILES. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2007
MY 2002 HUNDAI SONATA BLK 4 DOOR AUTOMATIC. I STARTED TO GET IN THE CAR THURS MORNING 2/15/07 AT 4AM. THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WOULD NOT GO IN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE DID ADVICE TO PUT A NEW BATTERY IN THE CAR. HE SAID IT WAS TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO HIM FOR SOME TIME. AND FIND HIM VERY REPUTABLE IN THE AREA. HOWEVER, THE TOW MAN ALSO COULD NOT PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR AT HIS SHOP THE KEY WENT IN. BATTERY WORKS GREAT. SO THE NEXT MORNING 2-16-07 THE IGNITION WOULD NOT GO IN AGAIN. I CALLED MY DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THERE. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T DO THAT FOR THEM THAT THE CAR WAS FINE. THEY TRIED THE KEY ALL DAY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE TIME OF TESTING THE SITUATION THERE. THE CAR IS UNDER A POLICY OF WARRANTY FOR 60,000.00 MILES. HOWEVER, I COULD GIVE THEM $160.00 TO OPEN UP THE IGNITION TO THE TUMBLER. I FEEL THAT IF ITS UNDER WARRANTY THAT THEY SHOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THERE ONLY SUGGESTION WAS TO TOW IT AGAIN IF IT PERSISTS. I SAID WHAT IF I GET STRANDED, AND YES, I HAVE NO CELL PHONE. THEY SAID JUST CALL THE 800# ANWAYS FOR TOW. SO I WASN'T SATISFIED AT GRAPPONIES IN CONCORD NH. SO I ASKED AUTO FAIR IN MANCHESTER, THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I THINK THAT ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE TOW MAN HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS MYSELF. AND THAT WE HAVE TO SEE IF IT HAPPENS FOR THEM, THAT THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST AT THAT TIME. WHEN ITS' UNDER THE WARRANTY. MY FEELING IS THAT BOTH DEALERSHIPS THAT ARE LOCAL DON'T WANT TO EAT THE PART FOR INVENTORY, IF THERE IS NOTHING WRONG W/THE CHIP IN THE TUMBLER. SO I GUESS I HAVE TO JUST CROSS MY FINGERS TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. GRAPPINE DID MAKE ME A NEW KEY FOR THE IGNITION. SO I'M A FRUSTRATED CONSUMER IN MANCHESTER, NH. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 13, 2007
THE METALLIC TAPE FINISH ON THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE IS PEELING OFF, CREATING SHARP EDGES. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL CUTS TO HAND AS IT SLIDES OVER THE RAZOR SHARP EDGE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 14, 2007
PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE PEELING AND LEAVING JAGGED EDGES THAT CUT THE HANDS. TWO PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED CUTS FROM THIS DOOR HANDLE. *NM
Suspension, Dec 29, 2006
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE FILED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LATEST COMPLAINT I HAVE IS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM. MY SON COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN THIS BROKE. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL GARAGES INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE HAS EVER REPLACED AN UPPER CONTROL ARM EXCEPT ON A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY OLD AND THEN VERY SELDOM. MY SON WAS TURNING A CORNER WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FELL SIDEWAYS. UPON LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM WE DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THIS SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE NOT HAPPENED ON A 2002 VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Dec 26, 2006
1) ENGINE LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH 2) FAN KNOB FOR HEATING/AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT WORK ON 1 OR 2, IT WILL ONLY WORK ON 3 OR 4. THIS IS A NEW PROBLEM. *JB
Structure, Dec 25, 2006
HYUNDAI SONATA 2002 OUTSIDE AND INSIDE PAINTED DOOR HANDLE PEELING CAUSING INJURY TO HANDS. INJURY MORE CAUSE BY INSIDE DOOR HANDLES DUE TO SLIVER PAINTED DOOR HANDLES. BECOMES VERY SHARP ONCE PEELING. *NM
Air bags, Dec 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT LEFT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR CAUSE ON 2/22/2004, WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AT 2 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SALES/SERVICE DEALER, BUT THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AIR BAG. ON 6/5/2006, A NHTSA RECALL LETTER # 02V145000 FOR THE AIR BAGS: SIDE/WINDOW WAS ISSUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND SALES/SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE VIN WAS INCLUDED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Dec 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WAS HARD TO SHIFT. ALSO, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE GAS TANK, THE GAS SPILLED OUT WHILE PUMPING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Nov 2, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILED. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH DUE TO A HAZE FORMING IN THE LENS COVER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.
Structure, Aug 23, 2006
DURING VEHICLE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT SIGNIFICANT CORROSION WAS OBSERVED IN ENGINE CRADLE. THIS CORROSION PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT BECAUSE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
Suspension, Aug 5, 2006
WHILE DRIVING TO MARYLAND TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER, THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE SO HARD THAT I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND AS SOON AS I COULD I PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT THE CAR. THERE WAS NO FLAT HOWEVER, THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. IT WAS VIBRATING SO HARD MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT CAME OPEN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT MY TIRES HAD DEAD SPOTS IN THEM AND I SHOULD RETURN THEM TO THE STORE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THESE TIRES FOR SIX MONTHS WITHOUT A PROBLEM. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I WENT TO THE STORE WHERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES. THEY EXAMINED THEM AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. I HAD THE CAR COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER BEFORE I TOOK THIS TRIP. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES BUT IT IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING A HIGHER RATES OF SPEED. I AM WORRIED NOW ABOUT TAKING THE CAR ON TRIPS. BELIEVE ME, YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A SUDDEN BREAKDOWN OR CONTROL LOSS ON THE DC BELTWAY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD I ONLY HAVE 29500 MILES ON IT. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE CAR. *JB
Seat belts, Aug 2, 2006
THE SEAT BELT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR HAS STOPPED BUCKLING. THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THE WARRANTY I HAVE DOES NOT COVER ANYTHING EXCEPT 'MAJOR' PROBLEMS. *NM