2003 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 199 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 17 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 45 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
Representative owner complaints: air bags
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jan 16, 2009
MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS HAS A DASH AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY ON. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS @ 70,000 MILES. HE SAID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WOULD BE NEEDED TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT STAYS ON AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS, I NOTICED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB SITE. HAS HYUNDAI DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Air bags, Jan 15, 2009
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ILLUMINATED. ON A SIDE NOTE, MY WIFE WAS USING THE CAR IN 2008 AND THE WHOLE CAR UST SHUT DOWN ON HER WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING, SHE COULD NOT START IT AND AFTER A FEW TRIES IT STARTED AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO BE ON OR AFTER A VERY WET/RAINY DAY? *TR
Air bags, Jan 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATES. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND STATED THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE INSTALLED A HARNESS TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. INSTEAD, THEY ONLY RECONNECTED SOME WIRING AND CLEARED THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. AFTER TWO TO THREE WEEKS, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ARE REVIEWING THE ISSUE AND WILL CALL THE CONTACT BACK. HE HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A RETURN PHONE CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,800.
Air bags, Jan 8, 2009
IN 2007, I HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON. I WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT INVOLVING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS WIRING PROBLEMS AND AT THAT TIME IT WAS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A FEW MONTH LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR HAD TO BE RESET. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPLETE MOTHERBOARD CIRCUIT HAS FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE, RUNNING ALMOST $800. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Equipment, Jan 8, 2009
SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, AIRBAG HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS, NEVER DEPLOYED WHEN IN ACCIDENT, FIRST ISSUE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, SAID THEY HAD TO REWIRE IT, A FEW MONTHS LATER LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY TELL ME THE CIRCUIT MOTHERBOARD HAS CRASHED, COMPLETELY DISABLING THE AIRBAG. SECOND INCIDENT WAS WITH ALTERNATOR, LIGHT CONTINUED COMING ON, DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR. CAR EVENTUALLY BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC, ALTERNATOR HAD WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND IT WAS ONLY A FEW DAYS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I WAS FORCED TO COME OUT THE POCKET, NOW THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE. THE SHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAS FAILED AND MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR, AND I USE IT FOR TRANSPORTATION FROM SCHOOL AND WORK LOCALLY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 24, 2008
I AM THE ONE-OWNER OF A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, 4 CYL., SEDAN. TWO MONTHS AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE YET TO HAVE IT CHECKED, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM HESITANT TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH THIS INDICATOR WILL COST TO DIAGNOSE. *TR
Air bags, Aug 14, 2007
I PURCHASED MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA IN APRIL 2004. SINCE THEN I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED OFF A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT CONNECTORS PINS WERE NOT MAKING GOOD CONTACT, HE RE-POSITIONED IT AND STATED IT SHOULD BE FINE. IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SOON. *TR
Air bags, Feb 27, 2007
MY AIR BAG LIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2004. POOR CONTACT UNDER SEAT WAS THE FIRST EVENT. *NM
Air bags, Jul 6, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE SWITCH LINES, CUTTING OFF THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WENT INTO THE LEFT LANE AND HIT A GUARD RAIL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD IMPACTING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN AROUND ACROSS BOTH LANES AND HIT THE GUARD RAILS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD HEAD ON. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. UPDATED 07/17/06. *JB
Air bags, Apr 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE AIRBAG WIRING LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT SEATS WAS DISLODGED INDICATING AN AIRBAG FAILURE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED KEEPING THE SPACE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT SEATS CLEAR OF ANY DEBRIS.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2006, crash
IN 2005 WHILE DRIVING MY GIRL FRIENDS 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN OF A MAIN STREET IN OAKLAND, CA. AND WAS HIT BY A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ OWN THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO AIR BAGS WHERE DEPLOYED AT ALL. $8.000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE WAS DONE. HYUNDAI CORPORATION NEVER CAME OUT TO LOOK AT THE CAR, BUT RULED THAT THE SENSORS ACTED PROPERLY. THE CAR WA EQUIPPED I BELIEVE WITH FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. *NM
Air bags, Jan 23, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE ENTERED AND STARTED SPINNING. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE FAR LANE, BUT THE OTHER VEHICLE STILL HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, BUT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES INCLUDING A BROKEN FINGER. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 14, 2005, crash
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON US68, AN ONCOMING NORTHBOUND CONCRETE TRUCK TURNED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF US. WHEN WE HIT, THE PASSENGER'S SHOULDER HARNESS OF MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED TO "LOCK". I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DASH AND THEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DIRECTLY AGAINST MY CHEST. MY WIFE'S AIRBAG (SHE WAS DRIVING) DEPLOYED SLIGHTLY FASTER, BUT LATE ENOUGH THAT IT OPENED UNDER HER CHIN AND POPPED HER HEAD BACK. SHE HAS THREE DAMAGED DISKS IN HER NECK (TWO HERNIATED AND ONE BULGING). MY SHOULDER HARNESS WAS NO HELP, AND MY AIRBAG ACTUALLY INJURED ME BY FIRING LATE AND IN CONTACT WITH MY CHEST. MY WIFE'S AIRBAG, ALTHOUGH SLIGHTLY FASTER, CAUSED HER INJURY BY DEPLOYING SLOWLY. *NM
Air bags, Sep 9, 2005, crash
CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF US TO TURN LEFT WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND NO BLINKER. WHEN WE REALIZED HE WAS STOPPED WE IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKES. THE SURFACE (CONCRETE) ON THE BRIDGE WAS SLICK AND DID NOT ALLOW US TO HAVE TRACTION. WE SKIDDED APPROX 65 FEET AND REAR-ENDED THE CAR AT APPROX. 40-45 MPH. PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAD FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVERS SIDE DEPLOYED. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Air bags, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2005, crash
THE CONSUMER'S HYUNDAI SONATA DEVELOPED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: THE PAINT WAS PEELING, THE SUN ROOF WAS BROKEN, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, THE BRAKES FAILED, THE SEATBELT BROKE, THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *MR THE ENGINE SURGED. AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE BLOWING, THE RIGHT SIDE DISINTEGRATED. *SC *JB
Air bags, Dec 3, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL BY THE PRENTS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. *AK.....THE WHOLE DASHBOARD CAME FORWARD AND EVERYTHING INSIDE VEHICLE BROKE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER'S SON COMPLAINED OF BACK/LEG, AND ARM INJURIES, WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL. *AK
Air bags, Nov 24, 2004, crash
I WAS TRAVELING ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 31ST ON TO AN EVENT ALONG WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AND HER DAUGHTER. AS WE WERE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON (MONTVALE AVE) THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE A MAN PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND TURNED INTO AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF MY HYUNDAI SONATA (2003 LX V6) ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN MY CAR WERE OK SEEING AS WE ALL HAD SEAT BELTS ON. ONE OF THE FAILURES THAT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WAS THAT BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE PASENGER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN WE WERE HIT BY THE OTHER MANS 92' BUICK (SILVER). AT PRESENT I HAVE THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR AND I AM WAITING FOR THE AUTO SHOP TO COMPLETE ITS WORK THAT HAS BEEN IN PROGRESS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF NOV 2004. I AM HOPING THAT BY MAKING THIS COMPLAINT I CAN PERHAPS MAKE THE GOVERNMENT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM OF THE AIRBAG FAILURE IN HOPES THAT THE (HYUNDAI MOTORS) & THE AUTO INDUSTRY WILL BE ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THAT NO ONE IN THE FUTURE GETS INJURED AND OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE DISFUNCTION. THANK YOU. PAUL WITT CONCERNED CITIZEN (MA) 2003 HYUNDAI SONOTA LX V6 OWNER.
Air bags, Oct 5, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK..... CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BROKEN HNEE CAP AND EXTREME TORSO BRUISING. *AK