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: latches/locks/linkages
13 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 2, 2013
THE CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVER SIDE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND SEPARATED. MY WIFE CUT HER FINGER ON THE CRACKED CHROME PLATING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL (I.E., NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V171000). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE CAN BE RECALLED WHILE OTHERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL ARE NOT. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 8, 2012
VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 2009 (PE08071) DUE TO DEFECTIVE CHROME ON DOOR HANDLES. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, CHROME WAS REPAIRED AS IT HAD CAUSED A SMALL LACERATION. CHROME IS AGAIN DEFECTIVE, CAUSED LACERATION ON HAND AGAIN TODAY WHEN ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR. THIS OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH IS VERY RARELY USED. CHROME IS ALSO PEELING OFF OF EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE, RISKING FURTHER LACERATION. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP (GO HYUNDAI - 104TH & FEDERAL, WESTMINSTER, CO), DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NO LONGER COVERED AS THEY DO NOT WARRANTY THE WORK DONE AS PART OF A RECALL. IN ADDITION, CAR IS TOO OLD FOR IT TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR DOES CONTINUE TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN ONLY. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ON ANY MODEL OF CAR REGARDLESS OF AGE. THIS APPEARS TO BE UNIQUE TO HYUNDAI. *JS
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 18, 2011
CHROME ON INTERIOR - DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS ERUPTED IN ONE SPOT PRODUCING A PIERCING SHARP NEEDLE-POINT WHICH CAN PIERCE THE FINGER OR HAND WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. CARE IS REQUIRED TO AVOID SKIN PIERCING INJURY. *KB
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED TO DETERIORATE AND BECAME SHARP TO THE TOUCH. HE RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS FINGERS AFTER OPENING THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 23, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CHROME PLATES ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND BEGAN TO SEPARATE. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BOTH CUT OUR FINGERS ON THE CRACKED CHROME PLATE. WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL. HYUNDAI RECALL ONLY VEHICLE PRODUCE IN 2002- 2003 MARCH, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCE IN 2003 APRIL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE WITH A PROBLEM CAN BE RECALLED, AND THE OTHER IN SAME YEAR AND MODEL WITH SAME PROBLEM IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2010
MY WIFE AND I HAVE BOTH CUT OUR HANDS ON THE CHROME INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF OUR 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER , LAFONTAINE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP , IN DEARBORN,MI. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE WITH A PROBLEM CAN BE RECALLED, AND ANOTHER WITH OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME. I HAVE PICTURES THAT I WILL TRY TO SEND TO THE WEB SITE, IF I CAN'T I DO HAVE THEM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Feb 2, 2010
I TRULY BELIEVE THE SAFETY OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY IS AT RISK AFTER FINDING OUT THAT THE DOOR LOCKS IN THE 2003 SONATA LX FAILED TO RESPOND TO SIGNALS FROM MY REMOTE. I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM ONE NIGHT AFTER LOCKING MY CAR AND THEN SENDING MY FRIEND TO RETRIEVE AN ITEM FROM THE VEHICLE. I FORGOT TO GIVE MY FRIEND THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE CAR AND AS A RESULT I WAS SURPRISED WHEN HE RETURNED WITH THE ITEM. I INQUIRED HOW HE DID THIS HIS RESPONSE WAS THE LEFT REAR DOOR WAS OPEN. UPON FURTHER INVESTIF=GATION AND ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE CAR WITH THE REMOTE IT WAS REALIZED THAT THE LOCK WAS NOT RESPONDING. THIS SITUATION WAS SCARY TO KNOW BECAUSE MY FAMILY DRIVES THE CAR AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND THIS CAN ENDANGER THEM IF SOMEONE COMES INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE THEY ARE AWAY FROM THE CAR. LIVING IN NY AND ENVIRONS MOST OF THE TIMES OUR CARS ARE PARKED ON THE STREET AND A PROSPECTIVE THIEF CAN ACCESS THE CAR EASILY. THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE LEFT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR AFTER MANY CALLS TO THE MANUFACTURER. I HAD TO PAY A REDUCED COST OF $50 TO GET IT FOXED AFTER HYUNDAI AGREED TO SUPPLY THE NECESSARY PART SINCE THE CAR HAD JUST CROSSED 60000 MILES/ 5 YEARS . THEY SAID THE REASON THE ACTUATOR BECOMES FAULTY IS THEIR INABILITY TO DISTRIBUTE CURRENT EVENLY TO THE SYSTEM. NOW THE RIGHT REAR DOOR ACTUATOR HAS BECOME FAULTY AT 70000 PLUS MILES AND BOTH PARTIES, THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI, REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGE TO BE A KNOWN AND POSSIBLE DEFECT IN THESE VEHICLES. THE DOOR NOW STAYS IN THE LOCK POSITION BUT AGAIN IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF I'M TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY....PLEASE ADVISE HYUNDAI TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT....AND REPLACE ALL DEFECTIVE ACTUATORS IN THEIR LINE OF VEHICLES. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. HE RECEIVED RECALL 09V171000 PERTAINING TO RUST ON THE FRAME. HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE METHOD USED TO CORRECT THE RECALL REPAIR. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PLACED STICKERS ON THE DOOR HANDLE AND THAT THEY WERE UNFOLDING DUE TO THE TEMPERATURE IN HIS STATE. HE ALSO STATED THAT SINCE THE STICKERS WERE METALLIC, THEY COULD POSSIBLY CUT YOU IF HANDLED INCORRECTLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE WILLING TO ASSIST ANY FURTHER AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SIMPLY REMOVE THE STICKERS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THEIR RESPONSE. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,782.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDIA SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE INTERIOR FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHROME DOOR HANDLE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND BEGAN TO SEPARATE. THERE WAS ALSO A SHARP EDGE ON THE CHROME PLATE SURFACE. A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO A FINGER ON THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE RECALL REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND DID NOT ADDRESS THE RECALL DEFECT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE THE DEALER REPAIRED RECALL #09V171000, COMPONENT: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH HYUNDAI RECALL# 093. THE REPAIR CONSISTED OF PLACING A PLASTIC COVER ON THE DOOR HANDLE. THE MILEAGE WAS 42,193.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 24, 2009
ALL DOOR LATCHES ARE PEELING AND CAN CAUSE A CUT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2006
2003 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN. CHROME IS PEELING FROM METAL INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES AT RANDOM SUCH THAT PASSENGER OR DRIVER WILL GRASP HANDLE TO OPEN DOOR AND SEVERAL LACERATIONS TO HANDS AND FINGERS WILL RESULT. LACERATIONS ARE DEEP ENOUGH TO RELEASE BLOOD. I WAS A DRIVER AND PASSENGER ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN SAME VEHICLE AND CUT RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS ON BOTH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. UPON FIRST ENCOUNTERING PEELING CHROME ON DRIVERS SIDE HANDLE, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AT 3675 SHERIDAN DRIVE AMHERST, NEW YORK (716) 835-8500. SAID DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE BUT DID NOT REPLACE ANY OTHERS. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHEN OPENING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON AUGUST 13, 2006, I CUT MY RIGHT HAND IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS RESULTING IN A RELEASE OF BLOOD. MY WIFE HAD ALSO CUT HER HAND ON THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE. APPARENTLY HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHICH IS A SAFETY RELATED MANUFACTURING DEFECT RESULTING FROM A DEFECTIVE PLATING / CLEANING PROCESS PRIOR TO PLATING. HYUNDAI HOWEVER, HAS NOT ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF ALL VEHICLES FOR THIS REASON. PLATING DEFECTS SUCH AS THIS ARE PROCESS RELATED AND WILL BE PRESENT IN THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES ASSEMBLED. I AM A EXPERIENCED QUALITY ENGINEER AND DIRECTOR AND AM KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE PLATING PROCESS. MY CLAIM IS BASED UPON THE FACT THAT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP MAINTAINS STOCK REPLACEMENT HANDLES AND OTHER CLAIMS POSTED ON WWW.EDMUNDS.COM AS FOLLOWS: CHROME ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEEL OFF AND CAUSES MAJOR CUTS ON HANDS WHEN OPENING DOOR. ... 03/10/2004, REVIEW OF A 2003 SONATA 4 CYLINDER SEDAN BY JBS... WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/USED/2003/HYUNDAI/SONATA/100188028/RATINGS_CONSUMER.HTML - 124K - CACHED - SIMILAR PAGES. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 14, 2004, fire
MY CAR DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE BODY REPAIR TECHNICIAN BOTH CONCLUDED AFTER INVESTIGATION THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY DOOR ACTUATOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE OR INVESTIGATE THE CONCLUSIONS. I HAD TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM OUT OF MY POCKET. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY THE DEALER. *JB