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
199 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Apr 15, 2014
METAL BRAKE LINES TO REAR BRAKES RUSTED OUT CAUSING BRAKES TO FAIL. *TT
Steering, Apr 15, 2014
RETURN POWER STEERING LINE STARTED LEAKING. VEHICLE WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. ALL FLUID DRAINED OUT.*TT
Structure, Feb 23, 2014
BOUGHT CAR USED FROM LOT...CHROME PLATING ON HANDLES PEELING AND CUT YOU IF YOUR NOT CAREFUL. JUST FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? *TR
Service brakes, Dec 22, 2013
OVER THE PAST YEAR, WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS MY BRAKE PEDAL VERY SPORADICALLY WILL NOT DEPRESS. THE PEDAL IS SOLID AND WILL NOT MOVE/RESPOND FOR BETWEEN 1 AND RECENTLY UP TO ABOUT 6 SECONDS, WHICH IS A LIFETIME WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP A CAR AT 55 MPH. TWO AUTO SHOPS HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR AND CAN NOT RECREATE OR DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. BASED ON MY OWN RESEARCH, I FINALLY RESIGNED TO HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE MC HE NOTICED THAT THE VACUUM HOSE HAD A METAL CLAMP NEAR THE MC END AND THE CLAMP HAD SHIFTED DOWN THE HOSE. INSIDE THE HOSE, WHERE THE CLAMP HAD BEEN, THERE APPEARED TO BE A SPRING LOADED VALVE, POSSIBLY AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE, WHICH WAS NOW "LOOSE" IN THE HOSE. IT SEEMS THAT IF THE CLAMP IS IN FACT KEEPING THE VALVE IN PLACE AND IT SLOWLY DRIFTS OVERTIME THIS PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD ONLY APPEAR WITH OLDER CARS. ALSO, I'VE SEEN REPORTS ON INTERNET FORUMS WHERE OTHERS HAVE DESCRIBED THE SAME BRAKE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL LISTED FOR THIS ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY INCIDENTS NEED TO BE REPORTED BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN, BUT AS THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM I WOULD HOPE YOU TREAT IT WITH URGENCY AND INVESTIGATE IT FULLY. *TR
Structure, Dec 18, 2013
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OF MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WENT UNDER A RECALL IN JULY 2009 BECAUSE THE CHROME PLATING WAS SPLITTING OPEN AND CUTTING PEOPLE. THREE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED AND ONE WAS REWRAPPED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IN SEPTEMBER 2013 THE SAME ISSUE AROSE WHEN MY WIFE AND BROTHER-IN-LAW CUT THEIR HANDS ON THE DOOR HANDLES, WHOSE CHROME PLATING HAS AGAIN BEGUN TO SPLIT. HYUNDAI HAS SAID THAT NO REPAIRS WILL BE MADE, SINCE THE HANDLES WERE TREATED AND THE 2009 RECALL HAS FINISHED. *TR
Suspension, Nov 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH REAR STRUTS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WHILE THE REPAIR WAS BEING PERFORMED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM AND FRAME WERE SEVERALLY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 1/6/14*CN
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 30, 2013
I WAS INFORMED THIS MODEL HAS A SAFETY VALVE IN THE GAS FILLER NECK THAT WILL PREVENT THE GAS FROM LEAKING OUT SHOULD THE VEHICLE OVERTURN. MY VALVE MUST BE STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION SINCE I CAN ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK EVERY ONE-THIRD OF A GALLON BEFORE THE GAS DISPENSER SHUTS OFF. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT 10 SECONDS FOR IT TO SEEP INTO THE TANK BEFORE I CAN CONTINUE TO PUMP. FILLING MY 17 GAL TANK TAKES ABOUT 10-12 MINUTES WITH MOST OF THE TIME JUST WAITING FOR THE GAS TO SEEP INTO THE TANK. HYUNDAI WANTS OVER $600 TO REPAIR. UNACCEPTABLE SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Jun 3, 2013, crash
REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AT A STOP LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN THE VEHICLE. REPAIRS ARE $1349.00 REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. I NOTICED THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY WITH THESE VEHICLES, WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THE CHROME WEARS OFF THE DOOR HANDLE AND A RECALL IS ISSUED. SOMETHING IS ROTTEN HERE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2013
LIKE MANY OTHER COMPLAINANTS, FOR THE PAST MONTH, I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS FILLING UP MY GAS TANK. AFTER ONLY 1 GALLON OR LESS, THE PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. IT HAS TAKEN ME APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES JUST TO PUT 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN MY VEHICLE. WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED, GAS OVERFLOWED AND SPILLED ON MY SHOES, MY CAR, AND THE GROUND. THINKING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PUMP, I WENT TO A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IN VIEWING FORUMS THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT'S BEEN ONGOING FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW FOR THIS CAR MODEL. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR GAS TO OVERFLOW ONTO A PERSON AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. *TR
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, Dec 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND ALSO ADVISED THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
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, May 1, 2012
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE A FAULTY DOOR HANDLE REPLACED WHICH I CUT MY HAND ON. IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE DURING A RECALL. OBVIOUSLY THE SAME FAULTY PART WAS PUT ON AGAIN. I WAS ADVISED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $125.00 FOR A NEW HANDLE BECAUSE THEY ONLY PERFORM A RECALL ONCE. I THOUGHT THAT RECALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH DIFFERENT PARTS THAT ARE NOT FAULTY AND THE PARTS WERE GUARANTEED. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS SERVICE DUE TO ANOTHER FAULTY HANDLE THAT THEY REPLACED. I NEVER EXPECT TO OPEN MY CAR DOOR AND CUT MY HAND NOR SHOULD I HAVE TO WRAP MY DOOR HANDLE AS THEY SUGGESTED. I AM SO UPSET OVER THIS AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER HYUNDAI AND EVEN HAVE MY CAR SERVICED THERE AGAIN. ALL I AM ASKING IS FOR HYUNDAI TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE THIS HANDLE WITH ONE THAT WILL NOT CHIP. *JS
Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2012
MY BACKUP LIGHTS, CORNERING LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR OF MY CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUSES ARE FINE AND THE BULBS ARE FINE. NOW I DO NOT HAVE ANY WORKING LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF MY CAR. *JS
Air bags, Mar 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE AIR BAGS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Air bags, Feb 14, 2012
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. IT DOESN'T DEPEND ON WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT IS EMPTY OR OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PERSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES. I SPOKE WITH A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY I WOULD BE FORCED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. SINCE THE CAR IS ALMOST 10 YEARS OLD I AM NOT WILLING TO DO THAT. IN MY OPINION THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A DEFECT OR POOR WORKMANSHIP/DESIGN AND THE VEHICLE OWNER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 14, 2011
WHEN TRYING TO FUEL VEHICLE THE NOZZLE WILL CLICK OFF AT 1 OR 2 GALLONS. I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY TAKE THE NOZZLE OUT AND KEEP TRYING TO REFUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY DROPPED THE GAS TANK AND DID SOMETHING. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND WENT TO REFUEL AND THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXIST. JUST OUT OF MONEY. I SEE THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 19, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, RIB AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE TOW-YARD. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/16/11*LJ
Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN A DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Suspension, Oct 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP CONFIRMED CORROSION NEAR THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Steering, Sep 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELDING THAT WAS HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL TOGETHER BROKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 17, 2011
FUELING PROBLEMS. ON NEAR EMPTY FUEL TANK THE FUELING HOSE WILL AUTO SHUT OFF AFTER 1 TO 2 GALLONS. I HAVE TO REPEAT START THE FUELING AND IT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF AFTER ENTERING A GALLON OR TWO. HAVE TO GAUGE WHEN TANK IS NEAR FULL WHICH CAN CAUSE A FUEL SPILL IF OVERESTIMATING AND NOT BEING FILL IF UNDERESTIMATING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT PUMPS THAT HAVE THE NEWER NOZZLE. THIS IS THE FIRST SUMMER FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE HEAT WITH THE NEWER NOZZLES..
Structure, Jul 19, 2011
NHTSA ACTION # EA08016 MY 2003 SONATA WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN NY OPERATED THERE UNTIL 06/2008 WAS NOT RECALLED UNDER THE ABOVE ACTION #. I FEEL THIS IS A MISTAKE AS THIS CAR IS SHOWING SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL # 09V124000. I CALLED HYUNDAI AMERICA WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. *KB
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL WOULD SPILL OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR EVEN IF THE FUEL TANK WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW THE FUEL TO ENTER THE FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.