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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD REPROGRAM THE COMPUTERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Steering, Structure, Jun 1, 2011, crash
MERGED INTO LEFT LANE ON HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH. CAR SPUN TO FACE OPPOSING WAY. HIT WALL ON PASSENGER SIDE, SPUN BACK AROUND AND WENT ACROSS HIGHWAY TO HIT OPPOSITE WALL. CAR HAD BEEN TOTALED AS I WALKED AWAY WITH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WOULD SPEW BACK OUT FROM THE FILER NECK AND ONTO THE GROUND. SHE WAS ABLE TO FUEL SMALL AMOUNTS AT A GIVEN TIME HOWEVER, IT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN THIRTY MINUTES TO FILL THE FUEL TANK TO CAPACITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN 2005 WHERE THEY PERFORMED REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ADVISED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Air bags, May 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO UNDERGO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT THE CONTACT EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 06/07/11*LJ UPDATED 06/1311
Air bags, Apr 25, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED YET THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR CHEST INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND HIM A PACKET TO FILL OUT AND THEY WOULD DECIDE WHAT THEY WOULD DO. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
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.
Suspension, Feb 27, 2011
THE CAR IS NOT MINE, I AM A MECHANIC,A 2003 SONATA I DO A LOT OF WORK ON JUST HAD A RR LOWER CONTROL ARM FAIL, I KNOW THEY HAVE A SUBFRAME ISSUE,SO KNOWING THIS, HOW MANY MORE OF THESE"TIME BOMBS" ARE OUT THEIR,THEY SELL ALOT OF THESE CARS IN THE STATE I LIVE IN[NEW YORK], HOW MANY MORE MAJOR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE FAILING DUE TO CORROSION! ALOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE BUY THEM BECAUSE OF PRICE,THE ELDERLY ALSO,THAT IS WHY IM WRITING THIS CAR BELONGS TO AN OLDER WIDOW WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIRS,THE WARRANTY SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR BUT HER LATE HUSBAND BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE WARRANTY!! *TR
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
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2011
2003 HYUNDAI SONATA EGR ISSUES (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 401)- I'VE BEEN HAVING PERSISTENT ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE'S EGR SYSTEM FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. I HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE EGR SYSTEM INCLUDING THE EGR VALVE, SOLENOID, ETC. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE OTHER PARTS THAT HAVE FAILED DUE TO THE MALFUNCTIONING EGR - IGNITION COILS, SPARK PLUGS. EVEN AFTER REPLACING ALL THESE PARTS, MY VEHICLE STILL COMPLAINS ABOUT THE EGR WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON (401). I HAVE ALSO BEEN GETTING VERY POOR MILEAGE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI ABOUT A TSB THEY SENT OUT TO DEALERS FOR EGR DIAGNOSIS. HYUNDAI DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE AND ASKED ME TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP DIRECTLY. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE + FEES FOR PARTS. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND SEVERAL CASES OF EGR MALFUNCTIONING WITH 2003 MODELS. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Dec 20, 2010
ONE DAY, WHILE FUELING MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, THE PUMP CLICKED OFF AFTER 1 GALLON. FROM THEN ON, IT WOULDN'T LET ME FILL MORE THAN 1 OR 2 GALLONS WITHOUT CLICKING OFF. SINCE THAT DAY, THIS PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY TIME I REFILL AND EVERY TIME MY TANK IS NEAR EMPTY OR HALF EMPTY, SO I KNOW THAT'S NOT THE ISSUE. *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
Air bags, Dec 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO AUTHORIZED DEALERS AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT A DIAGNOSIS COULD BE PERFORMED BUT A REMEDY POSSIBLY WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE WAS ONGOING FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Air bags, Sep 29, 2010
2003 SONATA HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT COMES ON ALL THE TIME. I CALLED A HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID I WOULD NEED TO PAY THEM $89 TO CHECK IT. I ALSO WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC (NOT AT THE DEALER) THAT HYUNDAI WILL WANT TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND COMPONENTS WHICH WILL LIKELY COST MORE THAN $900 AND CLAIM IT IS NORMAL WEAR. HOW CAN THIS BE NORMAL WEAR ON THE VEHICLE? ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIX? I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEB SITE AS WELL AS ON THE WEB. DO I NEED TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED? WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN A RECALL! I AM PLANNING ON BRINGING THIS TO THE DEALER BUT WANT TO KNOW IF THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THIS AT NO COST TO ME. *TR
Structure, Sep 22, 2010
RUST AND BUBBLING PAINT AROUND FUEL DOOR, INSIDE FUEL DOOR AND BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS ON A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 88,483 MILES. *TR
Electrical system, May 18, 2010
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST BUT NOW STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS INTERMITTENT. ALSO THE ANTENNA HAS NOW STOPPED GOING UP AND DOWN. *TR
Seat belts, May 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WOULD LOCK THE SEAT BELTS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT RELEASE THE SEAT BELT AROUND THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 7/16/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE INTERNAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS. UPDATED 07/21/10.*JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 14, 2010
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON ALL THE TIME, PER HYUNDAI NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AS IT IS CAUSED BY THE CABLE AND HARNESS ASSEMBLY WHICH WEARS OUT. IT STARTED AS INTERMITTENT BUT NOW NEVER TURNS OFF. WHEN INTERMITTENT THEY SAID IT WAS NOT FIXED AS IT NEVER WAS ON WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. IT STARTED DURING THE NEW CAR WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT DID NOT REMAIN ON UNTIL IT WENT INTO EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEN THEY SAID IT WOULD COST BETWEEN 700 AND 1200 TO REPLACE, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH IT APPARENTLY DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY SAY IT IS A "MAINTENANCE ITEM", SUBJECT TO NORMAL WEAR SUCH AS WIPER BLADES. EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT EXPLICITLY STATES EVERY THING COVERED BY NEW CAR WARRANTY IS INCLUDED. CABLE AND HARNESS IS NOT IN THE LIST OF EXCLUDED OR MAINTENANCE COVERAGE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 14, 2010
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO DEALER HAD REPLACE CIRCUIT BOARD 2 WEEKS LATER LIGHT CAME BACK ON DEALER SAID NEEDED NEW WIRING HARNESS. *TR
Air bags, Feb 10, 2010
FOR NO SPECIFIC REASON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 CYLINDER BASE MODEL'S AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO GET THE PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACED AT A COST OF $900 AT THE DEALER. NO EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN BY THE DEALER AS TO WHY THE BAG WENT BAD. *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
Steering, Feb 2, 2010
WHILE DRIVING I REALIZED THE STEERING WAS GETTING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN UPON PULLING ASIDE I NOTICED A FLUID LEAKING NEAR THE RIGHT AXEL UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I REALIZED THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. I REFILLED IT AND TURNED THE STEERING AND THE FLUID JUST GUSHED OUT. IF I CONTINUED DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF I DID NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO STEER THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY AS THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFFER AND STIFFER, THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING LINE FAILED IN NEW YORK DUE TO RUSTING. THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS $120 AND LABOR AN ADDITIONAL $200. THE MECHANIC SAID HE REPAIRED MANY FAILURES LIKE THIS IN NY. EVEN THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY MADE ALOT OF SALES OF THIS LINE BECAUSE IN NY THE SALT FROM THE ROADS IN WINTER CAUSE RAPID CORROSION OF THE PARTS, I THINK THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SUBFRAME ISSUE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT TO SAVE EVEN ONE LIFE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 15, 2009
I OWN A 2003 SONATA THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I HAVE AN EMISSION LEAK THE MACHINE SAYS. I NEED HELP HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANY ONE ELSE. ALSO MY GAS PROBLEMS, WHEN PUTTING GAS IN MY CAR THE GAS CAP CLICKS AS IF THE TANK WAS FULL WHEN TALKING TO LOCAL DEALER ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS QUOTE PRICES!!!!!!!!! NO EXPLANATION OF WHY THESE THING ARE HAPPENING. *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.
Air bags, Dec 4, 2009
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON, MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 70K MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEATS HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. THE DEALERSHIP USED THEIR SCAN TOOL AND THE CODE IS B1382, THE SIDE AIR BAG RESISTANCE IS TOO HIGH. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG HARNESS (PART #917003D010) AND THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY STANDARD WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE MECHANIC SAID IS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WIRING BEING USED IN THE DESIGN OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPLACE THIS HARNESS IS $1,349 PLUS THE $98 DIAGNOSTIC FEE I HAD TO PAY. *TR
Air bags, Dec 2, 2009
MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA'S AIRBAG LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON. WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHT WILL SPONTANEOUSLY COME ON AND WILL GO BACK OFF EITHER DURING THE SAME DRIVING EVENT OR IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS NOR HAS THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY OR SEAT BEEN DAMAGED. *TR