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.
Tires, Oct 24, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA IN JUNE 2003. AT 18,000 I HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT TIRES DUE TO WEAR. I HAD THE CORRECT SIZE MOUNTED AND IT WENT FLAT APPROXIMATELY 5-6 TIMES. MY DEALER KEPT SAYING IT WAS THE TIRE DEALERS FAULT HOWEVER, IF THE CORRECT SIZE TIRE IS USED IT COULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. CAR DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT UNTIL ABOUT THE FIFTH TIME. I BECAME IRATE AND THEY TOOK IT IN. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WILL ONLY USE THE EXACT SAME TIRE THAT CAME ON IT FROM FACTORY. THIS IS NOT IN ANY OF THE CAR INFORMATION OR OWNERS MANUAL. ANY OTHER TIRE USED CAUSES FRICTION ON THE WHEEL COVER CAUSING IT TO MOVE AND CUT THE TIRE VALVE. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE TIRE HAD GONE FLAT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT. LUCKILY, IT KEPT GOING FLAT AFTER IT WAS PARKED. I JUST HAD TWO MORE TIRES PUT ON, THE EXACT SAME ONES THAT CAME ON THE CAR STANDARD. WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2005
AFTER DRIVING MY CAR AND SHUTTING ENGINE OFF FOR AS LITTLE AS FIVE MINUTES THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR ELEVEN TIMES. ON ONE OCCASION MY CAR LOST POWER, ENGINE DIED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THREE ALTERNATORS AND ONE BATTERY. THEY IS A MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. HYUNDAI WILL NOT REPLACE THIS LEMON. CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 14, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. SHE HEARD NOISES, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS NOISES COMING FROM THE ROADWAY. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS WAS AT 13,873 MILE. , THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE GLAZED AND HAD HOT SPOTS ON THEM. THE SERVICE DEALER TURNED THE ROTORS WITHOUT THE CONTACT'S KNOWLEDGE. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. AT 28,000 MILES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SUCH AS AN AIRPLANE GOING OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $25.00 PER WHEEL TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO HAD LUBRICATED THE FRONT BRAKE SLIDES AND REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS. THIS DID SEEM TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE THE 30,000 MILE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO REIMBURSE THE CONTACT FOR THE REPAIRS.*AK
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
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2005
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE WIRING PROBLEMS, AND FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO DEALER TWO OF WHICH CAR DIED WHILE IDLING AND WAITING FOR GREEN LIGHTS. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2005
DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD. CONSUMER WILL SET IT FOR 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND IT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO GO UP TO 85 MPH BEFORE THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT. THE SPEED INCREASED GRADUALLY, WHICH WAS WHY THE CONSUMER DID NOT NOTICE IT AT FIRST. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LEAST 6 TIMES, AND ALWAYS ON A LEVEL ROAD. IT HAPPENED IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS, AND AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD HIM HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO REPLACE IT. WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE OFF BY 5 MPH +/-. THE CONSUMER MECHANIC TO HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF BY 7 MPH BELOW THE SET SPEED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS WAS THE ONLY SAFETY ISSUE THE CONSUME HAS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHT. THE DEALER REPAIRED BOTH PROBLEMS. *NM
Wheels, Jun 26, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. A PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED RECENTLY IN WHICH MY HUBCAPS ARE ROTATING ON THE WHEEL AND CUTTING THE TIRE STEMS THUS RESULTING IN BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRE GOING FLAT AT ONCE. I REPORTED THIS THRU THE HYUNDAI COMPLAINT HOTLINE. THEY THOUGHT I WAS NUTS. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND OTHER SONATA OWNERS WITH SIMILIAR PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REPORTED THIS TO THE HYUNDAI COMPLAINT HOTLINE WITH SIMILAR UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE LAST OCCUARANCE THAT THIS HAPPENED WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 75 IN OHIO. AFTER A "HARD BRAKE" BOTH FRONT HUBCAPS ROTATED AND CUT BOTH HUBCAPS AT ONCE RESULTING IN A DUAL FLATS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
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
Tires, Jun 2, 2005
ON 03/26/05, I PURCHASED BF GOODRICH TOURING T/A PRO SERIES (SIZE P205/65R15) FOR MY 2003 SONATA AT SAM'S CLUB. IN A MONTH AND A HALF, I HAD 4 FLAT TIRES AND 10 VALVES REPLACED BECAUSE THE HUB CAPS SPIN AND SLICE THE VALVES. I LOST 7.5 HOURS OF WORK AND RECEIVED A BACK INJURY WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE ONE OF THE TIRES. I'VE SPOKEN TO HYUNDAI AND BF GOODRICH - BOTH OF WHICH SUGGESTED GETTING THE H RATED TIRES INSTEAD OF THE S RATED. I DID THAT, BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. I ALSO PAID $75 FOR A DIAGNOSTICIAN TO TELL ME THAT I HAD THE WRONG BEAD ON THE TIRES BUT WHOM COULDN'T SUGGEST A SOLUTION. MY OWNERS MANUAL SIMPLY STATES, ALWAYS REPLACE YOUR TIRES WITH THOSE OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE LISTS THE TIRE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS AS P 205/65R15. THERE IS NO RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT BRAND NAMED AND NO MENTION ABOUT HAVING THE CORRECT SIZE BEADING. I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER AND LEARNED THAT THE BF GOODRICH TIRES HAVE A BEAD PROTECTANT WHICH CAUSE THE HUB CAPS TO REST DIRECTLY AGAINST MY TIRES THUS CAUSING THEM TO SPIN. THERE SHOULD BE A GAP BETWEEN THE HUBCAP AND TIRE. I SWITCHED TO A GOODYEAR TIRE AND HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEMS SINCE. THE PROBLEM WITH SLICING VALVE STEMS ONLY OCCURS ON THE 15 INCHES TIRES WITH HUBCAPS (AS OPPOSED TO THE 16 INCHES TIRES ON ALUMINUM WHEELS.)
Wheels, Apr 18, 2005
SOMETHING IS CUTTING THE STEM AND THE TIRE AROUND THE STEM AREA. TWICE THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE. THE PROBLEM IS STILL RECURRING. THE DEALER HAS PASSED THIS INFORMATION OVER TO THE MANUFACTURER. *NM THE CONSUMER INDICATED THA THE HUB CAP CUT THE TIRE AND VALVE STEM. HERE HAS BEEN 3 STEMS CUT ALL ON THE FRONT TIRES. *BF *NM
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.
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
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 28, 2004
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES HE RECEIVED POOR SERVICE FROM THE DEALER WHILE HAVING RECALL REPAIRS DONE BECAUSE THE DEALER DIDN'T PROVIDE HIM WITH A LOANER VEHICLE. *NM RECALL# 04V178000. *SC
Power train, Aug 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAR EXPERIENCES QUICK POWER SURGES. VISITED DEALERSHIP ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THAT THEIR COMPUTERS FIND NO PROBLEM. MECHANIC SAYS " PERHAPS THERE IS A PART TRYING TO GO BAD, BUT HASN'T COMMITTED ITSELF YET" WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? IF YOU ARE JUST BROWSING THIS SITE, DO NOT BUY HYUNDAI! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2004
THIS CAR PRESENTS WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHICH IS VERY DISTRESSING.ONCE IT BEGINS IT LASTS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES SOUNDING FOR LONG PERIODS AND AT TIMES SHORT BURSTS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN NEITHER IDENTIFIED OR RECTIFIED. UNTIL LAST NIGHT I HAVE BEEN ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN THIS SOUND PRESENTS. LAST NIGHT WHEN IT PRESENTED THERE WERE PASSENGERS PRESENT. ALTHOUGH THE CAR DID NOT FALTER IT WAS NONE THE LESS VERY DISTRESSING FOR MY PASSENGERS AND ME. WE TURNED OFF OUR CELL PHONES AND SHUT OFF THE RADIO TO NO AVAIL. WITH NO RESOLUTION OR INFORMATION AS TO WHAT IS THE CAUSE I AM LEFT WONDERING IF I AM DRIVING TOWARDS SOME MALFUNCTION. THIS CLICKING SOUND ALWAYS PRESENTS WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAYS AT FREEWAY SPEED.*AK
Visibility, Aug 1, 2004
ABOUT FEBRUARY 2004, TWO MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR THE WINDSHIELD SEAL POPED UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF DRIVERS SIDE. DEALERSHIP PLACED A NEW WINDSHIELD AND SEALED IT BACK. A MONTH LATER THE SEAL CAME OFF AGAIN ON THE SAME SIDE. I WENT BACK, THIS TIME THEY JUST RESEALED IT. THEN, MY SUNROOF BEGAN TO LEAK,THROUGH THE CEILING LIGHTS, I WENT BACK AGAIN, THEY LOOKED IT UP SAYING ITS NOTHING-VENTS NEEDS TO BE CLEARED UP. AFTER THAT PROCEDURE MY WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO LEAK!NOW AFTER EACH TIME IT RAINS, INSIDE OF MY CAR ACCUMULATES WATER-MY RADIO/CD BUTTONS FAILED TO WORK ANYMORE, PLUS THE INTERIOR STARTS TO GET RUINED BY WATER SPOTS. ITS A PROBLEM TO ME , NOT ONLY BECAUSE I'M LEASING THE CAR, BUT 'CAUSE IT TAKES AWAY MY MILLAGE GOING BACK AND FORTH TO FIX IT, PLUS MY TIME. PS. I HAVE A SLIGHT PROBLEM, AT THE TIME OF PURCHISING THE CAR, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS LEASED TO ONE OWNER (YEAR BEFORE ME), BUT I WENT TO CARFAX.COM AND FOUND OUT IT WAS NOT ONLY LEASED TO TWO OTHER PEOPLE, BUT IT WAS USED AS A RENTAL CAR AT THE VERY BEGINNING. IF I HAD KNOWN THOSE FACTS AS I WAS BUYING THE CAR, I WOULD HAVE NEVER SIGNED PAPERS FOR IT. WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE DEALERS WITH THIS INFORMATION, THEY TOLD ME IT WASNT A BIG DEAL AND THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. I PERSONALY DO NOT LIKE TO FIX PROBLEMS ON THIS "NEW" CAR OF MINE, AFTER OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, I HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SOON. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 31, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2003 DEMO HYUNDAI SONATA IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTHS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY I EXPERIENCED A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AND A FEELING AS IF THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS INTO OWNERSHIP I EXPERIENCED A LOAD NOISE WHEN TURNING AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND MY RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS SHOT. THEY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT THERE IS STILL A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AND I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A STRONG VIBRATION UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED NEW PADS AND ROTORS ALL THE WAY AROUND. I SAID THE CAR IS FAIRLY NEW AND I SHOULD NOT BE NEEDING NEW BRAKES ALL THE WAY AROUND JUST YET. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER VIEWING CARSTATS WEB SITE I BECAME AWARE THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AS WELL AS WITH THE HESITATION AND THE FEELING AS IF THE CAR IS ABOUT TO STAHL. THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE MULITFACETED, WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE AS A CONSUMER?*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 23, 2004
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FUEL SPILLAGE AS DESCRIBED IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE/FMVSS301 RECALL 04V178000. BUT THIS OCCURRED NOT IN A ROLL OVER SITUATION, BUT WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK WITH FUEL AT THE GAS STATION.*AK
Tires, Wheels, Jun 10, 2004
IN APR 04 I PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. INSIDE OF THIRTY DAYS, I HAD THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE GO FLAT WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER TO CHANGE THE FLAT. I WENT BACK TO NATIONAL TIRE & BATTERY (NTB) WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE TIRES. THEY COULD NOT FIND AN OBVIOUS CAUSE FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE TIRE, AND THREE DAYS LATER, THE TIRE WENT FLAT AGAIN WHILE TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY. I EXPIRENCED TWO MORE FLAT TIRES ON THE SAME WHEEL WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, AND THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS BEING CUT BY THE HUBCAP. NTB SUGGESTED THAT I GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION. I WENT TO POHANKA IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE HUBCAP WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE TIRE WHEN THERE SHOULD BE A SMALL GAP SEPARATING THE TWO. THE SUGGESTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP WAS TO CHANGE THE TIRE OR REPLACE THE RIM. I WENT BACK TO NTB, AND THEY CONFERRED WITH BF GOODRICH, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE, AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I GO BACK TO THE STOCK TIRE THAT WAS ON THE CAR. I HAD ALSO FILED A CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI, AND THEIR SUGGESTION WAS THE SAME. MY PROBLEM WITH ALL OF THIS, IS FIRST, I SELECTED A TIRE THAT WAS THE PROPER SIZE FOR MY CAR (BF GOODRICH TRACTION T/A 205/65R15). NOWHERE HAD IT BEEN INDICATED BY HYUNDAI OR BFGOODRICH THAT THE SELECTED TIRE WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR MY VEHICLE. SECONDLY, MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS BECAME ENDANGERED BY THIS PROBLEM. THIRDLY, I AM BEING FORCED TO MAKE TIRE SELECTION, BECAUSE NEITHER HYUNDAI, NOR BF GOODRICH HAVE PROVIDED LIMITING INFORMATION ON THE TIRES THAT WILL PROPERLY FUNCTION WITH MY CAR. THIS IS SERIOUS AND NEEDS IMMEDIATED ATTENTION BY SOMEONE, BEFORE THERE IS LOSS OF LIFE OR SERIOUS INJURY TO SOMEONE BECAUSE HYUNDAI'S HUBCAP FOR THE SONATA IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE TIRE SIZE THAT IT HAS INDICATED WITHIN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE LABEL ON THE CAR.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 13, 2004
STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, WHEN TIME TO GO, ENGINE STALLED. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART UNSUCESSFULLY. A/C WAS NOT RUNNING. CAR WAS ABLE TO START AFTER 30 MINUTES. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUBLICATE PROBLEM AFTER 15 MILES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 20, 2004
AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN CONSUMER PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENED VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS LOST OF VACUUM TO THE POWER BOOSTER. THE CAUSE WAS A BLOCKAGE IN THE VACUUM HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK *JB
Power train, Apr 14, 2004
MY CAR IS 8 MONTHS OLD WITH 9300 MILES, AND I HAD TO PUT ANOTHER TRANSMISSION IN..THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMED HE PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN, WHEN IN FACT HE PUT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN. THIS HAPPENED 2 WEEKS AGO. THEN YESTERDAY (04-13-04) MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW SPEED SENSOR. WHAT GIVES? DON'T THEY KEEP PARTS IN STOCK. I PHONED THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AND ASKED IF THEY HAD THIS SENSOR IN STOCK AND THEY SAID YES. I ALSO CALLED ANOTHER DEALER IN THE NEXT TOWN AND WAS TOLD THEY ALSO HAD THE PART. SO WHY DID MY DEALER LIE TO ME..
Tires, Apr 1, 2004
CONSUMER INSISTED THIS VEHICLE QUALIFIED UNDER RECALL TO REPLACE THE CURRENT SPARE TIRE WITH A LARGER TIRE ALTHOUGH VIN DID MEET THE CRITERIA. MANUFACTURER TOLD CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE. *AK *LA