NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING THE VEHICLE AS GASOLINE BEGAN TO SPEW FROM THE FILLER TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD NEED A REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF UPDATED 02/03/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL SCRAPING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAD ROTTED. THE CONTACT LOCATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT BECAUSE THE CONTACT RESIDED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE HONORED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SALT BELT STATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN OHIO WHICH ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, WAS A STATE IN WHICH THE RECALL WOULD BE HONORED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE GROUND FROM A STRESS FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 242,000.
WAS DRIVING 2002 SONATA WITH CHILD IN CAR DAUGHTER GOT DIZZY FROM GAS FUMES GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FROM TOP OF TANK,CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR CORP SAID CAR WASN'T COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY,TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WAS TOLD CAR GAS TANK HAD TO BE DROPPED TO FIND THE PROBLEM,HYUNDAI REFUSED TO PAY FOR TANK TO BE DROPPED, FINALLY TOOK IT TO BE FIXED AT A LOCAL SERVICE PERSON ,FOUND THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE TANK AT THE HALF WAY MARK,HE FOUND THE TANK WAS LEAKING TO A STRESS CRACK ON THE TANK,I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING THIS MATTER,THERE IS A SAFETY REGARDING STRESS CRACKS ON THE SONATA PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, SHE LEARNED THERE WAS CORROSION UNDER THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
I HAVE A SONATA 2.7 V6 (2002 MODEL) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MAJOR 2 PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE FACED WITH THE CAR ARE: 1. THE FRONT DOOR LATCHES ARE BADLY LACERATED AND I HAVE ALREADY INJURED MY FINGER ONCE. THE PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. 2. THE TCS DISPLAY COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOREVER AND THE GEAR DOES NOT MOVE BEYOND THE FIRST. THIS IS IN SPITE OF SWITCHING THE TCS LEVER OFF. THIS IS USED TO HAPPEN TWICE A DAY EARLIER. BUT NOW IT IS A PERMANENT FEATURE. *TR
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN NEW YORK AND NOW REGISTERED IN FLORIDA, RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED, CRACKED AND NOW ALMOST GONE. STEERING IS EXTREMELY ERRATIC AND SUSPENSION SAGGING DRASTICALLY ON RIGHT WHEEL. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V124000 SUMMARY COVERS THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER HYUNDAI SAYS THIS VIN ([XXX]) IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL NO. 089 AND COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE POWER STEERING LINE ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE CAR THAT RUNS BY THE FRAME OF THE CAR ROTTED AWAY AND CAUSED A POWER STEERING FAILURE. ABOUT ONE MONTH AFTER HAVING THIS REPAIRED I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED DUE TO CORROSION. I ASKED ABOUT THE POWER STEERING LINE BEING PART OF THIS AND WAS TOLD NO. THIS POWER STEERING LINE RUNS RIGHT ALONG THE SIDE OF THE PART OF THE FRAME THAT WAS INSPECTED AND SPRAYED FOR THE RECALL, HOW CAN THIS POWER STEERING LINE NOT BE COVERED BY THE RECALL? *TR
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. UPON APPROACHING AN EXIT I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO REDUCE MY SPEED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND CONSEQUENTLY I ENGAGED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO ACCIDENT ENSURED AS A RESULT. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE. REPAIRS CONSISTED OF A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL BRAKES LINES SINCE THEY WERE ALL RUSTED AND CORRODED. OLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT ALL THE POWER STEERING LINES REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM CURRENTLY REQUIRES REPLACEMENT DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION (SYSTEM IS LEAKING). *TR
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, CHROME ON THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB PEELS OFF LEAVING A SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSES LACERATIONS. *TR
BOOSTER SEAT.... IT IS A GROW WITH YOU SAFETY FIRST. THE TETHER IN THE REAR OF THE SEAT, HAS TOTALLY BRAKEN AWAY FROM THE SEAT, AND ALSO LOCK AND RELEASE MECHINISM STICKS . SO, WHEN I PUT A HEAVIER COAT ON MY CHILD, IT TAKES ME FOREVER, TO GET IT TO RELEASE SO ITS CONSTANTLY SQUISHING HER. AND OF COURSE, SHE'S CRYING BECAUSE ITS HURTING HER! ALSO, IT DOESN'T SIT PROPERLY, ITS ALWAYS LEANING TO ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER! IT HURTS ME TO THINK WITH THE ISSUES @ HAND, IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO MY DAUGHTER! THIS WAS NOT A CHEAP CAR SEAT! A SINCERE THANKYOU! MICHIGAN (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=SONATA, MODEL=HYUNDAI). *TR
FRONT SUB FRAME BROKE AGAIN FOR 2ND TIME ON 2002 SONATA. JUST STOPS ABRUPTLY AND WHEEL COLLAPSES IN AN STEERING LOCKS. HAS BEEN FIXED BY DEALER TWICE NOW. *TR
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA 82,000 MILES ON IT, AIR BAG LITE ON ALL THE TIME MANUFACTURE NO HELP IN RESOLVING PROBLEM,THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS BUT NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
WAS IN ACCIDENT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
WAS IN ACCIDENT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
FAULTY VALVE STEM ON 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE TIRES WERE KUMHO TIRES. WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE EXPRESSWAY, WITHIN ABOUT A MILE OF DRIVING THE AIR IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DEPRESSURIZED. SINCE I'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE ON THE OTHER TIRES, I KNEW BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE CAR THAT IT WAS A CRACKED VALVE STEM. THE TIRE WAS NO GOOD ANYMORE BECAUSE THE RIM CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE DID THE SAME THING BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE SPARE ON BEFORE COMPLETE DEPRESSURIZATION. THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED BY DISCOUNT TIRE. UPON INSPECTION TODAY, THE FIRST ONE MAY BE SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING AGAIN. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM. THE CAR WOULD DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THEN IT WOULD STEER FINE. THIS WENT ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I MOVED THE CAR ONE MORNING AND THERE WAS A BOLT ON THE GROUND WHICH LOOKED AS IF IT WAS FROM THE CAR. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE BOLTS ON THE RACK AND PINION WERE LOOSE AND ONE OF THE BOLTS WAS THE ONE I FOUND ON THE GROUND. THE RACK AND PINION COMING LOOSE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK LOT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
1. HIT A POTHOLE, DAY OR TWO LATER NOTICED CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT 2. MECHANIC NOTICED LARGE HOLE (2"+ DIAMETER) WITH SIGNIFICANT CRACKING IN THE RIGHT SIDE SUBFRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL BY LOWER CONTROL ARM 3. ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. *TR
ON MONDAY EVENING 01/18/2010 MY WIFE AND I LEFT OUR HOME WITH OUR 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WE DROVE NO MORE THEN 3 TENTHS OF A MILE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING PULLING VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT WE THEN TURNED AROUND AND DROVE BACK TOWARD HOME BUT ONLY MADE IT ABOUT 2 TENTHS OF A MILE BEFORE THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED BRINGING US TO A DEAD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY WE WERE ONLY GOING ABOUT 20-25 MPH THE POLICE WERE CALLED FOR TRAFFIC AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO R.J SHORE AUTOMOTIVE BRANFORD CT 06405 THE NEXT MORNING THE OWNER OF R.J.AUTO INFORMED ME THAT MY FRONT ENGINE SUB-FRAME HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, AND SHOWED ME A PRINT-OUT OF A RECALL FROM HYUNDAI DATED APRIL 14, 2009 THEN STATED HE CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN BRANFORD CT 06405 BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PICK UP THE CAR SO I HAD TO PAY $81.41 TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO BRANFORD HYUNDAI. THE STAFF AT THE HYUNDAI HAD NO ANSWERS AND CONTINUED TO STATE YOU WILL HAVE TO CALL THE CORPORATE OFFICE, SO I DID. THE EMPLOYEE CHRIS STATED THAT THERE WERE 200.000 VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN #089 OR #09V124000 AND WE HAVE NOT MAILED OUT ALL OF THE NOTICES (SHAME ON THEM BECAUSE IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND IF WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WE COULD HAVE DIED) THE EMPLOYEE THEN CALLED THE BRANFORD HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WOULD TAKE 1 OR 2 WEEKS TO FIX AND NO LOANER OR RENTAL VEHICLE WILL BE PROVIDED I SAID THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DEMANDED A LOANER STILL THE ANSWER WAS NO BUT SOMEHOW THEY MANAGED TO FIX MY CAR ON 01/20/2010 WHEN I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP AT 420PM ON 01/20/2010 MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT ALLOWED TO VIEW WHAT WAS REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO FIX THIS CAR QUICKLY BECAUSE OF MY CALL TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE I STATED (BENT OVER BACKWARDS, SOMEONE COULD HAVE DIED, FROM THIS ACCIDENT) THE MANAGER BOB GUEVERA, AND A CHRIS VAILETTE THEN CALLED THE POLICE AND TOLD US TO NEVER COME BACK AGAIN, TO HAVE THE CORPORATE OFFICE FIX MY CAR NEXT TIME. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROSION. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000, SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,031. UPDATED 02/03/10 *BF UPDATED 02/11/10.*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE REGURGITATES FROM THE FUEL TANK. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AS IF THERE WAS NO FUEL AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $900.00 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82878.
TRAVELING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 15 AT 75 MPH, WITH THE CAR ON CRUISE CONTROL. AT THE START OF A CURVE THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IT REACHED OVER 5,000 RPMS. STEPPING ON THE BRAKE ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING. I SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OVER 6,000 RPMS I SHUT THE ENGINE AND FINALLY GOT CONTROL OF THE CAR. DURING THIS TIME I HAD GONE OFF THE HIGHWAY DOWN A RAVINE HITTING BOULDERS AND ROCKS AND INTO THE DESERT AND DAMAGING MY CAR. I RE-STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED WEIRD. I SHUT THE ENGINE AGAIN AND WAITED FOR A LONGER PERIOD BEFORE RESTARTING. IT SOUNDED BETTER SO I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO GEAR AND STARTED FORWARD SLOWLY. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION FIRM NEARBY. THEY PUT THE CAR UP ON A COMPUTER, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CODE READ P.O. 12. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE UNWOUND THE CRUISE CABLE BY HAND AND IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE AS LONG AS I DID NOT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE CODE HAD BEEN ERASED. LATER DURING HYUNDAI INVESTIGATION I WAS TOLD THAT THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD REMOVED THE CODE IN ORDER TO TEST THE CRUISE CONTROL. ON MY RETURN HOME I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT HARMED. ALL I WANT IS HYUNDAI TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING THE CAR. HYUNDAI WAS NOT HELPFUL IN ANYWAY AND INSTEAD ACTED AS IF I MADE UP THE ENTIRE INCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME A DECISION WOULD BE MADE IN 4-6 WEEKS. AFTER THE 6 WEEK PERIOD I CONTACTED HYUNDAI IT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. NOW T HEY TELL ME THERE IS NO TIME PERIOD FOR A DECISION. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH HE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE OUTER ARM ASSEMBLY HAD SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. 5 DAYS PRIOR, RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER# 09V124000 WAS PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117049. UPDATED 3/30/2010 UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB
EXCESSIVE SUB FRAME RUST CAUSED IT TO BRAKE, AND AS A RESULT PRACTICALLY DISABLED DRIVING AND ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS, AS THE WHEELS ARE ANGLED DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF THE SUB FRAME BENT. *TR
ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. TOOK FOR REPAIR AND THE CODE STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR/FUEL MIXTURE. AUTO REPAIR SHOP ASKED IF WE TURNED THE GAS CAP ATLEAST 3 TURNS AFTER LAST FILL--YES WE DID. WE PREVIOUSLY WERE NOT ABLE TO PUMP GAS THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF EVERYTIME WE TRIED TO PUMP. AUTO REPAIR REPLACED CHARCOAL FILTERS IN THE NECK OF THE FUEL TANK HAS RUN FINE SINCE THIS ENGINE LIGHT STARTED. *TR
SPEEDOMETER ON 2002 HYUNDAI IS DEFECTIVE, THE DIAL JUST STOPS WORKING DROPPING TO ZERO FOR PERIODS OF TIME - I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP IF MY CAR HAD UNDER 65,000 MILES THEY WOULD FIX IT FREE (WHICH SEEMED TO BE AN AWARENESS OF THE ISSUE IN MAY CAR & OTHERS). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE WAS A HOLE IN HER UNDERCARRIAGE DUE TO CORROSION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HER TIRES WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE HER VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000. UPDATED 01/06/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB
I OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA,ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST2009 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A LEAKING POWER STEERING LINE.THE MECHANIC WHO WORKED ON MY CAR TOLD ME I BETTER GET A NEW CAR,HE TOLD ME MY SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE EXTERIOR REAR PASSENGER DOOR CHROME PLATING DETACHED FROM THE DOOR LANDED ONTO THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED SEPARATION AND EXPOSURE OF SHARP FRAGMENTS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
REPEATED USE OF INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CAUSED WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATING AND HANDLES CRACKED AND THEN HAD SHARP EDGES WHICH CUT MYSELF AND SOME OF MY PASSENGERS AND THEN I HAD TO TAPE THEM. I TOOK CAR BACK TO 2 DEALERS, 1 DIDN'T RESPOND AND THE OTHER FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH A BANDAID, LITERALLY. THEY FIXED IT BY PUTTING A CHROME ADHESIVE PAD OVER EACH OF THEM, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LOT AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE SUN, THE CHROME PLATED ADHESIVE STRIPS CAME LOOSE. I FEEL THE NEED TO FULLY REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES. THIS DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND ONLY MADE IT WORSE WITH THE DOORHANDLES BEING STICKY AND UNABLE TO OPEN AT TIMES UNTIL YOU STICK THE ADHESIVE STRIP BACK ON. I LOVE MY CAR AND HYUNDAI BUT DON'T THINK THEY DID THE RIGHT THING WITH JUST MASKING THE PROBLEM TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY. PLEASE HELP! NO DEATHS, BUT THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE WHO WERE INJURED BY CUTTING THROUGH THE SKIN AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN BAD SHAPE HAD I TAKEN A HEMOPHILIAC WITH ME AT SOME POINT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A RECALL REMEDY REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE SUBFRAME HAD EXCESSIVE DAMAGES AND CORROSION. DURING THE RECALL SERVICE REPAIR THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
CAN'T PUT GAS IN MY TANK, I WOULD HAVE TO SLOWLY PUT IT IN AND SOMETIMES I ONLY CAN GET 4-6 DOLLARS ALTHOUGH I HAVE DRIVEN ALL DAY AND MY GAS HAND STATES THAT I AM ON EMPTY. I REALLY FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I COULD POSSIBLE RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A COLLISION, OR JUST OVER FLOW MY GAS TANK, THIS I AM VERY, VERY CONCERN ABOUT. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA BEGAN PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT ON 8/6/09 SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE THINKING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY ALIGNMENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT ON 8/10/09. WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON 8/9/09 MY CAR STARTED TO GET OUT OF CONTROL AND THEN CRASHED INTO THE CURB. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FOUND OUT THAT THE SUBFRAME AND AXEL WERE BROKEN AND THAT I WOULD BE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR THE AXEL AND LABOR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT AND KEPT PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENT ISSUES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 144,000.
FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT. *TR
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED HYUNDAI SONATA IN JANUARY 2008 FROM A DEALER. THIS PAST TUESDAY, THE FRAME OF MY CAR BROKE WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. LUCKILY FOR ME, I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT 1999-2002 SONATA HAD PROBLEM WITH THE CAR FRAME. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND WAS ASKED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER WHO WOULD FIX THE FRAME FOR ME. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY IS FIXING THE FRAME AT NO COST, I HAD TO RENT A CAR AND I STILL HAVE IT. THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR IT TILL NOW HAVE BEEN $700. I ALSO PAID TWICE FOR GETTING MY CAR TOWED. I REQUESTED THE COMPANY TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE RENTAL CAR CHARGES WHICH THEY DENY DOING. I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN MY SONATA FOR ANOTHER 3-4 YRS. AS I AM A RECENT GRADUATE AND LOOKING FOR A JOB, I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR AND PAY HUGE RENTAL FEE. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY EVEN AFTER THE FRONT FRAME IS FIXED. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN GUIDE ME ABOUT HOW TO APPROACH THIS SITUATION WITH HYUNDAI. I AM SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON RENTAL AND AT THE SAME TIME I WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENTIRE REAR SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DROP FROM FOURTH GEAR TO FIRST GEAR SUDDENLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE CENSORS; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER ARRIVED AT HER DESTINATION AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THE DRIVER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME ON THE FRONT END, WHICH HOUSES THE SUPPORTS FOR THE WHEELS, WAS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TIRE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT INSPECTION. THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME HOLDING THE STEERING, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,600. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND IS CURRENTLY ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA SUBFRAME FAILURE. *TR
ALL FOUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT STRUTS FACTORY INSTALLED ON A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 CYLINDER, HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS 51,000 MILES AND THE STRUTS HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THEIR JOB FOR 15000 MILES. WHEN LOOKED INTO, AT THE DEALERSHIP (VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIPS POSITION IS THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS UNLESS THEY ARE LEAKING. AND IF 1 WAS LEAKING THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THAT ONE STRUT.... HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.7 AWD VEHICLE ALSO. THAT VEHICLE HAS 79,000 MILES AND HAVE THE SAME DRIVIBILTY CONDITION. AND WAS TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP/ MANUFACTURER'S POSITION. *TR
WHILE CHANGING THE BALL BEARING, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE FRAME. HE WARNED THAT THE CAR WOULD JUST COLLAPSE. THERE WERE 3-4 INCH BIG HOLES IN THE FRAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED FATAL INJURY. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 7 YEAR OLD FOR SUCH SEVERE RUSTING TO OCCUR. *TR
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, WHEN FUELING VEC CONSTANTLY CUT OFF THE FUELING TAKES ABOUT 10 - 15 MIN'S TO FUEL WITH A 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN THE VEC BEFORE RE-FUELING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT STATION I'M RE-FUELING. *TR
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA SUB FRAME CORROSION AND FRONT RT WHEEL COLLAPSED. LOCAL DEALER COVERED COST OF SUB FRAME REPLACEMENT, BUT CHARGED ME FOR A NEW SWAY BAR. FRONT FENDER WAS PUSHED AGAINST PASSENGER DOOR, WHICH HYUNDAI WOULD NOT FIX, AND CAR NOW HAS SEVERE WOBBLING WHEN DRIVEN, UNLIKE BEFORE THE CORROSION. HYUNDAI SAYS IT'S AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM AND MY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM WONDERING WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE AGAINST HYUNDAI, AS THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND DROVE SMOOTHLY BEFORE THIS DAMAGED OCCURRED. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT, SINCE THE WHEEL LET GO AT A LOW SPEED. *TR
MY FRAME ON MY CAR RUSTED THROUGH LEAVING MY CAR SITTING ON MY TIRES LITERALLY! WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TOWN. I HAVE CALLED THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURER AND THEY TOOK DOWN INFORMATION, I AM NOW WAITING ON THE DECISION IF IT WILL COST ME ANYTHING OR NOT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE INTERIOR FRONT DRIVER CHROME DOOR HANDLE EXHIBITED A CRACKING AND SEPARATION. THERE WAS A SHARP EDGE ON THE CHROME PLATE SURFACE. THE DRIVER INJURED A FINGER ON THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. JS
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA LX HAS THE COMMON PROBLEM OF THE SUBFRAME ROTTING OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM DURING AN OIL CHANGE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES. THE CONTROL ARM HAS NOT LET GO YET, BUT I DO NOT DARE TO DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE RUST. I AM GOING TO BE CONTACTING HYUNDAI TO SEE ABOUT A WARRANTY. *TR
MY WIFE OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, AND LAST WEEK SHE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE DRIVES 60 MILES ROUND TRIP TO HER JOB 5 DAYS A WEEK. ONCE SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT, I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THINKING IT WAS IN NEED OF A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. MY TECHNICIANS CALLED ME BACK TO THE SERVICE AREA AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. ALSO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AS TILTED TO THE SIDE SLIGHTLY. I TOLD THEM TO BEGIN REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY, AS MY WIFE'S SAFETY IS MY TOP PRIORITY. I CALLED HYUNDAI ON 2/3/09 AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, AND TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN 3 TO 4 BUSINESS DAYS. I EXPECT FULL REIMBURSEMENT, AS I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WENT SIDEWAYS WHILE DRIVING AT FULL SPEED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED BUT THE CAR WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. FROM READING INFORMATION ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
VIBRATION IN FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AT HIGH SPEEDS. I TOOK MY 2002 SONATA TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CRADLE THAT INVOLVES THE HALF SHAFT/CONTROL ARM IN THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED THROUGH WITH FIST SIZE HOLES. I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME OVER $500.00 TO REPLACE THE HALF SHAFT AND CRADLE, ALSO THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED HAD MY WHEEL FALLEN OFF. THAT WAS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD. AFTER THEY REPLACED THE HALF SHAFT, WITHIN 2 DAYS I HAD A GRINDING/RATTLE ON THE SAME RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME NOW IT WAS THE BUSHINGS IN THE SUSPENSION AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE UNTIL THEY WORKED ON THE CAR ORIGINALLY. IT WILL NOW COST ME OVER $300.00 TO HAVE THE BUSHINGS REPLACED. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS WITH THE ORIGINAL WORK. THERE IS A FEDERAL PROBE GOING ON WITH THE NHTSA, IT IS STATED THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR SHOULD BE STANDING BEHIND THEY'RE PRODUCT, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES THAT COULD IN TURN SAVE SOMEBODY'S LIFE IF THEIR CAR WOULD FAIL DUE TO THIS FLAW. *TR