Known Recalls

Model year record

2002 Hyundai Sonata

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 409 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V317000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO
Vehicles affected
82
Reported to NHTSA
2009-08-07
Owners notified
2009-09-16

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A SHARP EDGE COULD LACERATE OR OTHERWISE INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V171000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected
91,350
Reported to NHTSA
2009-05-21
Owners notified
2009-07-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS MAY INFLICT LACERATION INJURIES TO ANYONE USING THE DOOR HANDLE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V124000

Suspension

Component
Suspension
Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected
188,282
Reported to NHTSA
2009-04-16
Owners notified
2009-07-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V369000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO
Vehicles affected
919
Reported to NHTSA
2004-07-26
Owners notified
2004-10-05

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V178000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
263,968
Reported to NHTSA
2004-04-09
Owners notified
2004-06-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V097000

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire

Component
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
8,315
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-17
Owners notified
2003-06-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V145000

Air bags: side/window

Component
Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
43,162
Reported to NHTSA
2002-05-24
Owners notified
2002-07-08

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE TO SOME LATERAL ACCELERATIONS THAT ARE NOT CAUSED BY SIDE IMPACTS TO THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS FORCEFULLY SLAMMING A DOOR CLOSED.

Safety risk

INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF A SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WHEN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH HAS NOT OCCURRED COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2002. 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Structure: frame and members53100,000 mi
Suspension51130,000 mi
Air bags2382,000 mi
Steering19122,000 mi
Electrical system1774,000 mi
Structure: body1494,724 mi
Air bags: frontal1335,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1385,000 mi
Air bags: side/window1231,000 mi
Unknown or other12148,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields10156,000 mi
Wheels8104,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic716,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch623,458 mi
Vehicle speed control680,000 mi
Engine5135,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling555,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system5130,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission569,364 mi
Service brakes595,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor513,624 mi
Structure5120,000 mi
Structure: body: door515,000 mi
Suspension: front5150,000 mi
Tires538,750 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module451,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4150,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine311,650 mi
Latches/locks/linkages365,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3—
Suspension: rear335,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt3—
Wheels: hub325 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel288,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system277,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline2—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys243,000 mi
Power train2156,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly21,911 mi
Power train: manual transmission263,079 mi
Seat belts: rear/other245,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections236,237 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm282,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing242,000 mi
Tires: valve234,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module114,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert1—
Child seat1—
Child seat: latch connector/clip1—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module1—
Electrical system: ignition: module1—
Electrical system: ignition: switch157,500 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Electronic stability control (ESC)1135,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly130,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system111,650 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Equipment1—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Exterior lighting1197,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights162,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery191,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump147,560 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1—
Lane departure: assist1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Seat belts1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices151,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages15,918 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump188,850 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly155,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1—
Suspension: front: control arm1117,049 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm1123,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1—
Suspension: subframe/mounting bracket1145,000 mi
Traction control system164,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages135,000 mi
Visibility/wiper179,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—

The 2001 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2003 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.