2002 Hyundai Sonata

Above average

Owners filed 319 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › frame and members. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

225 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles; the median is 89,727 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members51
011
Suspension39
202
Air Bags20
706
Structure › Body13
004
Electrical System12
020
Air Bags › Side/Window12
407
Fuel System, Gasoline11
000
Air Bags › Frontal10
706
Unknown or Other9
006
Steering8
101

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch09V317000
Filed Aug 7, 200982 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico

Defect. 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.

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

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch09V171000
Filed May 21, 200991,350 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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

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.

Suspension09V124000
Filed Apr 16, 2009188,282 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage04V369000
Filed Jul 26, 2004919 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico

Defect. 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.

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

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly04V178000
Filed Apr 9, 2004263,968 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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

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.

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire03V097000
Filed Mar 17, 20038,315 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

Air Bags › Side/Window02V145000
Filed May 24, 200243,162 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025FL

I purchased a 2002 Hyundai Sonata from a private seller who represented the car had about 40,000–45,000 miles. However, diagnostics from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed 278,000 miles, and Hyundai’s system confirmed over 302,000 miles. The title is marked “mileage exempt,” and the seller is not the same person listed on the title, suggesting title jumping. I have repair invoices, diagnostic records, and screenshots of the original advertisement. I believe this constitutes odometer tampering and misrepresentation.

Suspension
Filed Aug 20, 202586,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at a slow speed, the sub frame snapped and fractured the axle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part had been discontinued. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2024204,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing for a right turn, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact was in the middle of the turn when the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the engine was still running, but the vehicle was not responding as needed. The contact turned off the vehicle and observed that the passenger’s side control arm had detached and fallen onto the street. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the entire front end was extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

Suspension › Subframe/Mounting Bracket
Filed Sep 12, 2022145,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and made abnormal sounds. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 2021KY

Made right hand turn passenger wheel cocked dead stop. When checked out was told sub frame rust apart on passenger side.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 2021148,000 milesGA

YOU DID A RECALL A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO ON THE CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEELING OFF AND BEING HAZARDOUS. NOW THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THE CHROME ON THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE. IT IS VERY SHARP AND HAS MADE MINOR CUTS TO THE RIGHT HAND WHILE SHIFTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AS THE CHROME KEEPS PEELING OFF A LITTLE AT A TIME.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 18, 202077,000 milesCA

ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020 AFTER SHOPPING IN FOOD STORE, STARTING THE CAT AND COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND DRIVING THE CAR FORWARD, I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. STOP & OPEN THE FRONT HOOD AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND STARTED TO BURN. SOMEBODY HELPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOOD AND MY DAILY DRIVER BEFORE THE INCIDENT.

Suspension
Filed Oct 20, 2020179,000 milesOK

REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED AWAY AND TRAILING ARMS BOTH FELL OFF. WAS TRAVELING AND WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN THE RIGHT TRAILING ARM BROKE OFF AND INSTANTLY MADE THE CAR ALMOST SWERVE OFF THE ROAD. I CONTINUED HOME A BLOCK FURTHER AND LOOKED TO SEE THE DAMAGE. RIGHT SIDE TRAILING ARM COMPLETELY DETACHED AND THE LEFT SIDE BARELY HANGING ON. SENT TO HYUNDAI TO HAVE LOOKED AT AND GIVEN A QUOTE. NOTHING YET...

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 18, 2020200,000 milesWA

MY ROOMMATE GOT INTO A T BONE TYPE ACCIDENT SHE WAS GOING AT LEAST 25MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT IT HIT HARD ENOUGH TO RIP THE CORE SUPPORT OFF, WE HAVE PICTURES. SHE DID NOT TAKE THE AMBULANCE BUT SHE'S WILL PROBABLY GO TO THE ER LATER

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2019155,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FAILED AND DAMAGED THE WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TOWED TO MALLOY HYUNDAI (1880 OPITZ BLVD, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191, (703) 490-8170) FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 13, 2018171,000 milesCA

GAS TANK WILL NOT NORMALLY ACCEPT GAS AND CLICKS OFF EVERY 5 CENTS WORTH THAT IS PUMPED. AFTER 3 GALLONS AND 15 MINUTES LATER, THE TANK SPITS OUT THE GAS. THIS PROBLEM IS SO CHRONIC THE ATTENDANTS AT COSTCO GAS TOLD ME MANY SONATAS HAVE THIS ISSUE. RECALL OR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?

Suspension
Filed Sep 22, 2018111,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED THIS 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA AND HAD IT INSPECTED IN PENNSYLVANIA, THE VEHICLE FAILS DUE TO ROTTED/RUSTED OUT FRONT SUBFRAME, THIS COMPONENT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 09V124000, MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 089 HOWEVER HYUNDAI SAID IT WAS INSPECTED AND RECALL WAS CLOSED.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 1, 2018155,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE FELL THROUGH THE CRADLE ASSEMBLY AND CRUSHED THE AXLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOT OF SQUEAKING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING TURNS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jul 9, 2018127,028 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE AND THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED LANCASTER HYUNDAI AT (866) 528-2534 (LOCATED AT 5260 MAIN ST, EAST PETERSBURG, PA 17520) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,028.

Structure › Body
Filed May 25, 201840,000 milesFL

PAINT IS FLAKING OFF OF ALL THE DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2001 SONATA GOLD COLOR. WHEN IT WAS ONLY HAPPENING ON ONE DOOR, MY DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT THERE PROBLEM. NOW THAT IT IS HAPPENING ON ALL OF THEM, IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT IT IS A DEFECT. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND COULD THEY GET IT RESOLVED?

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 9, 201894,724 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION OCCURRED ON THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE RUST WENT THROUGH THE FRONT SUBFRAME, CAUSING IT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY CHECKERED FLAG HYUNDAI (3033 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23452, (757) 687-3462) FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER HAD TO DISASSEMBLE THE VEHICLE. OTHER PARTS WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED PARTS AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY SERVICE THE RECALL, WHICH WAS COMPLETED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V317000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TWO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE PARTS WERE DAMAGED FROM THE COMPLETION OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DAMAGED PARTS, STATING THAT THE DEALER PROVIDED THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE PARTS THAT WERE DAMAGED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,724.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 22, 201779,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THE SUN VISOR INADVERTENTLY FELL AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VIEW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR FAILED TO STAY UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BLAISE ALEXANDER HYUNDAI (1703 W COLLEGE AVE, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801, (814) 234-2886) COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE SUN VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 201755 milesLA

I HAVE A HYUNDAI SONATA. ITS 2002 WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME IT GAVE ME TROUBLE, IT WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. THE MECHANIC CHANGED MY CALIBER ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR AND REPLACED MY HOSES. NEXT MONTH SAME SOUND STARTED AGAIN. MY MECHANIC CHANGED THE OTHER CALIBER. SIX MONTHS LATER. I STARTED HEARING THAT SAME SOUND AND THE BRAKES STARTED LOCKING. THE MECHANIC DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. TWO WEEKS LATER, I LOST MY BRAKES WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP WITHOUT ANY INCIDENTS. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC.I WAS TOLD I DAMAGED THE MASTER CYLINDER. HE PUT ALL NEW PARTS IN MY CAR (BRAKE SHOES,PADS, CALIBERS, MASTER CYLINDER, ETC.) AND TESTED IT. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING ON I-10, IT STARTED LOCKING UP AGAIN. IT HAS BAFFLED MY MECHANIC. MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1500.00 ON REPAIRS OF THESE BRAKES,NOT TO MENTION THE RENTAL FEES OF CARS FOR TRANSPORTATION. THERE MUST BE AN ANSWER TO WHAT IS CAUSING MY BRAKES TO NO FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 17, 2017165,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION, AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO GROSSINGER HYUNDAI OF PALATINE (221 E LAKE COOK RD, PALATINE, IL 60074 (847) 348-6700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED, NEEDED REPLACEMENT, AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 5, 2017OH

RECALL #089 FROM 2009 / FAIRFIELD SUPERIOR HYUNDAI REPORTED THAT THE OWNER HAD THIS "SUB-FRAME" CORROSION TAKEN CARE OF AND IT WAS NOT - OWNER DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL AT CURRENT ADDRESS SINCE 2004- OWNER (ME) WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER CERTIFIED MECHANIC BEFORE MAJOR BRAKE WORK WAS PERFORMED -

20 of 319 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202516000Routine
202446100Routine
202386200Routine
202292300Routine
2021131400Routine
2020178410Routine
2019161060Routine
20183721131Fatalities reported
20177633111Fatalities reported
20167256281Fatalities reported
20151,1449482Do not drive
20147457400High concern
20131,9099971Fatalities reported
20121,5568951Fatalities reported
20113,376141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002 — this page319740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.