Page 3 of 7 · complaints 101–150 of 320

2002 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 15, 201171,000 milesTN

I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA TO KROGER GAS STATION TO FILL UP MY TANK THAT WAS ON 1/4 FULL. HOWEVER, WHEN I GOT THERE AND STARTED TO PUMP MY GAS IT STARTED OUT BY ONLY PUMPING OUT $0.05 OF GAS BEFORE THE PUMP CLICKED OFF. THEN IT ONLY WAS PUMPING $0.03 OF GAS BEFORE IT CLICKED OFF. I TRIED TO GINGERLY SQUEEZE THE HANDLE TO MAKE IT PRETTY MUCH DRIP OUT, BUT THAT WAS NOT WORKING EITHER BECAUSE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. I ENDED UP GOING TO A BP GAS STATION BC I THOUGHT MAYBE IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE KROGER PUMP, BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I ENDED UP PUMPING $16 OF GAS WHICH TOOK ME ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO DO! I HAVE 71,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND JUST STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM 2 DAYS AGO. GAS WILL NOT PUMP MORE THEN A FEW CENTS BEFORE IT SHUTS OFF AND I AM WORRIED THAT I WILL RUN OUT OF GAS AS WELL BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO FILL IT UP EITHER IF PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEM WITH GAS SPEWING OUT. *TR

Structure › Frame and MembersFire
Filed Mar 5, 2011148,423 milesOH

CORROSION OF SUBFRAME, CAUSING IT TO BREAK AND THEN CATCH FIRE TO THE CAR UNDER THE HOOD, DESTROYING WIRING AND HOSES. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 28, 201181,000 milesPA

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT TEH SUB-FRAME HAD CORRODED AND WOULD NOT PASS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT WERE CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 81,000. TB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2011NJ

MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING NOW. UPDATED 03/10/11 *BF

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 22, 2011AZ

PROBLEM FILLING GAS TO THE GAS TANK. IT SHUTS OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I PUT GAS. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Feb 18, 2011125,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V145000; AIR BAGS: SIDE/WINDOW WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE WHICH DOESNT INCLUDE HIS VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THEY HAD TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE CONSTANTLY. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Structure
Filed Dec 2, 2010PA

MY CAR MADE A LOUD THUD WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THEN I HEARD MY TIRE RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME STEERING AND CALLED MY LOCAL GARAGE. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW THE SPECS ON THE RECALL AND CALLED MY COMPLAINT INTO HYUNDAI. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE IT SITS AWAITING REPAIR. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 23, 201080,000 milesOH

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 15, 2010150,000 milesVA

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 12, 2010122,050 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS POINTING OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 122,050.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 27, 2010242,000 milesNJ

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.

Structure
Filed Sep 25, 2010242,000 milesNJ

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

Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 2010SC

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 9, 2010100,143 milesMA

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

Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 201079,000 milesFL

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

Traction Control System
Filed Aug 18, 201064,000 miles00

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

Suspension
Filed Jul 21, 201098,000 milesFL

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

Tires
Filed Jul 16, 2010IL

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

Structure1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2010103,000 milesCA

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, CHROME ON THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB PEELS OFF LEAVING A SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSES LACERATIONS. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2010GA

WAS IN ACCIDENT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 5, 201070,000 milesGA

WAS IN ACCIDENT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 11, 201095,000 milesMA

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.

Structure › Frame and Members1 injured
Filed Apr 26, 2010185,000 milesOH

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

Suspension
Filed Apr 21, 2010IN

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. HAVING PROBLEM PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE PRESSURE VALVE WAS NOT OPENING CORRECTLY WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED. ALSO, LAST FALL THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS LEANING IN AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD, BUT WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, HE WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.*JB

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Mar 30, 20101,911 milesAZ

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING FM OWNER OF A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CONCERNED RE DEFECTED CLUTCH, HAS HAD SEVERAL CLUTCH REPAIRS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED SIX TIMES. THE CONSUMER STATED EACH TIME THE CLUTCH HAD TO BE REPLACED, THEY FOUND A DIFFERENT DEFECT; SUCH AS EXCESSIVE PLAY AND SLIPPAGE. *JB

Steering
Filed Mar 23, 2010105,225 milesMO

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 5, 2010OH

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 25, 201069,364 milesCA

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 WEE

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 29, 2010142,816 milesNC

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

SuspensionCrash
Filed Jan 20, 201091,590 milesCT

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 FI

Suspension
Filed Jan 11, 201073,000 milesFL

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

Suspension
Filed Jan 6, 2010130,000 milesMA

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

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch1 injured
Filed Jan 4, 2010MS

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

Suspension
Filed Dec 22, 2009141,000 milesVA

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

Suspension
Filed Dec 17, 200935,000 milesNY

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 17, 2009OH

I HAVE AN 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. MY COMPLETE SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT A FEW YEARS AGO. THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 OR 4 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME. THE COMPLETE SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED ON A HUSH HUSH BASES. I HAVE THE PICS TO PROVE IT. NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI OR KIA NEVER. MY GOD MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. BUT WHAT DO THEY CARE IT'S NOT THEIR FAMILY. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Nov 2, 2009117,049 milesOH

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

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Nov 2, 2009FL

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 12, 200990,200 milesMA

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 6, 200963,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDER THE FRAME OF HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY OTHER VEHICLES WITH RUST UNDER THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WELDED THE RUSTED FRAME ONTO TO THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT SINCE HE DID SUCH A GOOD JOB WELDING THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK ON IT. THEY ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER FOR A GUARANTEE IN WRITING THAT THE FRAME WOULD NOT BREAK AGAIN. HE ALSO ASKED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THE VIN IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 28, 2009VA

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

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 25, 200988,000 milesMO

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

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 21, 200953,979 milesNJ

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

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Sep 16, 2009OR

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.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 13, 2009MA

EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR ON HALLOWEEN 2007, MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I WOULD PUT THE WIPERS ON AND MY RADIO WOULD TURN ON. MY ALARM RANDOMLY GOES OFF AND I CAN'T DISCONNECT IT BECAUSE IT IS TIED IN WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER FOR THE VEHICLE ( I WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC). THE DOORS USED TO LOCK BY THEMSELVES, NOW THEY JUST DON'T WORK ALTOGETHER. THE RADIO CUTS OUT AND RANDOMLY TRIES TO PLAY A CD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ONE IN IT. FROM THE TIME I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE BACKLIGHT ON THE RADIO NEVER WORKED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, IT ALL OF A SUDDEN BEGAN WORKING AND WORKS TO THIS DAY. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM FOR THESE REASONS AMONG OTHERS, AND HE REFUSED TO FIX THEM BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 1, 2009111,789 milesFL

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

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 30, 2009140,000 milesFL

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

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 26, 200925,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CHROME HANDLES EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CRACKS, PEELING AND SHARP EDGES AS A RESULT OF CONTINUOUS USE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES;DOORS;LATCH). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED. THE OTHER TWO DOOR HANDLES WERE NOT DEFECTIVE AND THE TECHNICIAN AFFIXED CHROME TAPE ON THE HANDLES, POSSIBLY TO AVOID THE CONSEQUENCE. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED WITH THE TAPE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 9/23/09 *CN UPDATED 09/28/09.*JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages1 injured
Filed Aug 18, 200965,000 milesME

THE DOOR HANDLE ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CUT MY HAND WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ONCE WHEN I PUT MY ARM UP ON IT WHILE DRIVING. I EVENTUALLY FILED DOWN THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CHROME TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. I REALIZE THAT THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 13, 2009144,000 milesFL

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.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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