2003 Hyundai Sonata

Routine

Owners filed 199 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Hyundai Sonata years to avoid. Which Hyundai Sonata years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,505 milesMedian miles at failure

148 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Hyundai Sonata problems

39 of the 199 complaints (20%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags30
708
Electrical System13
000
Suspension12
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame9
0011
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system8
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system8
010
Structure › Body · body and frame7
006
Structure · body and frame7
001
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission7
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags7
608

6 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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Jun 11, 2026170,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at Valvoline for a service appointment, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the subframe assembly and additional unknown parts were not included in the recall repair. In addition, the contact was informed that the recall could not be performed because other repairs were needed prior to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 202558,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the suspension. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that due to the severe corrosion, the recall repair could not be performed. The mechanic at the dealer described the vehicle as being unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 2025CA

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09V124000 NHTSA Action Number: EA08016 Recall calls for repair or replacement of front sub-frame, due to corrosion. Local dealer responded, “ . . . we will not be able to perform recall”. I was told the corrosion was too far gone to repair. They refuse to replace the defective part.

Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 2024NJ

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that the front subframe was severely corroded. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced; however, the repair could not be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) because the parts had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Structure
Filed Jul 18, 202369,425 milesMD

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,425. The contact stated that no assistance has been offered from the dealership from which the vehicle was purchased from.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2021UT

Airbag light came on and stays on. Pulled a code that pointed to the wiring in the passenger seat. Moved wiring around and made sure connectors were properly plugged and the light went away for maybe a week. Light is back on again. Removed seat bolts to gain better access, used tubing and electrical tape to straighten any kinked wiring I could find underneath passenger front seat, disconnected and reconnected connections. Airbag light blinked once and still remains on with the code still pointing to the passenger seat wiring. Apparently this issue has been reported many times in online forums with no meaningful response from the company though this clearly affects proper airbag deployment.

Engine
Filed Feb 17, 202145,922 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,922. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 5, 2020150,000 milesPA

YOU CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK PASS HALF WITH OUT THE SMELL FILLING THE CAR .THE BACK SUSPENSION WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 TALES FROM SIDE TO SIDE .THE CAR WAS ON THE HIGHWAY .

Suspension
Filed May 20, 2020184,077 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS CORROSION TO THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SWAY BAR LINKAGE AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,077.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 2019109,500 milesFL

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. WHEN RESET THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2019103,500 milesVA

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BUT THEY HAVE NOT DEPLOYED & NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, WIRING, ETC. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE ABS LIGHT ON, AS YOU WELL KNOW.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 1, 2018117,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2018136,000 milesUT

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, MEANING THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THEY WILL NOT DEPLOY. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. THIS IS APPARENTLY DUE TO WIRING UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT STRETCHING AND PINCHING FROM MOVING THE SEAT ITSELF AND WHEN THINGS ARE PLACED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT THAT MAY DISTURB THE WIRING. I KNOW IT IS THE WIRING UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO CHECKING THE TROUBLE CODE AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE ISSUE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS BY GINGERLY MOVING THE WIRES UNTIL THE LIGHT WENT AWAY. NOW I CAN'T GET THE LIGHT TO GO AWAY NO MATTER WHAT METHODS I TRY. CAN'T FIND A REPLACEMENT SET OF WIRES NOR CAN I LOCATE WHICH WIRE SPECIFICALLY IS BEING AFFECTED TO TRY TO FIX THE ISSUE MYSELF. I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF PEOPLE MAKING THIS SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. THIS NEEDS A RECALL SINCE THIS CAN EASILY LEAD TO DEATH SINCE THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY TO ATTEMPT SAVING METHODS TO PASSENGERS. LIGHT WAS ON FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG AND HAS BEEN ON FOR ME FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW.

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Mar 27, 2018180,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *TT *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 2017139,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POTAMKIN HYUNDAI (6200 NW 167TH ST, MIAMI LAKES, FL 33014, PHONE: (305) 728-5030), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 27, 20171,100,000 milesNY

THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS DURING BRAKING WITH A CLUNK. THE BRAKES ARE WEAK AT THAT POINT BUT RECOVER. I REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS A LOT. MY WIFE WON'T DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE.

Suspension
Filed Jun 24, 2017232,751 milesKY

6-22-17 MY DAUGHTER WAS RETURN TO WORK IN HER 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, AS SHE WAS LEAVING AN ADJACENT PARKING LOT TO WHERE SHE PARKED, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL POPPED LOUDLY, THE CAR LOST POWER SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT A RELATIVE LOW SPEED. THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE SO I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. 6-24-17 I BEGIN TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED, I JACKED THE RT FRT END OFF THE GROUND AND BLOCKED IT UP. I FOUND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS SOMEWHAT LOOSE. IT WAS BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE RT SIDE SUBFRAME. I CAME IN THE HOUSE AND RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SONATA'S FROM 1999-2004 CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V12400, I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE 6-24-17 AROUND 12:30PM. I GAVE THE CAR INFO TO THE LADY AND SHE SAID ONLY AN A-C RECALL WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE CAR. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL AND GAVE THE NUMBER, SHE SAID NOT FOR MY CAR AND THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD OFFER. WHEN THE CONTROL ARM BROKE LOOSE FROM SUBFRAME IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO PULL OUT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL AND THAT WAS WHY IT LOST POWER. I ALSO FOUND THAT THE SUBFRAME IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH AND WEAK.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 2017MA

THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE AIR BAG IS ON AND DOESN'T GO AWAY. I HAD IT CHECK AND THERE IS NO CODE FOR IT SO THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSE THAT. I NEED A ANSWER BECAUSE I NEED TO HAVE INSPECT AND IS NOT GOING TO PASS.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 29, 2016139,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 24, 2016KY

SUBFRAME RUSTING SO MUCH THAT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WON'T LET ME TAKE IT OUT.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 19, 201687,560 milesNE

2003 HYUNDAI SONATA AFFECTED BY PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTING IN THINNING, RUSTING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION/RUST IS VISIBLE AND DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION & ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND ALSO HEAR NOISES & NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL.THESE SIGNALS ARE DETECTING THE CORROSION PROGRESSING AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHING FROM THE SUB-FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN NEBRASKA, AND HAS REMAINED IN NEBRASKA ITS ENTIRE LIFE. NEBRASKA USES SALT ON ITS ROADS IN THE SAME CAPACITY AS IOWA AND OTHER "SALT STATES". SUCH CARS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN CONSIDERING THE LACK OF SAFETY AND DANGERS INVOLVED WHEN THE SUBFRAME DETERIATES DUE TO DEFECTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SAID CAR. HYUNDAI SHOULD HONOR AND EXTEND THE RECALL OF SAID CAR IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA BECAUSE THE DEFECT IN THE SUBFRAME HAS BEEN AFFECTED IDENTICALLY AS IN OTHER "SALT STATES".

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2016144,967 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED AND THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,967.

Unknown or Other4 injured
Filed Apr 13, 2016100,000 milesNJ

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 21, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V171000 COMPONENT(S): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES SIMILAR ISSUE IS HAPPENING IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLE. A CHILD IN MY BACK SEAT JUST SLICED THEIR HAND WITH A 2" INCH CUT AND WE HAD 3 OTHERS SLICE THEIR HAND ON THE FRONT DOOR HANDLE (WE TAPED THIS) BUT WAS NOT AWARE OF BACK SEAT NOR RECALL TILL TODAY. VERY CONCERNED AS TO SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN BACK SEAT. I ONLY REALIZED THIS HAPPENED TO ALL DOOR HANDLES AND THEIR HAD EVEN BEEN A RECALL AS THE PARENT OF THE INJURED CHILD SAID THEIR CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. I CALLED HYUNDAI 4/13/2016 TO DISCUSS AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. ALL CHROME IS PEELING FROM TOP OF HANDLE AT THE SEAM ON ALL 4 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES.

Structure › Body6 injured
Filed Apr 12, 2016120,000 milesOH

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. CONSEQUENCE: THIS MAY INFLICT LACERATION INJURIES TO ANYONE USING THE DOOR HANDLE. BASICALLY WHEN YOU GO TO USE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES THE PEELING CHROME IS SHARP AND CUTS YOUR FINGERS. HYUNDAI RECALL #93 ENDED IN MARCH 2003, MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2003. THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO THE MODELS IN RECALL #93.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 7, 2016128,270 milesPA

MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RECALL IN WHICH THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE PEELING AND THE TOP EDGE BECOMES SHARP - I TAPED OVER THE TOP SO I WOULDN'T CUT MY HANDS IN THE MEANTIME: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 09V171000 / HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 093. I BROUGHT IT FOR SERVICE AT MOTORWORLD HYUNDAI IN WILKES BARRE, PA AND THEY VERIFIED ALL DOOR HANDLES WERE PEELING. THE INITIAL RECALL REPAIR FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS PERFORMED ON 11/11/2009, BUT CLEARLY THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS IT RECURRED. MOTORWORLD TOLD ME THEY HAD TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CORPORATE FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE REPAIR. I WAS CALLED BACK AND TOLD THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR PARTS BUT NOT LABOR. THIS SURPRISED ME, AS A SAFETY RECALL IS SUPPOSED TO BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE 4 TIMES, ON 1/20, 1/27, 2/10, AND 2/18 OF 2016 AND EACH TIME I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK, WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. I THEN CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY FOR ADVICE AND THEY TOLD ME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD BE PAYING THE ENTIRETY OF THE COSTS FOR ALL SAFETY RECALLS. I CALLED AGAIN ON 3/7 AND STATED THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I CAN'T PROCEED WITH THE ATTORNEY SINCE THAT WOULD COST ME MONEY I DO NOT HAVE. WHAT CAN I DO? IT HAS BEEN 47 DAYS SINCE I FIRST BROUGHT THIS SAFETY RECALL PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF HYUNDAI AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO ASSIST ME IN ANY CAPACITY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 2, 2016106,111 milesIL

TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE, FRONT BRAKES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT... WAS TOLD TECH WOULDN'T TOUCH EVAP CANISTER OR PURGE VALVE BECAUSE FUEL LINES WERE TOO CORRODED IN THE VICINITY OF THE NEEDED REPAIR THAT THEY MAY FRACTURE... THIS CAR IS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD... COINCIDENTLY MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HAD A 2004 HYUNDAI XG350L IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THEY WERE LEAKING AND SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE D/T THE COST OF REPAIRS... I TOO AM NOW FACED WITH REPLACING MY VEHICLE D/T HIGH REPAIR COSTS... I HAVE DRIVEN MANY AUTOMOBILES, OF NOTE A 1967 VW BEETLE (DURING THE YEARS 1997 THRU 2002) IN CHICAGO WITH THE SNOW AND SALT AND NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH CORROSION OF ANY LINES AND I DID ALL THE WORK ON THAT CAR! IT WAS CLEAN... WHAT MATERIALS IS HYUNDAI USING FOR IT'S FUEL LINES AND FUEL TANKS THAT THEY ARE CORRODING/RUSTING OUT... MY CAR, THE 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS 100% GARAGE KEPT!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 3, 201580,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE SPILLED OUT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY VALVE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 21, 2015NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED, THE INSPECTOR OBSERVED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed May 22, 201595,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR INTERIOR DOOR CHROME HANDLES EXHIBITED EXTREMELY SHARP EDGES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A TWO INCH LACERATION TO BOTH FINGERS ON THE LEFT HAND. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER UPPER DOOR HANDLES CAUSED THE INJURIES. THE CONTACT APPLIED TAPE TO THE FOUR DOOR HANDLES TO AVOID ADDITIONAL INJURIES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 20, 201554,500 milesNV

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON

Suspension
Filed Apr 14, 2015160,500 milesPA

03 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS (V6). DRIVING 55MPH HIT POTHOLE AND LOST STEERING. PULLED OVER, REMOVED RF WHEEL TO DISCOVER CONTROL ARM BOLTS RIPPED OUT OF THE SUBFRAME FROM RUST. HEARD ABOUT RECALL AND INVESTIGATED. CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL IN 2010 PASSED THEN AT DEALER IN MARLTON, NJ. WAITING FOR CALL BACK FROM DIFFERENT DEALER TO FIND OUT THE PROCEDURE TO FILE A CLAIM. DEALERS IN SE PA ARE NOT CUSTOMER ORIENTED SO MAKING COMPLAINT HERE TO DOCUMENT INCIDENT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 201514,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 25, 2015187,000 milesKY

WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS PROPERLY DEPLOYED IT ONLY FELL OUT OF THE SEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND IT DEPLOYED FLAT NO AIR IN IT OR NOTHING. MY FIANCEE WAS INJURED AS WELL AS MYSELF AND WE ARE CURRENTLY BEING TREATED FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED BY THE ACCIDENT... *JS

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 10, 2015FL

HYUNDAI HAS A RECALL, #73999, EFFECTIVE 4/9/2004, FOR DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES WHERE THE COVERING PEELS/SPLINTERS OFF LEAVING THE OCCUPANTS SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE LACERATIONS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS OCCURRING ALTHOUGH WE WERE UNAWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL RECENTLY.THE HYUNDAI SUPPORT LINE 1-800-633-5151 TELLS US NO SUCH RECALL IS APPLICABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. WE GIFTED THIS CAR TO MY SENIOR MOTHER-IN-LAW ([XXX]). ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LICENSED /TITLED/REGISTERED IN HER NAME IT IS STILL LISTED UNDER OUR NAME W/HYUNDAI. THE SURFACE OF THE HANDLES IS AS SHARP AS RAZOR BLADES. WE'D LIKE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED BEFORE SHE HURTS HERSELF. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 22, 201480,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 19, 201465,505 milesFL

TWO DAYS AFTER MY GRANDMOTHER PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN IT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND AS A RESULT, SHE BROKE HER BREAST BONE AND AS OF TODAY, IS STILL HOSPITALIZED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2014MI

NO ACCIDENT, DEALER SAYS RECALL#09V124000 IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO ORIGINAL OWNER AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT,,,SOUNDS WRONG ?????? *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 24, 2014162,000 milesSC

IN 2005, I PURCHASED A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE FUEL VALVE THAT THE COMPANY HAD TO RE-INSTALL. THIS RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT ON MY CARFAX REPORT. LATER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD A RECALL ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES THAT PEELED AND CUT HANDS. THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO WRAP MY HANDLES WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE; AFTER MY OBJECTION, THEY INSTALLED THE SAME RECALLED HANDLES. I'VE HAD MY INTERIOR HANDLES REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DIDN'T MAKE THE HANDLES OUT OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL AND CHOOSES TO REINSTALL THE SAME RECALLED HANDLE. ON NOVEMBER 22ND, I WENT TO CAPITOL HYUNDAI TO HAVE THEM REPLACE THE RECALLED FUEL VALVE, AND INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. A SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT ONCE THE COMPANY REPLACES ANY RECALLED ITEMS THE FIRST TIME, IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR THEM IF THEY FAIL AGAIN. SURELY, THIS CANNOT BE CORRECT! RECALLS DO NOT EXPIRE AND AS LONG AS THE OWNER HAS THE VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER/DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF THEIR MATERIALS ARE CONTINUOUSLY FAILING TO MEET SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. WHAT ARE FOLKS MAKING PAYMENTS OR CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE NOW SUPPOSED TO DO? DRIVE AROUND IN A DANGEROUS VEHICLE? BE IT 1 TIME OR 1 MILLION TIMES, I WANT CAPITOL HYUNDAI TO INDEFINITELY HONOR THEIR RECALLS--AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 22, 201440,000 milesCA

BELT GETS STUCK, JAMMED, DOUBLED OVER JAMMED, IN BELT GUIDE ATTACHED TO CAR (PILLAR) ABOVE SHOULDER. BELT CAN NOT RETRACT TO SNUG POSITION. THIS DEFEATS PURPOSE OF HAVING SEAT BELT. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. IT IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO UNRAVEL TO GET BELT TO WORK PROPERLY. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND SHE HAS STOPPED TELLING ME ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND DRIVES AROUND WITH BELT IN JAMMED POSITION. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 201452,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 13, 2014FL

I WAS INFORMED THIS VEHICLE HAS A ONE-WAY SAFETY VALVE IN THE FUEL FILLER NECK THAT WHEN WORKING PROPERLY WILL PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING SHOULD THERE BE A ROLL OVER. THIS VALVE MUST BE STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION SINCE IF CAUSES A SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTION WHEN FUELING THE CAR. WHEN FUELING THE CAR, FUEL DOES NOT FLOW PROPERLY AND ONLY ACCEPTS HALF GALLON AT A TIME BEFORE THE FUEL HANDLE SHUTS OFF. THEN I MUST WAIT FOR THE GAS IN THE FILLER NECK TO DROP BEFORE I CAN CONTINUE TO FUEL VEHICLE AND THEN CONTINUALLY REPEAT THIS PROCESS. THOUGH VERY TIME CONSUMING TO FILL IT UP, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE VALVE DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST OVER $600 TO REPLACE THIS VALVE AND I WOULD THINK IT SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAS NO CONTROL THAT WOULD INFLUENCE THE VALVE'S PROPER FUNCTIONALITY. *TR

Structure › Body › Door1 injured
Filed Oct 2, 2014105,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME COVERING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS CORRODED AND CRACKED, WHICH CREATED SHARP EDGES ON THE HANDLE. WHEN USING THE DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SCRATCHES AND SMALL LACERATIONS DUE TO THE SHARP EDGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V317000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2014142,000 milesMD

MY NEIGHBORS INFORMED ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STUCK ON. ONE OF THEM RESEARCHED AND READ THAT IT MAY BE THE M48 STOP LAMP SWITCH. WE FOUND THE PLASTIC BACKING PORTION FROM THE CONTACT PLATE THAT PUSHES THE SWITCH IN. IT WAS BROKEN IN PIECES AND LAYING ON THE FLOOR MAT BELOW THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE REPLACED IT WITH SOMETHING THAT IS TEMPORARILY DOING THE JOB. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALER NEXT WEEK TO HAVE THIS FIXED. THEY WILL ALSO BE REPLACING MY GAS TANK THAT GOT PUNCTURED WHILE THEY WERE REPLACING THE VALVE-CANISTER CL, CANISTER ASSY., AND VALVE-PURGE CONTR. BACK IN FEB. 2014 WHEN I COULD NOT EASILY GET FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE FUEL ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS WELL FROM ALL OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET SEARCHING FOR RESOLUTIONS TO THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR HYUNDAI'S. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 29, 2014138,000 milesMD

I WAS HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY GETTING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN ANNAPOLIS, MD. THEY REPLACED THE VALVE-CANISTER CL, CANISTER ASSY., AND VALVE-PURGE CONTR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE ISSUE HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I TOOK IT BACK AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT OTHER PARTS THEY MAY HAVE REPLACED BECAUSE I NEVER AGAIN RECEIVED ANY PAPER WORK. WHEN I PICKED IT UP AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO PUT GAS IN IT, BUT IT WAS LEAKING FUEL ALL OVER THE ROAD AFTERWARDS. THEY HAD PUNCTURED A HOLE IN MY GAS TANK WHILE WORKING ON IT. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY A MONTH & FOUR TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS ALL RESOLVED. AND THEN ON AUG. 4, 2014 I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP & FUEL STARTED LEAKING IN THE DRIVEWAY AGAIN. WHATEVER THEY PATCHED THE HOLE IN THE GAS TANK WITH INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT, HAD BLOWN. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ON AUG. 5, 2014. WHEN THE NEW SERV. MNGR. FINALLY AGREED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE ON AUG. 12, 2014, HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS IN FACT THEIR FAULT & THAT HE WOULD ORDER A NEW GAS TANK & IT WOULD ARRIVE IN 3-5 BUSINESS. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE PARTS THAT I HAD ALREADY PAID FOR BACK IN FEB. I TOLD HIM THEY ALREADY REPLACED THEM & HE SIMPLY SAID OK & SCRATCHED THEM OFF THE ESTIMATE OF WHICH HE WILL NOT PROVIDE ME A COPY OF. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAS TANK. I EMAILED THE SERV. MNGR. & COPIED THE CEO YESTERDAY HOPING THIS MIGHT INCITE A RESPONSE. THE ASSIST. SERV. MNGR. EMAILED M

Structure
Filed Aug 4, 2014131,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WHEELS APPEARED TO BE ANGLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Wheels
Filed Aug 2, 2014IL

PASSENGER SIDE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH. DRIVER SIDE IS FINE. RECALL # 089. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jul 30, 2014150,000 milesNJ

VERY HEAVY RUST ON RIGHT SIDE ,THE SUB FRAME GAVE WAY AND RIPPED THE CV AXLE OUT OF ITS HOUSING. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 7, 2014OH

CAR QUITS RUNNING WHEN I PUT FUEL IN IT, I HAVE TRIED CHANGING FUEL PUMP ,FILTER NOTHING WORKS WAS GOIN DOWN THE FREEWAY CAR DIES FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAME SO CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WAS IN FAST MOVING LANE. SO I PULLED OVER AND TOOK AROUND 10 MIN, FINALLY STARTED. STOP ATGAS STATION TO FILL UP WITH GAS HAD TO SET FOR 30 MIN BEFORE MY CAR WOULD START , I NEED TO NO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT . *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 201424,718 milesCO

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED EIGHT (8) TIMES SINCE JANUARY 2005 WHEN VEHICLE HAD ONLY 24,718 MILES. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAULT AND HAS SIMPLY CHECKED THE SYSTEM AND CONNECTIONS AND RESET THE WARNING LIGHT OTHER THAN A ONE-TIME UNDER SEAT HARNESS REPLACEMENT (>$1000 UNDER WARRANTY) WITHOUT RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. MOST OCCURRENCES HAPPENED DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD BUT THE FAULT STILL OCCURS 1-2 TIMES A YEAR. THIS IS A COMMON MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT ACCORDING TO INTERNET POSTS AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHICH NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT NOT ONLY CAUSES A SAFETY OF USE ISSUE WHEN THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, IT COSTS THE VEHICLE OWNER AN EXPENSIVE SERVICE CHARGE TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED (TO NO AVAIL FOR THIS COMPLAINANT) AND THE LIGHT RESET. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed May 4, 201455,000 milesCO

CHROME ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEELS AND CREATES LACERATION HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL TO REPLACE AFFECTED HANDLES BECAUSE OF A STATED LACERATION HAZARD. THE DEALER REPLACED HANDLES UNDER THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT HANDLES ARE NOT AN IMPROVED PRODUCT AND THE CHROME PEELS LIKE THE ORIGINALS. THE DEALER ONLY ALLOWS ONE REPLACEMENT UNDER THE RECALL, WHICH CREATES A CONTINUING HAZARD TO THE OWNER AND PASSENGERS. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 199, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202517000Routine
202447100Routine
202388200Routine
202295310Routine
2021135400Routine
2020182410Routine
2019162060Routine
20183751131Fatalities reported
20177683111Fatalities reported
20167296281Fatalities reported
20151,1549482Do not drive
20147507400High concern
20131,9179981Fatalities reported
20121,5598951Fatalities reported
20113,380141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003 — this page199620Routine
2002320740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.