2002 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

407

Owner Complaints

50 Crashes 9 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

14

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA has received a total of 407 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, SUSPENSION. 14 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structureframe And Members (53 complaints), Suspension (50 complaints), and Air Bags (23 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, potentially affecting up to 596,078 vehicles.

Recall 09V317000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 82 vehicles affected

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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09V124000 — SUSPENSION

| 188,282 vehicles affected

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...

Consequence: 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....

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Recall 09V171000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 91,350 vehicles affected

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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 04V369000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

| 919 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 04V178000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 263,968 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 03V097000 — TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

| 8,315 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 02V145000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 43,162 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

407 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 53 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 50 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 23 9 Crashes 8 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 19 3 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 3 Fires
Structurebody
Complaints: 14 4 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 13 10 Crashes 9 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 13
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 12 4 Crashes 7 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 11 6 Injuries
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 10
Wheels
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 7
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 8 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 4 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Service Brakes
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 5 4 Injuries
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3
Wheelshub
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Child Seatlatch Connectorclip
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionsubframemounting Bracket
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11686374 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
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.
#11681942 | SUSPENSION | | 86,000 miles
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.
#11610010 | SUSPENSION | | 204,000 miles
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.
#11484038 | SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET | | 145,000 miles
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.
#11419507 | LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | | N/A miles
Made right hand turn passenger wheel cocked dead stop. When checked out was told sub frame rust apart on passenger side.

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Safety Rating for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 14 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

DOR-Y5Q6Z-01 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.

TSB-09-AT-018 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HYUNDAI: ATA SOLENOID DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0740, P0741, P0742, P0743, P0746, P0748, P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0770. INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE TRANSAXLE SOLENOIDS MAY RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED; TRANSAXLE HELD IN 3RD GEAR FAIL SAFE. *PE

0440006 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS. *TT 2-3 SHIFT FLARE IMPROVEMENT.

0450006 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)TCS ACTIVATION MAY RESULT FROM UNDERINFLATED COMPACT SPARE TIRE. *TT

0336006 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0125 DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION CORRECTION. *TT

0236034 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

OXYGEN SENSOR WIRE REROUTING. *TT

0240024 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

IMPROVED CLUTCH RELEASE SHAFT UPPER AND LOWER BUSHING. *TT

0236027 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

VERY BRIEF, SLIGHT HEADLAMP DIMMING CONDITION. *TT

0250011 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

SUBJECT REGARDING CHANGE OF FRONT STABILIZER BAR BUSHING, BRACKET AND CLAMP. *JG

0236016 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL CORRECTION FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0125 DIAGNOSIS. *JG

Showing 10 of 14 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report