2003 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

247

Owner Complaints

28 Crashes 2 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

17

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA has received a total of 247 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, SUSPENSION. 17 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (34 complaints), Electrical System (17 complaints), and Structurebodydoor (13 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA, potentially affecting up to 552,916 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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Owner Complaints for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

247 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 34 8 Crashes 9 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 17
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 11 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 13
Structure
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 9 6 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 8 6 Crashes 8 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 8
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 8 3 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 7
Wheelshub
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 6
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6 7 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 5 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4
Engine
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 3
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 3
Wheels
Complaints: 3
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11685113 | SUSPENSION | | 58,000 miles
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
#11675456 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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.
#11596969 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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.
#11533052 | STRUCTURE | | 69,425 miles
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.
#11421937 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 17 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

DOR-T5K8Y-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.

0636006 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *KB

0540009 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

2003-2004 SONATA 2.4L/2.7L TCM REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIVELINE BUMP BETWEEN 2-10 MPH. *SC

0436015 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ECM REPROGRAMMING FOR INTERMITTENT HESITATION. *TT

08042004 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

DRIVABILITY CONDITIONS. *TT

0436009 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0133/P0153. ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING. *TT

0301008 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

AIR CONDITIONING RECEIVER DRIER REPLACEMENT. ALSO INCLUDING THE 2004 XG350. *TT

T10 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

AIR CONDITIONING RECEIVER DRIER REPLACEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T10). VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 XG350. *TT

062003 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

DETAILED INFORMATION TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGERS ON CAMPAIGN 059 - TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE AND TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL REPLACEMENT. *TT

0340006 — POWER TRAIN

ATA SOLENOID DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0740, P0741, P0742, P0743, P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0770. *TT

Showing 10 of 17 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA.

Investigation PE08071 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Closed

Opened:

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD

Investigation PE05059 — TIRES Closed

Opened:

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA

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Other HYUNDAI Models

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