2003 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
247
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
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.
View full details →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....
View full details →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.
View full details →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.
View full details →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.
View full details →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...
View full details →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.
Most Recent Complaints
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA
- 1998 HYUNDAI SONATA — 68 complaints
- 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA — 187 complaints
- 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA — 378 complaints
- 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA — 293 complaints
- 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA — 407 complaints
- 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA (current)
- 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA — 285 complaints
- 2005 HYUNDAI SONATA — 217 complaints
- 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA — 1,422 complaints
- 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA — 905 complaints
- 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA — 552 complaints
Other HYUNDAI Models
- HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 11,768 total complaints
- HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 9,835 total complaints
- HYUNDAI TUCSON — 7,920 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ACCENT — 2,733 total complaints
- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
- HYUNDAI GENESIS — 1,702 total complaints
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 — 1,636 total complaints