RoadVitals

2002 Hyundai Sonata Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
319
Latest Sep 10, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
35

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

88
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE FELL THROUGH THE CRADLE ASSEMBLY AND CRUSHED THE AXLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOT OF SQUEAKING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING TURNS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA ID 11115133 · filed Aug 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE AND THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED LANCASTER HYUNDAI AT (866) 528-2534 (LOCATED AT 5260 MAIN ST, EAST PETERSBURG, PA 17520) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,028.

NHTSA ID 11110235 · filed Jul 9, 2018
All 88 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

62
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11681942 · filed Aug 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11610010 · filed Aug 21, 2024
All 62 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY ROOMMATE GOT INTO A T BONE TYPE ACCIDENT SHE WAS GOING AT LEAST 25MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT IT HIT HARD ENOUGH TO RIP THE CORE SUPPORT OFF, WE HAVE PICTURES. SHE DID NOT TAKE THE AMBULANCE BUT SHE'S WILL PROBABLY GO TO THE ER LATER

NHTSA ID 11318645 · filed Mar 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10888140 · filed Jul 25, 2016
All 51 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A HYUNDAI SONATA. ITS 2002 WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME IT GAVE ME TROUBLE, IT WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. THE MECHANIC CHANGED MY CALIBER ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR AND REPLACED MY HOSES. NEXT MONTH SAME SOUND STARTED AGAIN. MY MECHANIC CHANGED THE OTHER CALIBER. SIX MONTHS LATER. I STARTED HEARING THAT SAME SOUND AND THE BRAKES STARTED LOCKING. THE MECHANIC DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. TWO WEEKS LATER, I LOST MY BRAKES WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP WITHOUT ANY INCIDENTS. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC.I WAS TOLD I DAMAGED THE MASTER CYLINDER. HE PUT ALL NEW PARTS IN MY CAR (BRAKE SHOES,PADS, CALIBERS, MASTER CYLINDER, ETC.) AND TESTED IT. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING ON I-10, IT STARTED LOCKING UP AGAIN. IT HAS BAFFLED MY MECHANIC. MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1500.00 ON REPAIRS OF THESE BRAKES,NOT TO MENTION THE RENTAL FEES OF CARS FOR TRANSPORTATION. THERE MUST BE AN ANSWER TO WHAT IS CAUSING MY BRAKES TO NO FUNCTION PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID 11019523 · filed Aug 25, 2017

BRAKE LIGHTS DOES NOT GO OFF. BEEN REPAIRED BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP AND STILL DOES NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID 10783074 · filed Oct 17, 2015
All 26 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GAS TANK WILL NOT NORMALLY ACCEPT GAS AND CLICKS OFF EVERY 5 CENTS WORTH THAT IS PUMPED. AFTER 3 GALLONS AND 15 MINUTES LATER, THE TANK SPITS OUT THE GAS. THIS PROBLEM IS SO CHRONIC THE ATTENDANTS AT COSTCO GAS TOLD ME MANY SONATAS HAVE THIS ISSUE. RECALL OR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?

NHTSA ID 11161232 · filed Dec 13, 2018

SERVER SUBFRAME RUST RIGHT SIDE ABOUT TO BREAK AND NOT TAKING GAS IN FUEL TANK

NHTSA ID 10823377 · filed Feb 1, 2016
All 25 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SUBFRAME IS ROTTEN AND BROKEN

NHTSA ID 10903538 · filed Sep 4, 2016

I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSED AND THE TIE ROD AND CV JOINT CAME LOOSE. THE STEERING WENT OUT. A CERTIFIED FRAME MECHANIC SAID THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT.

NHTSA ID 10723711 · filed Jun 5, 2015
All 24 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020 AFTER SHOPPING IN FOOD STORE, STARTING THE CAT AND COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND DRIVING THE CAR FORWARD, I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. STOP & OPEN THE FRONT HOOD AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND STARTED TO BURN. SOMEBODY HELPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOOD AND MY DAILY DRIVER BEFORE THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11384081 · filed Dec 18, 2020

HEADLIGHT WIRE HARNESS ON DRIVERS SIDE IS MELTED. PICTURES TAKEN AND UPLOADED.

NHTSA ID 10820686 · filed Jan 17, 2016
All 22 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020 AFTER SHOPPING IN FOOD STORE, STARTING THE CAT AND COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND DRIVING THE CAR FORWARD, I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. STOP & OPEN THE FRONT HOOD AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND STARTED TO BURN. SOMEBODY HELPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOOD AND MY DAILY DRIVER BEFORE THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11384081 · filed Dec 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE FELL THROUGH THE CRADLE ASSEMBLY AND CRUSHED THE AXLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOT OF SQUEAKING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING TURNS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA ID 11115133 · filed Aug 1, 2018
All 21 reports naming engine

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10343553 · filed Jul 16, 2010

I HAVE HAD TWO VALVE STEMS ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA GO BAD. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AT GURNEE HYUNDAI 10/23/07. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS 4 OR 5 MONTHS AGO AND THE MOST RECENT WAS ON 11/2/08. WE WERE TRAVELING IN VIRGINIA AND STOPPED FOR LUNCH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS BECAUSE IT WAS THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND WE WERE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN THE MOUNTAINS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10249150 · filed Nov 18, 2008
All 13 reports naming tires & wheels

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Made right hand turn passenger wheel cocked dead stop. When checked out was told sub frame rust apart on passenger side.

NHTSA ID 11419507 · filed Jun 3, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WHEN IT THEN CRASHED AND TRAVELED UP THE SIDE SUPPORT WIRES FOR A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HIRED A THIRD-PARTY AGENCY TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID 10513831 · filed May 28, 2013
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A NOISE AND DRIVING WEIRD. IT LOOKED LIKE ONE TIRE WAS POINTED STRAIGHT AND THE OTHER TIRE TURNED SLIGHTLY. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEY SAID THE A FRAME WAS ALMOST RUSTED INTO. I HAD ALREADY HAD THE METAL IN THE REAR OF THE CAR REPLACED FROM BEING RUSTED OUT NEAR WERE THE SHOCK ATTACHES. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEEN WHERE SEVERAL SONATAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO SEVERE RUST ISSUES. THE BODY EVEN HAS BEEN RUSTING BADLY. THE BIGGER CONCERN IS THE FRAME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. DO NOT KNOW WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED AND AM AFRAID TO MOVE IT, EVEN TO A GARAGE.

NHTSA ID 10871455 · filed May 30, 2016

I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSED AND THE TIE ROD AND CV JOINT CAME LOOSE. THE STEERING WENT OUT. A CERTIFIED FRAME MECHANIC SAID THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT.

NHTSA ID 10723711 · filed Jun 5, 2015
All 10 reports naming other / unspecified

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR HANDLE FAILED AND THE CHROME COATING FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V171000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ID 10496584 · filed Feb 6, 2013

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

NHTSA ID 10350213 · filed Aug 18, 2010
All 10 reports naming interior & seats

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10329864 · filed May 11, 2010

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

NHTSA ID 10323148 · filed Mar 30, 2010
All 8 reports naming transmission

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A GRACO SAFETY SEAT, MODEL NAME: READY RIDE, AND MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER 01, 2012. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS BEING UTILIZED IN A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER HARNESS LATCH WOULD NOT UNLATCH TO RELEASE THE CHILD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FABRIC WAS CUT IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE CHILD FROM THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10681685 · filed Feb 6, 2015

BOOSTER SEAT.... IT IS A GROW WITH YOU SAFETY FIRST. THE TETHER IN THE REAR OF THE SEAT, HAS TOTALLY BRAKEN AWAY FROM THE SEAT, AND ALSO LOCK AND RELEASE MECHINISM STICKS . SO, WHEN I PUT A HEAVIER COAT ON MY CHILD, IT TAKES ME FOREVER, TO GET IT TO RELEASE SO ITS CONSTANTLY SQUISHING HER. AND OF COURSE, SHE'S CRYING BECAUSE ITS HURTING HER! ALSO, IT DOESN'T SIT PROPERLY, ITS ALWAYS LEANING TO ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER! IT HURTS ME TO THINK WITH THE ISSUES @ HAND, IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO MY DAUGHTER! THIS WAS NOT A CHEAP CAR SEAT! A SINCERE THANKYOU! MICHIGAN (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=SONATA, MODEL=HYUNDAI). *TR

NHTSA ID 10454968 · filed Apr 12, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THE SUN VISOR INADVERTENTLY FELL AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VIEW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR FAILED TO STAY UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BLAISE ALEXANDER HYUNDAI (1703 W COLLEGE AVE, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801, (814) 234-2886) COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE SUN VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA ID 11056056 · filed Dec 22, 2017

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE FREQUENTLY SINCE PURCHASE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OFF THE SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT HARD FOR DRIVER TO SEE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE WIPER FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN A BAD SNOWSTORM. THE LEFT WIPER OVERSHOT THE WINDSHIELD AND HUNG OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT WIPER CONTINUED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND MANUALLY BROUGHT THE WIPER BACK ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. ONCE SHE RESUMED DRIVING THE WIPER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPER SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY TO PREVENT MOTOR BURN OUT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10148682 · filed Jan 13, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. DURING THE TURN, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BUCKLED UNDER AND THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION IN THE SUB-FRAME WHICH CAUSED IT TO FAIL. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON NHTSA SITE AND IT APPEARS THAT CAMPAIGN 09V124000 DESCRIBES THE ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI. THEY HAVE INSTRUCTED ME TO HAVE TO VEHICLE DELIVERED TO LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION TO DETERMINE IF IT IS COVERED UNDER A RECALL PROGRAM. THEIR FIRST RESPONSE WAS TO TELL ME THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY COVERING CERTAIN STATES, KENTUCKY NOT BEING ONE OF THEM. WHEN I TOLD THEM I HAD PURCHASED THE CAR USED AND HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING WHAT OTHER STATES THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN, THEY AGREED TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE VEHICLE REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED SINCE THE DAMAGE IS AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10587174 · filed May 8, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT AND WOULD ALSO FAIL TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 184,000. *TR UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR COST WAS REIMBURSED. 05/17/2013 *JS

NHTSA ID 10502703 · filed Mar 13, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLIGHT WIRE HARNESS ON DRIVERS SIDE IS MELTED. PICTURES TAKEN AND UPLOADED.

NHTSA ID 10820686 · filed Jan 17, 2016

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH DUE TO A HAZE FORMING IN THE LENS COVER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.

NHTSA ID 10168229 · filed Sep 14, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HATE THIS CAR AND AM VERY MAD THAT I HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A NEW CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

NHTSA ID 764476 · filed Jul 19, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .