2003 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 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
- Airbags4318.4%
- Body & structure3816.2%
- Electrical198.1%
- Fuel system187.7%
- Engine177.3%
- Suspension156.4%
- Brakes156.4%
- Interior & seats135.6%
- Tires & wheels135.6%
- Steering93.8%
- Transmission83.4%
- Seat belts73.0%
- Visibility52.1%
- Other / unspecified52.1%
- Exterior lighting31.3%
- Driver assistance31.3%
- Powertrain (other)20.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.4%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. WHEN RESET THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
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
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVER SIDE EXHIBITED A CRACK AND SEPARATED. MY WIFE CUT HER FINGER ON THE CRACKED CHROME PLATING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOR HANDLE RECALL (I.E., NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V171000). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ONE VEHICLE CAN BE RECALLED WHILE OTHERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL ARE NOT. *TR
VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 2009 (PE08071) DUE TO DEFECTIVE CHROME ON DOOR HANDLES. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, CHROME WAS REPAIRED AS IT HAD CAUSED A SMALL LACERATION. CHROME IS AGAIN DEFECTIVE, CAUSED LACERATION ON HAND AGAIN TODAY WHEN ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR. THIS OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH IS VERY RARELY USED. CHROME IS ALSO PEELING OFF OF EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE, RISKING FURTHER LACERATION. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP (GO HYUNDAI - 104TH & FEDERAL, WESTMINSTER, CO), DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NO LONGER COVERED AS THEY DO NOT WARRANTY THE WORK DONE AS PART OF A RECALL. IN ADDITION, CAR IS TOO OLD FOR IT TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR DOES CONTINUE TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN ONLY. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ON ANY MODEL OF CAR REGARDLESS OF AGE. THIS APPEARS TO BE UNIQUE TO HYUNDAI. *JS
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED 2 SETS OF NEW TIRES IN THE PAST 4 YEARS AND HAVE HAD ROUGHLY 15 FLAT TIRES. I ALSO MOST RECENTLY ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND MY 3 KIDS W/ HAVING THE TIRE ROD ALMOST CRACK. I HAD A BILL OF $385 TO HAVE JUST THAT ONE PART TO BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN ON HOLD FOR OVER AN HOUR NOW FOR THE RECALL NUMBER I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND NEED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MY TROUBLES AS THIS WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL LETTER I JUST RECEIVED. PLEASE CONTACT ME. *TR
WHEN I REPLACED THE TIRES WITH THE SPECIFIED SIZE TIRE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 23,000 MILES, I HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE HUBCAPS SHIFTING AND SHEARING OFF THE VALVE STEM. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP (BF GOODRICH TIRES) AND THEY TRIED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD THEM IT WAS THE TIRES, BUT THAT WAS ILLOGICAL. THEY WOUND UP PUTTING METAL STEMS ON ALL FOUR TIRES AS IT WAS HAPPENING ON THE FRONT TIRES BUT ROTATION WOULD REQUIRE METAL STEMS IN ALL TIRES. THIS KEPT THE HUB CAPS FROM SHEARING THE STEM, BUT THE CAPS WOULD SLIDE UP OVER THE STEMS SO AS TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO CHECK THE AIR IN MY TIRES. FINALLY AFTER ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF OF HEADACHE, I FINALLY BOUGHT NEW WHEELS FOR THE CAR. THIS COMPLETELY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. HYUNDAI WOULD NEVER ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO TELL US THAT THE TIRES WERE WRONG. LIKE OTHERS HAVE STATED, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT STATES THAT ONE HAS TO BUY MICHELIN TIRES. WHEN I FINALLY BOUGHT THE NEW WHEELS, THE TIRE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO MOUNT THE NEW TIRES ON THE OLD RIMS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND THE TIRE COULD NOT BE MOUNTED ON THE RIM AND HOLD AIR. THERE VERY DEFINITELY IS A PROBLEM WITH THOSE WHEELS BUT HYUNDAI NEVER WOULD ADMIT IT AND ONLY OFFERED TO BUY A NEW SET OF HUB CAPS WHICH DID THE EXACT SAME THING. I LIKE THE WHEELS I BOUGHT BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO BUY THEM. HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE WHEELS ON THE CAR. I EXPERIENCED FIVE FLATS ON THE FRONT END OF MY CAR BEFORE THE METAL STEMS WERE PUT IN. VERY POOR DESIGN ON THE WHEELS. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN COMING TO A STOP CAR FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO TAKE OFF. *TR
CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER AND THEN JERKS BACK ON. ONLY LASTS ABOUT 1 SECOND. I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH AROUND 13000 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES DURING THE 8 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. DEALER SAYS WITHOUT A TROUBLE LIGHT/ERROR CODE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *NM
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, RIB AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE TOW-YARD. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/16/11*LJ
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I FORGET THE DATE, HOWEVER, IT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2008. IT WAS HEAVILY RAINING AND AS ME AND MY FRIENDS WERE ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FOR RANDOM SHENANIGANS, MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
THE CONSUMER'S HYUNDAI SONATA DEVELOPED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: THE PAINT WAS PEELING, THE SUN ROOF WAS BROKEN, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, THE BRAKES FAILED, THE SEATBELT BROKE, THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *MR THE ENGINE SURGED. AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE BLOWING, THE RIGHT SIDE DISINTEGRATED. *SC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PASSENGER SIDE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH. DRIVER SIDE IS FINE. RECALL # 089. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
MY BACKUP LIGHTS, CORNERING LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR OF MY CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THE FUSES ARE FINE AND THE BULBS ARE FINE. NOW I DO NOT HAVE ANY WORKING LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF MY CAR. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN A DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD. CONSUMER WILL SET IT FOR 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND IT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO GO UP TO 85 MPH BEFORE THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT. THE SPEED INCREASED GRADUALLY, WHICH WAS WHY THE CONSUMER DID NOT NOTICE IT AT FIRST. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LEAST 6 TIMES, AND ALWAYS ON A LEVEL ROAD. IT HAPPENED IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS, AND AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD HIM HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO REPLACE IT. WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE OFF BY 5 MPH +/-. THE CONSUMER MECHANIC TO HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF BY 7 MPH BELOW THE SET SPEED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS WAS THE ONLY SAFETY ISSUE THE CONSUME HAS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHT. THE DEALER REPAIRED BOTH PROBLEMS. *NM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
THE TRANSMITION SLIPS AND THEN SOMETIMES IT JUST REVS UP WHILE DOING THIS. ONLY HAD ABOUT 2600 MILES ON IT. DEALER CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I TOLD HIM HE HAS TO DRIVE IT LIKE I DO. I HAVE HAD 35 YEARS IN BEIN A MECHANIC AND I KNOW IT'S THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD GET RESOLVED VERY SOON AS I NEED MY CAR TO BE DEPENDABLE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .