2003 Hyundai Sonata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Hyundai › Sonata › 2003
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2003 Hyundai Sonata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
6 recalls name the 2003 Hyundai Sonata. Newest first.
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 on the upper edge of…
A sharp edge could lacerate or otherwise injure a vehicle occupant.
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.
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 on the upper…
This may inflict laceration injuries to anyone using the door handle.
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.
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…
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.
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. if the front sub-frame does not require replacement, the dealer will add drainage holes to the sub-frame and will treat the sub-frame with rust-proofing material to stop the corrosion process. this procedure will be performed free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during april 2009. owners may contact the hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
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.
Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
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.
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.
Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
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.
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.
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.
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 from november 15, 2002 through december 16 2002, already contain t125/80r-15 compact spare tires, will only require new tire pressure labels. owner notification began june 30, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
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
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.
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
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 that while the vehicle was being inspected by an independent mechanic, she was informed there was corrosion to the vehicle's subframe. The contact was also informed that the front passenger's side sway bar linkage and both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. A dealer was not notified of failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired as of yet. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 09v124000 (suspension) however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 184,077.
Air bag warning light IS on. When reset the light comes on again.
Airbag light IS on but they have not deployed & no apparent damage to the airbag system, wiring, etc. will not pass inspection with the ABS light on, as you well know.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
6-22-17 my daughter was return to work in her 2003 hyundai sonata, as she was leaving an adjacent parking lot to where she parked, the right front wheel popped loudly, the car lost power she stopped the vehicle going straight at a relative low speed. The car was inoperable so I had it towed to my house. 6-24-17 I begin to inspect what happened, I jacked the rt frt end off the ground and blocked it up. I found the lower control arm was somewhat loose. It was broken loose from the rt side subframe. I came in the house and researched the internet and found this was a problem with sonata's from 1999-2004 campaign number 09v12400, I contacted hyundai customer service 6-24-17 around 12:30pm. I gave the car info to the lady and she said only an a-c recall was available for the car. I asked about the recall and gave the number, she said not for my car and that was all they could offer. When the control arm broke loose from subframe it caused the axle to pull out of the differential and that was why it lost power. I also found that the subframe IS almost rusted through and weak.
The problem IS that the air bag IS on and doesn't go away. I had it check and there IS no code for it so they don't know what IS cause that. I need a answer because I need to have inspect and IS not going to pass.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph and making a right turn, there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle began to shake violently. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the sub frame had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Subframe rusting so much that the dealer told me that the car IS unsafe to drive and won't let me take it out.
2003 hyundai sonata affected by progressive, internal corrosion of the right front sub-frame on the vehicle, and resulting in thinning, rusting or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion/rust IS visible and discovered during inspection & routine maintenance, and also hear noises & notice tire misalignment and steering pull.these signals are detecting the corrosion progressing and the forward mounting of the lower control arm detaching from the sub-frame. The vehicle was bought new in nebraska, and has remained in nebraska its entire life. Nebraska uses salt on its roads in the same capacity as iowa and other "salt states". Such cars should be included in the recall when considering the lack of safety and dangers involved when the subframe deteriates due to defects in the manufacture of said car. hyundai should honor and extend the recall of said car in the state of nebraska because the defect in the subframe has been affected identically as in other "salt states".
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.
Report receipt date: may 21, 2009 nhtsa campaign number: 09v171000 component(s): latches/locks/linkages similar issue IS happening in my 2003 hyundai sonata vehicle. A child in my back seat just sliced their hand with a 2" inch cut and we had 3 others slice their hand on the front door handle (we taped this) but was not aware of back seat nor recall till today. very concerned as to safety of children in back seat. I only realized this happened to all door handles and their had even been a recall as the parent of the injured child said their car had been recalled for this issue. I called hyundai 4/13/2016 to discuss and was told my vin number was not part of the recall although the exact same issue. All chrome IS peeling from top of handle at the seam on all 4 interior door handles.
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 on the upper edge of the handle may result in a crack or separation between the chrome plating on the inboard and outboard surfaces of the handle, which may form a sharp edge. consequence: this may inflict laceration injuries to anyone using the door handle. basically when you go to use the inside door handles the peeling chrome IS sharp and cuts your fingers. hyundai recall #93 ended in march 2003, my car was manufactured in may 2003. the problem IS identical to the models in recall #93.
My vehicle IS affected by the following safety recall in which the interior door handles are peeling and the top edge becomes sharp - I taped over the top so I wouldn't cut my hands in the meantime: nhtsa campaign ID number : 09v171000 / hyundai recall no. 093. I brought it for service at motorworld hyundai in wilkes barre, pa and they verified all door handles were peeling. The initial recall repair for this campaign was performed on 11/11/2009, but clearly the repair did not remedy the problem as it recurred. Motorworld told me they had to contact hyundai corporate for authorization for the repair. I was called back and told they would only pay for parts but not labor. This surprised me, as a safety recall IS supposed to be remedied at no cost to the consumer. I then contacted hyundai customer service 4 times, on 1/20, 1/27, 2/10, and 2/18 of 2016 and each time I was told I would receive a call back, which I never received. I then contacted an attorney for advice and they told me in accordance with the law that hyundai should be paying the entirety of the costs for all safety recalls. I called again on 3/7 and stated this and they told me they can't help me. I can't proceed with the attorney since that would cost me money I do not have. what can I do? It has been 47 days since I first brought this safety recall problem to the attention of hyundai and their representatives and they have failed to assist me in any capacity.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
The manufacturer has issued a safety recall notification as a result of this investigation.the recall affects 91,202 my 2002-2003 subject vehicles produced from january 28, 2002, through march 22, 2003.the vehicle recall population was defined by the manufacturer's use of a new supplier for the chrome plating process beginning in january 2002, and a production change in march 2003 to improve adhesion of the plating to the door handle.vehicles being recalled represent 59 percent of the total my 2002-2003 production, but account for 91 percent of the consumer complaints received.the process change for my 2002 vehicles resulted in a dramatic increase in complaints (1200 percent on a per unit rate basis).my 2003 vehicles built after march 2003 production change showed a similar decline in the complaint rate.based on the manufacturer's action, this investigation has been closed.
In a letter dated april 14, 2009, hyundai-kia america technical center, inc (hyundai) notified nhtsa that hyundaiis conducting a safety recall of model year (my) 1999 through 2004 hyundai sonata vehicles manufactured prior to november 20, 2003 that are registered and operated in the following salt belt states and the district of columbia: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin.hyundai IS recalling the vehicles to remedy a condition where internal corrosion of the front subframe may lead to separation of the lower control arm at the forward mounting point and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle.this could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement. The subframes will be inspected in the recalled vehicles using a procedure developed by hyundai to measure metal thickness.parts with perforations from corrosion or with metal below the specified thickness will be replaced with redesigned subframes.if the minimum metal thickness IS met, drainage holes and rust proofing material will be added to the existing subframe. Odi's analysis of complaint data revealed that 98% of the consumer complaints were from vehicles either originally sold or operated in saltbelt states. Similarly 99.7% of the warranty claims were from vehicles originally sold or operated in saltbelt states.odi identified 105 reports of lower control arm detachment and/or axle separation from the transaxle through analysis of warranty and complaint information and consumer interviews.one hundred three (103) of the 105 incidents involved vehicles in states covered by the recall.in addition to the subject vehicles, hyundai also noted in the april 14, 2009 letter that my 2001 through 2004 xg300 and xg350 were also being recalled as they were manufactured with subframes similar in design the subject vehicles.based on hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall this engineering analysis IS closed.
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe), pe05-059, based on nine consumer complaints of tire valve stem failures.the alleged valve stem failures occurred only after tire replacement from the original equipment (oe) tire (michelin 205/65r15 energy MXV4 plus) to a non-oe? Aftermarket tire.ninety-eight percent of the aftermarket tires alleged to be associated with the tire valve stem failures were determined to be aftermarket tires produced by brands of michelin group (bf goodrich and uniroyal).michelin issued a technical bulletin on september 15, 2005 making retailers aware of a potential wheel cover incompatibility with bf goodrich traction t/aand touring t/a pro series tires that could cause wheel cover movement and in extreme cases tire valve damage. Michelin has, additionally, redesigned the bf goodrich and uniroyal tires allegedly associated with the valve stem failures, as of the first quarter of calendar year 2006. The previous design version of both tires IS no longer available.no complaints have been submitted to odi for tires manufactured after the introduction of the redesigned tires.there have been no accidents, injuries or loss of vehicle control attributed to the alleged defect.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.