10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,645 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Hyundai Sonata body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2002 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #14

Jan 012005

Sonata

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paint is flaking off of all the door handles on my 2001 Sonata gold color. When it was only happening on one door, my dealer said it was not there problem. Now that it is happening on all of them, it is obvious to me that it is a defect. Has anyone else had this problem and could they get it resolved?

- Estero, FL, USA

problem #13

Nov 012017

Sonata

  • 94,724 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that premature rust and corrosion occurred on the front subframe. The rust went through the front subframe, causing it to fracture. The vehicle was serviced by checkered flag Hyundai (3033 Virginia beach blvd, Virginia beach, va 23452, (757) 687-3462) for NHTSA campaign number: 09V124000 (suspension). The dealer had to disassemble the vehicle. Other parts were damaged. The dealer refused to replace the damaged parts and stated that they would only service the recall, which was completed. Also, the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V317000 (latches/locks/linkages). The contact was not notified by the manufacturer of the two recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The parts were damaged from the completion of the recall repair. The manufacturer refused to provide coverage for the replacement of the damaged parts, stating that the dealer provided the remedy for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer expected the contact to replace the parts that were damaged. The approximate failure mileage was 94,724.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #12

Aug 102017

Sonata

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the heat shield fell off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was severely rusted and corroded. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the undercarriage had severe rust and corrosion, and was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was then taken to grossinger Hyundai of palatine (221 E lake cook rd, palatine, il 60074 (847) 348-6700) where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was severely rusted, needed replacement, and was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

- Mundelein, IL, USA

problem #11

Dec 122016

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. While attempting to drive the vehicle straight, the vehicle swayed from left to right without the driver steering in those directions. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was completely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the vehicle was too dangerous to drive and would not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #10

Dec 092016

Sonata

  • 180,000 miles
Severe crack in the rear subframe which is corroded and rusted throughout. The rear tire is sticking out and the car swerves and is dangerous to drive.

- Mastic, NY, USA

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problem #9

Sep 152016

Sonata

  • miles
Corrosion of the front sub-frame. EA08016 front sub-frame corrosion. You issued a recall for "salt-belt" states, I live in northern Virginia with the same salt issue as DC and West Virginia.

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #8

May 252016

Sonata

  • 151,946 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Langley, KY, USA

problem #7

Jun 152015

Sonata

  • 91,856 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. While coming to a stop, the front subframe fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V124000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,856.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #6

Jul 012008

Sonata

  • 60,000 miles
The chrome plating on the interior door handles peeled away and cut passenger's hands. In 2009 the handles were "repaired" by a Hyundai dealer, but by 2013 the chrome plating was again beginning to peel away and cut passenger hands. Hyundai America and the dealer both claim the problem is resolved, and there is only a 12 month warranty. I believe it is improper to claim an issue subject to a recall would be "fixed" by creating the same hazard with the same parts. This issue is referred to as "Hyundai recall no. 093" in www-ODI.NHTSA.dot.gov/owners/searchresults?searchtype=id&targetcategory=R&searchcriteria.nhtsa_ids=09V171000.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #5

Aug 202014

Sonata

  • 161,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that a certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the inner body and rear subframe severely corroded the corrosion spread to the passenger area. NHTSA campaign number 09V124000 suspension was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #4

Aug 152010

Sonata

  • 69,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when she took her vehicle for routine maintenance, she learned there was corrosion under the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000 and the approximate current mileage was 89,000.

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

problem #3

Mar 042013

Sonata

  • 184,000 miles
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. Updated 5/7/13 the consumer stated the repair cost was reimbursed. 05/17/2013

- Louisville , KY, USA

problem #2

May 012005

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
Re. door handles: All four door handles have silver paint peeling. Car is 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Am taking car to dealership next week for estimate to replace handles. Paint job of Sonata is perfect except for all four door handles.

- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA

problem #1

Jul 172005

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,500 miles
On July 26th, 2005, I was meeting a co-worker for lunch when I noticed that the paint on the front facia covering the bumper on my 2002 Hyundai Sonata was bubbling and starting to peel. After work that same day, I attempted to contact the salesperson who sold me the vehicle at the dealership. I spoke the service manager and had him walk out to inspect the facia. His first question to me was whether I had the vehicle repainted. I told him I had not! he then asked me if I have ever brought my car to a touchless car wash, which I have for many, many years here in town. He then stated that because of the 7500 psi caused by the high pressure water that they were not at fault and that it was not a manufacturer defect. I asked why this was not occurring on the body of the car or on the rear facia, and he stated that he did not know. Dissatisfied with this response, I called Hyundai motor America in fountain valley, ca at 800-633-5151 that evening (8/5/05) and spoke with a gentleman. After telling him of the situation, he then stated that I should try to get the car fixed at another dealership! on Monday, August 8th, I received a phone call from Hyundai motor America representative, who stated that the dealership was not going to remedy this situation. I received a response from the BBB auto line dated August 30th, stating that my vehicle exceeded the mileage requirements for filing with their program. My vehicle had 27,500 miles at the time of the complaint. Apparently, the BBB auto line agreement with Hyundai is to only accept claims within two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first (see document Hyundai-NY 8/2000). Hyundai warranty expressly states warranty against paint defects for 3 years, 36,000 miles. I have submitted a complaint to the nys attorney generals office as of 9/7/2005.

- Clifton Park, NY, USA

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