2003 Hyundai Sonata recalls and problems
The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has 6 safety recalls and 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Recall 09V-317: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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 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.
Risk: A sharp edge could lacerate or otherwise injure a vehicle occupant.
Fix: 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.
Recall 09V-171: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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 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.
Risk: This may inflict laceration injuries to anyone using the door handle.
Fix: 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.
Recall 09V-124: Suspension
Problem: 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 during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame on the vehicles, and may result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners may also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. If these signals are undetected or unheeded, the corrosion may progress and the forward mounting of the lower control arm may detach from the sub-frame.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-369: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-178: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-097: Tires
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2003 Hyundai Sonata problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 45 | |
| Structure | 39 | |
| Electrical System | 19 | |
| Suspension | 15 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 13 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Wheels | 11 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 | |
| Steering | 9 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body › Door — 13
- Structure › Body — 9
- Air Bags › Frontal — 8
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
- Wheels › Hub — 7
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
- Structure › Frame and Members — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,505 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Hyundai Sonata complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata: 09V-317 (latches/locks/linkages), 09V-171 (latches/locks/linkages), 09V-124 (suspension), 04V-369 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-178 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners report air bags problems most often (45 reports), followed by structure (39). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,505 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.