2002 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Most common 2002 Hyundai Sonata problems

Problem areas named in the 320 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Structure	88
Suspension	67
Air Bags	53
Steering	24
Electrical System	23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	21
Fuel System, Gasoline	21
Engine And Engine Cooling	17
Power Train	12
Wheels	11

What owners report

2026-10-13, Suspension
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving, the vehicle stopped independently. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was observed that the front subframe had detached. A bystander assisted the driver in moving the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached front subframe, right front axle, right front control arm, and front sway links. The contact was informed that the front subframe replacement was covered under a recall; however, the detached right front axle, right front control arm, and front sway links were not covered under the recall repair. The contact received notification for NHTSA C

2025-09-10, Unknown Or Other
I purchased a 2002 Hyundai Sonata from a private seller who represented the car had about 40,000–45,000 miles. However, diagnostics from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed 278,000 miles, and Hyundai’s system confirmed over 302,000 miles. The title is marked “mileage exempt,” and the seller is not the same person listed on the title, suggesting title jumping. I have repair invoices, diagnostic records, and screenshots of the original advertisement. I believe this constitutes odometer tampering and misrepresentation.

2025-08-20, Suspension
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.

2024-08-21, Suspension
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 inform

2022-09-12, Suspension
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and made abnormal sounds. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

2002 Hyundai Sonata questions

Does the 2002 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2002 Hyundai Sonata: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch; Suspension; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Hyundai Sonata?

Based on 320 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (88), Suspension (67), Air Bags (53).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Hyundai Sonata has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.