2003 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 2 fires, 45 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (45 reports).

6Recalls
199Owner complaints
17Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Sonata?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Recall 09V317Aug 7, 200982 vehicles affected

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Recall 09V171May 21, 200991,350 vehicles affected

Suspension

Recall 09V124Apr 16, 2009188,282 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Recall 04V369Jul 26, 2004919 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Recall 04V178Apr 9, 2004263,968 vehicles affected

Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

Recall 03V097Mar 17, 20038,315 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Hyundai Sonata problems

Problem areas named in the 199 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags45
Structure39
Electrical System19
Suspension15
Engine And Engine Cooling14
Latches/Locks/Linkages13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Wheels11
Power Train10
Fuel System, Gasoline10

What owners report

2026-06-11, Suspension
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 wa
2025-09-04, Suspension
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
2025-07-22, Structure
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.
2024-06-26, Suspension
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,
2023-07-18, Structure
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.

2003 Hyundai Sonata questions

Does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Hyundai Sonata?

Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (45), Structure (39), Electrical System (19).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 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.

Other Hyundai Sonata years

Other 2003 Hyundai models