2002 Hyundai Sonata Suspension Problems

Your car's sub frame snapped and fractured the axle while being driven at low speed, causing the vehicle to become undrivable. This is a known issue covered under NHTSA Campaign 09V124000, but the manufacturer has discontinued the replacement part and is offering no repair solution. The dealership was unable to fix the problem because the necessary component is no longer available.

While turning at low speed, you heard a popping sound from the front end and lost power to your wheels, even though the engine was still running. You discovered that the passenger-side control arm had completely detached and fallen off. A mechanic found that your entire front suspension was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The front suspension will need extensive replacement or repair to restore safe operation.

Your car's rear subframe has rusted severely, causing both trailing arms to fail. While making a left turn, the right trailing arm broke off completely, causing the car to nearly swerve off the road; the left trailing arm was also barely attached. This is a critical suspension failure that requires replacement of the rusted subframe and both trailing arms.

While exiting the freeway at 45 mph, your passenger side axle suddenly failed without any warning signs, damaging the wheel. An independent mechanic determined that your front suspension needs to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified but did not offer assistance. Replacing the axle and front suspension components will be necessary to restore safe operation.

Your Sonata experienced shaking and abnormal sounds while driving, followed by a loss of power. A mechanic identified the problem as related to a known suspension recall (NHTSA Campaign 09V124000), but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall, so it wasn't repaired. The issue occurred at approximately 145,000 miles.

Your 2002 Hyundai Sonata has a severely rusted front subframe that failed inspection in Pennsylvania. This part was supposed to be replaced under a Hyundai recall (Campaign ID 09V124000), but Hyundai claims the recall was already completed and closed on your vehicle. You may need to have the subframe inspected again or contact Hyundai to verify the recall status and get the rusted component replaced.

Your front subframe developed severe rust and corrosion that ate through the metal, causing it to crack. When the dealer serviced a suspension recall on your vehicle, they had to disassemble parts to access the subframe and damaged other components in the process. The dealer and manufacturer both refused to cover the cost of replacing those damaged parts, saying you're responsible for them even though they were damaged during the recall repair work.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BUCKLED AND ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE UPPER CONTROL ARM RUSTED IN HALF, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND DAMAGED THE FRONT AXLE, STRUT, FRONT FENDER, AND FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND LOWER BACK, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC'S WORKSHOP, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE PERFORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

SERVER SUBFRAME RUST RIGHT SIDE ABOUT TO BREAK AND NOT TAKING GAS IN FUEL TANK

REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS (PASSENGER AND DRIVER) HAD BROKEN DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BREAK IS WHERE THE EXTENSIONS CONNECT TO THE BUSHINGS. CORROSION SEEMS TO BE THE CULPRIT BECAUSE THE METAL HAD ROTTED VERY THIN AND BECAME PERFORATED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 33 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A POTHOLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND FAILED TO SUPPORT THE CONTROL ARM. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NOTICED PULLING TO RIGHT AS DRIVING, ALONG WITH RATTLING IN FRONT END. FOUND THAT DRIVER FRONT SUBFRAME NEAR LOWER SUSPENSION MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A NOTED ISSUE WITH THESE MODEL VEHICLES AND THAT A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. DUE TO OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO PROCEED WITH THIS CONCERN. *TR

ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD SEPARATED BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,341.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE WHENEVER DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,086.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME MOTOR AND SUSPENSION WAS FOUND TO BE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 202,000. *TR

AFTER HAVING INCREASED DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO MY TIRE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS "BROKEN" AND WAS SHREDDING MY REAR TIRES. I CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SUBFRAME AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS COVERED ON THE RECALL AND LEFT IT WITH THEM FOR TWO DAYS FOR REPAIR. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT WAS REPAIRED AT NO COST TO ME, HOWEVER, THE REAR (WHICH IS WHAT I WENT IN FOR) WAS IN VERY BAD SHAPE BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED AND WOULD COST ME $1,500 TO REPAIR IT. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE FRONT OF A FRAME CAN BE PART OF A RECALL, BUT THE REAR IS NOT. ????? AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE LOCAL DEALER DIDN'T CALL TO TELL ME THIS BEFORE HE DID THE WORK ON THE FRONT. HAD I KNOWN HOW MUCH IT WAS GOING TO COST ME, I WOULD HAVE TOLD HIM NOT TO BOTHER. SHOULD I CHOOSE TO KEEP THE CAR, IN ADDITION TO $1,500 TO REPAIR THE REAR FRAME, I WILL ALSO NEED TO BUY TWO TIRES TO REPLACE THE TWO WHICH THIS REAR FRAME IS SHREDDING. UNBELIEVABLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT END SUB FRAME CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,727.

MY CAR HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS REPLACING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EVERY WEEK. IT FELT AS IF THE TIRE WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. I TOOK IT TO MY DAD WHOM IN TURN GOT A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE K FRAME WAS BROKEN. HE TRIED WELDING IT. THE WELD HELD FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL AND SETTLEMENT FROM HYUNDAI. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO IN TURN GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND HAD BE TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT MY CAR DIDN'T FIT THE CRITERIA. I'M CONFUSED BY THE FACT THAT SO MANY VEHICLES LIKE MINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY DON'T FIT THE "CRITERIA". SOMETHING IS WRONG. AND IT'S MORE THAN CORROSION OR THE LACK OF. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSTALLING A NEW AXLE ON THE VEHICLE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND THINNING OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO WHEEL WELL - REPAIRED UNDER CAMPAIGN 089 SUB FRAME CORROSION BY HYUNDAI. STILL HAD TO REPLACE AXLE AND AXLE BOOT - 500.00 DEALER REPAIR. *TR

AFTER HAVING REPAIRS DONE UNDER CAMPAIGN 089 SUB FRAME CORROSION BY HYUNDAI AND PAYING 500.00 FOR AXLE REPAIR, 2WKS LATER THE OPPOSITE WHEEL COLLAPSED OUT OF THE BALL JOINT. 900.00 REPAIR BILL AND DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO THE SUB-FRAME RECALL. THIS IS NOW 2 INCIDENTS WHERE THE WHEELS FELL OFF THE CAR WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING THE CAR. BOTH WERE THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEEDS IN A PARKING LOT. *TR

TL* 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. *TR UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR COST WAS REIMBURSED. 05/17/2013 *JS

THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA I JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK... I THOUGHT I NEED ALIGNMENT BUT, FOUND OUT THAT I NEED REPLACE SUBFRAME. THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN NEW YORK) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I AM PLANNING TO CALL HYUNDAI. *TR

THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA WE JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK...THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN S.DAKOTA) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THE REPRESENTATIVE LIED TO MY EAR THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THAT RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE AND SHOULDN'T BE SO. I WISH I CAN GET SOME HELP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BE MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME RECALL. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN ILLINOIS. HOWEVER, SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN KENTUCKY, WHICH IS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED STATES. HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMED THE CONSUMER HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, DUE TO THE PRODUCTION DATE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AS SHE HAS PICTURES SHOWING THE CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB-FRAME, WHICH HAS SINCE RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. ACCORDING TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH IS WHY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED AND CAUSED SUCH HORRIBLE WEAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE AFTER MONTHS OF PURCHASING THEM. *JB UPDATED 08/15/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED WITH THE TIRE POSITIONED OUTWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE REPAIRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER, 09V124000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CONSEQUENCE OCCURRED WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

MONDAY, 11-07-11, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE INSIDE INCH OF TREAD AND SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD EXTREME WEAR DOWN TO THE METAL WIRES. THIS CONDITION WAS NOT OBSERVABLE FROM THE FRONT OR SIDE OF THE CAR. THE REMAINING TREAD SHOWED NORMAL WEAR. THE LEFT TIRE SHOWS SOME OF THE SAME ABNORMAL WEAR PATTERN AS THE RIGHT, LEAVING ME TO BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. TUESDAY, 11-09-11, REPLACED FRONT RIGHT TIRE. WEDNESDAY, 11-10-11, SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT WITH FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE. HOWEVER, AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD BY THEIR MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT RIGHT FRAME WAS CRACKED AND SEPARATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CONTACTED MYRTLE BEACH HYUNDAI (MBH)TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM, AND TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THURSDAY, 11-11-11, MBH CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME IS CRACKED AND SEPARATING. TOLD US THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO US BECAUSE OF A RECALL, AND THAT CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. HOWEVER, WE WERE TOLD THAT A NEW REPLACEMENT FRAME PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF NEXT WEEK. ALSO, WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY ASSOCIATED PARTS TO REPLACE THE BROKEN FRAME, SUCH AS BOLTS, BUSHINGS, AND ETC. IF THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FURTHERMORE, WE WERE TOLD THAT MBH WOULD NOT PROVIDE US WITH A LOANER VEHICLE DURING THIS RECALL REPAIRS, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. WE ARE ON EXTENDED VACATION AT MYRTLE BEACH, SC AND ONLY HAVE THIS CAR AS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. RENTED A CAR FROM ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR FOR THE WEEK AT $156.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. IF CAR RENTAL IS NECESSARY LONGER THAN THE WEEK, THE COST IS $29.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. PER DAY. IN CONCLUSION, THE RECALL REMEDY OF THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SITUATION, AS MAY BE STATED TO BE FREE OR NO CHARGE TO THE VEHICLE OWNER, IT IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL THE RELATED EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIRS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL SCRAPING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAD ROTTED. THE CONTACT LOCATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT BECAUSE THE CONTACT RESIDED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE HONORED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SALT BELT STATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN OHIO WHICH ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, WAS A STATE IN WHICH THE RECALL WOULD BE HONORED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN NEW YORK AND NOW REGISTERED IN FLORIDA, RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED, CRACKED AND NOW ALMOST GONE. STEERING IS EXTREMELY ERRATIC AND SUSPENSION SAGGING DRASTICALLY ON RIGHT WHEEL. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V124000 SUMMARY COVERS THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER HYUNDAI SAYS THIS VIN ([XXX]) IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL NO. 089 AND COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. HAVING PROBLEM PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE PRESSURE VALVE WAS NOT OPENING CORRECTLY WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED. ALSO, LAST FALL THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS LEANING IN AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD, BUT WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, HE WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.*JB

1. HIT A POTHOLE, DAY OR TWO LATER NOTICED CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT 2. MECHANIC NOTICED LARGE HOLE (2"+ DIAMETER) WITH SIGNIFICANT CRACKING IN THE RIGHT SIDE SUBFRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL BY LOWER CONTROL ARM 3. ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROSION. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000, SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,031. UPDATED 02/03/10 *BF UPDATED 02/11/10.*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A RECALL REMEDY REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE SUBFRAME HAD EXCESSIVE DAMAGES AND CORROSION. DURING THE RECALL SERVICE REPAIR THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE WAS A HOLE IN HER UNDERCARRIAGE DUE TO CORROSION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HER TIRES WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE HER VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000. UPDATED 01/06/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB

ALL FOUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT STRUTS FACTORY INSTALLED ON A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 CYLINDER, HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS 51,000 MILES AND THE STRUTS HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THEIR JOB FOR 15000 MILES. WHEN LOOKED INTO, AT THE DEALERSHIP (VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIPS POSITION IS THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS UNLESS THEY ARE LEAKING. AND IF 1 WAS LEAKING THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THAT ONE STRUT.... HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.7 AWD VEHICLE ALSO. THAT VEHICLE HAS 79,000 MILES AND HAVE THE SAME DRIVIBILTY CONDITION. AND WAS TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP/ MANUFACTURER'S POSITION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH HE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE OUTER ARM ASSEMBLY HAD SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. 5 DAYS PRIOR, RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER# 09V124000 WAS PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117049. UPDATED 3/30/2010 UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB

VIBRATION IN FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AT HIGH SPEEDS. I TOOK MY 2002 SONATA TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CRADLE THAT INVOLVES THE HALF SHAFT/CONTROL ARM IN THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED THROUGH WITH FIST SIZE HOLES. I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME OVER $500.00 TO REPLACE THE HALF SHAFT AND CRADLE, ALSO THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED HAD MY WHEEL FALLEN OFF. THAT WAS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD. AFTER THEY REPLACED THE HALF SHAFT, WITHIN 2 DAYS I HAD A GRINDING/RATTLE ON THE SAME RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE AUTO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME NOW IT WAS THE BUSHINGS IN THE SUSPENSION AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE UNTIL THEY WORKED ON THE CAR ORIGINALLY. IT WILL NOW COST ME OVER $300.00 TO HAVE THE BUSHINGS REPLACED. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS WITH THE ORIGINAL WORK. THERE IS A FEDERAL PROBE GOING ON WITH THE NHTSA, IT IS STATED THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR SHOULD BE STANDING BEHIND THEY'RE PRODUCT, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES THAT COULD IN TURN SAVE SOMEBODY'S LIFE IF THEIR CAR WOULD FAIL DUE TO THIS FLAW. *TR

MY WIFE OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, AND LAST WEEK SHE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE DRIVES 60 MILES ROUND TRIP TO HER JOB 5 DAYS A WEEK. ONCE SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT, I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THINKING IT WAS IN NEED OF A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. MY TECHNICIANS CALLED ME BACK TO THE SERVICE AREA AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. ALSO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AS TILTED TO THE SIDE SLIGHTLY. I TOLD THEM TO BEGIN REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY, AS MY WIFE'S SAFETY IS MY TOP PRIORITY. I CALLED HYUNDAI ON 2/3/09 AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, AND TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN 3 TO 4 BUSINESS DAYS. I EXPECT FULL REIMBURSEMENT, AS I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAMES. THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE THAT RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FRAMES, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ THE SWAY BAR ENDS LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE WORN. UUPDATED 01/09/09. *JB

MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT , TOOK IT TO A SERVICE STATION TO BE LOOKED AT. THEY BROUGHT ME IN TO SEE THAT THE WHOLE FRAME UNDER THE CAR IS RUSTED. THE BOLTS THAT HOLD UP THE AXLE AND SUSPENSION WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE UNDER CARRIAGE. THE WHEEL WAS TILTED AND THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WAS WORN ALL THE WAY DOWN . THERE WAS NOTHING THERE TO SUPPORT THE WHEEL. *TR

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE FILED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LATEST COMPLAINT I HAVE IS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM. MY SON COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN THIS BROKE. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL GARAGES INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE HAS EVER REPLACED AN UPPER CONTROL ARM EXCEPT ON A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY OLD AND THEN VERY SELDOM. MY SON WAS TURNING A CORNER WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FELL SIDEWAYS. UPON LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM WE DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THIS SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE NOT HAPPENED ON A 2002 VEHICLE.

WHILE DRIVING TO MARYLAND TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER, THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE SO HARD THAT I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND AS SOON AS I COULD I PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT THE CAR. THERE WAS NO FLAT HOWEVER, THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. IT WAS VIBRATING SO HARD MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT CAME OPEN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT MY TIRES HAD DEAD SPOTS IN THEM AND I SHOULD RETURN THEM TO THE STORE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THESE TIRES FOR SIX MONTHS WITHOUT A PROBLEM. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I WENT TO THE STORE WHERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES. THEY EXAMINED THEM AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. I HAD THE CAR COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER BEFORE I TOOK THIS TRIP. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES BUT IT IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING A HIGHER RATES OF SPEED. I AM WORRIED NOW ABOUT TAKING THE CAR ON TRIPS. BELIEVE ME, YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A SUDDEN BREAKDOWN OR CONTROL LOSS ON THE DC BELTWAY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD I ONLY HAVE 29500 MILES ON IT. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE CAR. *JB

IN 2004, AT APPROX 45K MILES, VEHICLE DEVELOPED CREAKING NOISE IN DRIVER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION. DEALER REPAIRED FOR "LOOSE TRANVERSE CROSS MEMBER". PROBLEM RE-DEVELOPED AFTER 3 MONTHS. SEPARATE DEALER REPAIRED FOR "WORN BUSHINGS". PROBLEM RE-DEVELOPED AFTER ONE WEEK AND HAS WORSENED TO A CLUNKING NOISE AT LOW SPEED. HESITANT TO RETURN TO DEALER UNTIL PROPERLY DIAGNOSED DUE TO CONSISTENT REPAIR DELAYS RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE LOSS OF VEHICLE USE. (CURRENT TOTAL 7 DAYS FOR THIS PROBLEM). *NM

DT: CONTACT STATED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THE RIGHT LEFT WHEEL BEARING IS BEING REPLACED. *AK

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS MAKING A RUBBING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE BEARING NEEDED REPLACED.*AK

WENT TO HAVE BRAKES REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RIGHT, FRONT BALL JOINT AND ARM WERE LOOSE. CONSEQUENTLY, BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE CAR WAS UNBALANCED THE TREADS ON THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE BALD - SO OI HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES ALSO. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND ONE GOOD POTHOLE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE BALL JOINT AND ARM TO BREAK OFF. THE MOST DISTURBING THING ABOUT THIS WAS THAT I DETECTED NO CHANGE IN THE HANDLING OF THE CAR. NO NEW NOISES. NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.*AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE ALREADY FILED ONE COMPLAINT ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SENSORS. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 9 TIMES PRIOR TO THIS ONE. NOW IT IS A CAM SENSOR AND I BELIEVE A SPEED SENSOR. NOT ONLY THAT BUT BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD. IT HAS ROUGHLY 78,000 MILES. YOU CAN ONLY GET PARTS AT A DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS ARE NOT ONLY OVERPRICED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES OUTRAGEOUS PRICES TO DO ANYTHING. YOU CAN UNHOOK THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX IT AND THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN A SHORTER AMOUNT OF TIME THAN UNHOOKING THE BATTERY. I HAVE SPOKE WITH HYUNDAI WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED AND ALL YOU GET IS WE'LL FIX IT UNTIL THE WARRANTY IS UP THEN YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK. I CAN'T KEEP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF LONG ENOUGH TO EVEN SELL IT. *JB

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AT ANY SPEED, CAUSING BY THE UPPER BALL JOINT AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS