2002 Hyundai Sonata Wheels Problems
2 owner-reported wheels complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (2)
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE DUE TO A LEAKY VALVE. *TS TWO DAYS AFTER THE TIRES WERE REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT DUE TO A LEAKY STEM VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER AND THE TIRE WAS REMOUNTED WITH A NEW STEM VALVE. THREE DAYS LATER THE SAME TIRE WAS FLAT AGAIN AND A FEW DAYS LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT ALSO. AFTER INSPECTING THE WHEELS THE CONSUMER OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE BULGE WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL COVER TO SPIN. THE COVER WOULD SPIN UNTIL THE STEM VALVE WAS PRESSED AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE ACCESS HOLE IN THE WHEEL COVER. EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL COVER WOULD CUT INTO THE STEM VALVE AND CAUSE A FLAT TIRE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE HUB CAPS HAD BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. AFTER REMOVING ALL FOUR HUB CAPS THE VEHICLE HAD NO MORE FLAT TIRES. *NM
FACTORY INSTALLED HUB CAPS TURN ON WHEELS WITH ACCELERATION AND BRAKING, CAUSING PRESSURE ON TIRE VALVE STEMS. THIS LEADS TO PIERCING OF TIRE VALVE STEM AND RAPID DEFLATION OF TIRE. HUB CAPS HAVE JAGGED EDGES ON HUB CAP WHERE CONTACT IS MADE WITH TIRE VALVE STEM. THERE IS NO MECHANISM TO PREVENT THE HUB CAPS FROM MOVING.*AK