2002 Hyundai Sonata Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 8%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,384miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 8% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,384 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was going straight on a little street when I stepped on the brakes... I felt the brake pad move out of place... And couldn't brake so I used the emergency brake to stop... But still don't know what to do...?”
NHTSA complaint #10631804, filed 2014-09, 212,292 miles“I have a Hyundai Sonata. Its 2002 with 50,000 miles on it. The first time it gave me trouble, it was making a grinding sound while driving to work. The mechanic changed my caliber on one side of the car and replaced my hoses. Next month same sound started again. My mechanic changed the other caliber. Six months later. I started hearing that same sound and the brakes started locking. The mechanic didn't see anything wrong. Two weeks later, I lost my brakes while driving on interstate 10. I was able to coast to a stop without any incidents. …”
NHTSA complaint #11019523, filed 2017-08, 55 miles“We had our vehicle warrantied for the rotten frame on our vehicle last year. At that point you would think Hyundai would have warned us that our brake lines were swiss cheese just like our frame, these cars rot out, the entire vehicle is a death trap. The brake lines broke 3 times in the past 6 months after sections were already replaced. These vehicles need all the brake and fuel lines replaced immediately!!! This is not routine maintenance and should be recalled immediately!! The power steering line rotted out 5 years ago, this car was made out of really crappy metal. Dangerous vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559728, filed 2014-01, 50,000 miles“The brake lines from engine to the back of the car need to be replaced because one of the attachments (holding the brake lines in place underneath the car) got rusted and corrosion. Then it caused the brake line to get rusted and brake fluid started to leak pretty bad. Is it normal for the brake lines to get rusted?? Should I report to Hyundai? The brake fluid reservoir went empty so quickly and I found the leaking spot. It squirts pretty bad when I apply the brake pedal. The leaking spot is underneath the car where the back seats are located. I need some advise before I start doing something. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448546, filed 2012-02, 86,500 miles“I was driving my vehicle under normal conditions on a major highway. Upon approaching an exit I applied the brakes to reduce my speed. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and consequently I engaged my emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light did not come on until I brought the vehicle to a complete stop. No accident ensured as a result. I had my vehicle towed to a repair facility where repairs were made. Repairs consisted of a complete replacement of all brakes lines since they were all rusted and corroded. Old parts are not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10354625, filed 2010-09, 100,143 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10040957May 1, 2011Hyundai: all sonata hybrids. Brake bleeding procedure.
- 10019637Mar 1, 2006Abs pump self-check noise.
- 10015864Jun 1, 2005Abs pump self check noise. Also included: 2003-2005 model xg and 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005 model santa fe.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 35% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 17 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 3% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 80 | 7% |
| 2014 | 60 | 8% |
| 2013 | 149 | 8% |
| 2012 | 158 | 10% |
| 2011 | 175 | 5% |
| 2010 | 30 | 9% |
| 2009 | 98 | 21% |
| 2008 | 55 | 13% |
| 2007 | 103 | 15% |
| 2006 | 85 | 8% |
| 2005 | 12 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 8% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 26 | 8% |
| 2001 | 24 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 6% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 3 | 13% |
| 1995 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 2 | 8% |
| 1992 | 5 | 23% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata
88 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsAir bags
51 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology