2002 Hyundai Sonata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I financed my car in and around 3yrs ago, it was on 48,000 which we thought was such a great deal. Tabs and reg. Was do coming up in dec which was and how our nitemare began, we were to go get emissions done low and behold it didn't fail but also did not pass it came back not ready, we drove it for hrs went back still not ready,we then had to get tabs so car would not get towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10820755, filed 2016-01, 48,000 miles“I own a 2002 Hyundai Sonata which has severe passenger side engine cradle rust. It would not pass vehicle inspection. The mechanic has suggested welding the frame to bandage the problem. I have read the other stories from owners of the same car and believe something should be done before there are deaths related to this defect. I am afraid to drive my car, it's like waiting for something to happen. My son also drives my car on occasion.”
NHTSA complaint #10245794, filed 2008-10, 57,000 miles“Subject:2002 Hyundai Sonata.I have two problems ones the airbag light the other is engine light on.these could lead to a serios injury accident, if airbags dont work or if I cant stop car because engine dies!I know someone else that has the same problems with hers.my warranty has expired,but they should be responsible to fix both problems!anyway my main problem is the engine light that stays on,the car dies whenever it wants.I think this is a common problem with these cars and they dont want to fix .please look into it for all Sonata owners,this should be a recall fix!thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #10135202, filed 2005-09, 55,000 miles“Check engine light continues to come on. We have been told that Hyundai is having a large problem with o2 sensors, especially in warm climates. Dealer worked on the problem once already, but the problem seems to have returned. The car is currently at the dealership being worked on. The service person said there have been so many problems he is suprised they have not had a recall just for the o2 sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10026128, filed 2003-07, 11,650 miles“Engine cradle / cross member rusted through on passenger - side [right side] of undercarriage [3 inches?] . Apparent engine leak from air conditioner despite regular [Hyundai] maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10238767, filed 2008-08, 115,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance…
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10032908Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may…
- 10030984Jul 1, 2009Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit…
- 10020878Dec 1, 2006Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10011111Aug 4, 2004Drivability conditions.
- 10016475Sep 1, 20032.7 v6 oxygen sensor wire rerouting.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 8 | 5% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 45 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 30 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 11% |
| 1999 | 23 | 19% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 14% |
| 1996 | 6 | 26% |
| 1995 | 9 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 35% |
| 1992 | 4 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 21% |
| 1989 | 5 | 45% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata
88 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsAir bags
51 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 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 27, 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