2002 Hyundai Sonata Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 28%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 28% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 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.
“Paint is flaking off of all the door handles on my 2001 Sonata gold color. When it was only happening on one door, my dealer said it was not there problem. Now that it is happening on all of them, it is obvious to me that it is a defect. Has anyone else had this problem and could they get it resolved?”
NHTSA complaint #11098032, filed 2018-05, 40,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493642, filed 2013-01, 127,000 miles“My 2002 Hyundai Sonata failed stare inspection due to right front rot on subframe. I contacted my local Hyundai dealer and they are going to repair problem. Until then, it will not pass inspection. I have already received a citation for it not being inspected . I am left with an uninspected and rotted car until they can take it in. Hyundai does not give out loaner cars!”
NHTSA complaint #10254855, filed 2009-01, 83,000 miles“My 2002 Hyundai Sonata lx has the common problem of the subframe rotting out on the passenger side where the control arm mounts. I noticed the problem during an oil change and have taken the car off the road due to safety issues. The control arm has not let go yet, but I do not dare to drive the car due to the extent of the rust. I am going to be contacting Hyundai to see about a warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10261127, filed 2009-03, 100,981 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10234713, filed 2008-07, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235566Apr 24, 2023Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 11% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 17 | 5% |
| 2017 | 37 | 5% |
| 2016 | 31 | 4% |
| 2015 | 52 | 5% |
| 2014 | 17 | 2% |
| 2013 | 50 | 3% |
| 2012 | 39 | 3% |
| 2011 | 73 | 2% |
| 2010 | 164 | 48% |
| 2009 | 40 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 4% |
| 2007 | 21 | 3% |
| 2006 | 44 | 4% |
| 2005 | 30 | 18% |
| 2004 | 47 | 23% |
| 2003 | 38 | 19% |
| 2002 | 88 | 28% |
| 2001 | 69 | 34% |
| 2000 | 109 | 39% |
| 1999 | 36 | 29% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 9% |
| 1995 | 5 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 9% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata
63 complaintsAir bags
51 complaintsBrakes
26 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 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