2003 Hyundai Sonata Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,050miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, 8% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,050 miles. 2 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.
“Over the past year, while traveling at various speeds, in various weather conditions my brake pedal very sporadically will not depress. The pedal is solid and will not move/respond for between 1 and recently up to about 6 seconds, which is a lifetime when you are trying to stop a car at 55 MPH. Two auto shops have driven the car and can not recreate or diagnose the issue. Based on my own research, I finally resigned to have the master cylinder replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556953, filed 2013-12, 130,000 miles“Had problems with the brakes for over a year now. Had both front brakes replaced costing about $200. They still squeak when turning the wheel , and sometimes when driving. Also, pant has completely come off the door handles, and there was rust on different spots of the car hood. I had the door handles replaced inside the car because the silver was peeling, causing us to cut our hands, but that didn't cost me anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10190472, filed 2007-05, 38,100 miles“My neighbors informed me that my brake lights were stuck on. One of them researched and read that it may be the m48 stop lamp switch. We found the plastic backing portion from the contact plate that pushes the switch in. It was broken in pieces and laying on the floor mat below the brake pedal. He replaced it with something that is temporarily doing the job. I will be taking my car into the Hyundai dealer next week to have this fixed. They will also be replacing my gas tank that got punctured while they were replacing the valve-canister cl, canister assy., and valve-purge contr. Back in feb. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629321, filed 2014-08, 142,000 miles“2003 Hyundai Sonata, right rear disc brake broke at 24,000 miles - we had the vehicle towed to the dealer and we were told that because we did not have the car serviced at the dealer that the warranty was void - vehicle had been serviced every 5000 miles plus a yearly ny state inspection performed - the dealer advised that because there was a service bulletin issue to have the brake 'sliders' greased every 15,000 miles that the warranty was void - our service manual for our vehicle does not state that this is needed - the on line service information direct from Hyundai does not indicate that…”
NHTSA complaint #10164196, filed 2006-08, 24,000 miles“At a stop light when consumer put his foot on the brake, the brake pedal went to the floor. This occurred at least four times. The first time when this happened vehicle had less than 200 miles on it. Dealer informed the consumer that there was lost of vacuum to the power booster. The cause was a blockage in the vacuum hose. The manufacturer was informed of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10045026, filed 2004-04, 200 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 2003 Hyundai Sonata
43 complaintsBody and structure
38 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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