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Engine coolingPart report

2003 Hyundai Sonata Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
7%of 199 total for the year
Median mileage
19,765miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,765 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2003 Hyundai Sonata EGR issues (check engine light 401)- I've been having persistent issues with my vehicle's EGR system for over a year now. I have replaced the entire EGR system including the EGR valve, solenoid, etc. I have also had to replace other parts that have failed due to the malfunctioning EGR - ignition coils, spark plugs. Even after replacing all these parts, my vehicle still complains about the EGR with check engine light constantly on (401). I have also been getting very poor mileage. I contacted Hyundai about a TSB they sent out to dealers for EGR diagnosis. …”

NHTSA complaint #10383907, filed 2011-02, 85,000 miles

“This car presents with a loud clicking sound which is very distressing.once it begins it lasts for several minutes sounding for long periods and at times short bursts. I have taken it to the dealer twice and the problem has been neither identified or rectified. Until last night I have been alone in the car when this sound presents. Last night when it presented there were passengers present. Although the car did not falter it was none the less very distressing for my passengers and me. We turned off our cell phones and shut off the radio to no avail. …”

NHTSA complaint #10086379, filed 2004-08, 32,300 miles

“While driving car just stops. It has done this several times but starts back up once you put in park. However this time it stop while driving and did not start back up. The first it happen I took it to the shop and they said they could not find anything wrong. Even though the check engine light was on. Now it will not start at all.”

NHTSA complaint #10279872, filed 2009-08, 90,000 miles

“The engine does reliably accelerate when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Sometimes there is up to a 3 second delay before the engine responds to commands from the accelerator pedal. At times the engine also accelerates very sluggishly compared to other 2003 4-cylinder. Hyundai sonatas that have been tested. Hyundai hasn't corrected this problem despite many attempts.”

NHTSA complaint #10054825, filed 2004-01, 3,000 miles

“Consumer called complaining about having problems with idle speed and vehicle will stall. Also stated that while driving the vehicle the vehicle will start loosing power on highway speed. Dealer was contacted and stated that this is a intermediate problem and unless Hyundai sends out a letter or something that states the problem they can't do nothing about it. Ts”

NHTSA complaint #10001409, filed 2002-12, 2,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202322%
202111%
201985%
2018144%
2017192%
2016172%
2015212%
2014213%
2013402%
2012111%
2011451%
200961%
200820%
200781%
2006303%
200553%
200452%
2003147%
2002165%
20012311%
20003111%
19992319%
199848%
1997714%
1996626%
1995914%
1993935%
1992418%
1991621%
1989545%

Other parts of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata

Air bags
43 complaints
Body and structure
38 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Suspension
15 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
13 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Wheels
10 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Tires
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 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