2003 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Hyundai Sonata: 6 recalls, 199 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Tires Vehicle recall #03V097000 · 2003 · 8,315 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a traction control system (tcs), if the t125/70d-15 compact spare tire is installed on a front wheel position, the tcs May inadvertently activate beginning at speeds of 20 mph.
Why it matters: Inadvertent activation of the tcs will cause automatic application of the brake at the wheel where the compact spare tire is installed. Inadvertent brake application could cause overheating and damage to the brake, and May prevent the vehicle from being driven at speeds above 20 mph, which could…
The fix: Dealers will replace the spare tire with a new larger diameter t125/80r-15 compact spare tire and a new tire pressure label will be installed on the driver's door to provide information applicable to the t125/80r-15 compact spare tire. Vehicles produced from November 15, 2002 through December 16…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V178000 · 2004 · 263,968 vehicles
What's wrong: Some passenger vehicles contain a fuel tank assembly valve that May not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage May occur.
Why it matters: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began on June 30, 2004. Owners should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V369000 · 2004 · 919 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity" a valve on the fuel tank assembly May not close properly. If a vehicle rolls over and the fuel tank assembly valve is not properly closed, fuel spillage May occur.
Why it matters: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. The recall began on October 5, 2004. Owners should contact Hyundai de puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.
Suspension Vehicle recall #09V124000 · 2009 · 188,282 vehicles
What's wrong: Road salt applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months May result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame on the vehicles, and May result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners May also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. If these signals are…
Why it matters: If that happens, the vehicle May lose drive power to the wheels, and the front wheel May make contact with the fender or wheel well, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will measure the thickness of the front sub-frame and inspect the front sub-frame for corrosion damage and, if necessary, the front sub-frame will be replaced with a new sub-frame that incorporates additional holes in the upper and lower panels. If the front sub-frame does not require…
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #09V171000 · 2009 · 91,350 vehicles
What's wrong: Repeated use of the interior door handle May cause wear of the chrome plate. If the top edge of the handle has very thin chrome plating, that portion of the plating May wear away more easily than more thickly plated areas as the door handle is used. The worn chrome plating on the upper edge of the handle May result in a crack or separation between the chrome plating on the inboard and outboard surfaces of the…
Why it matters: This May inflict laceration injuries to anyone using the door handle.
The fix: Dealers will repair the chrome plated interior door handle free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2009.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #09V317000 · 2009 · 82 vehicles
What's wrong: Repeated use of the interior door handle May cause wear of the chrome plating. If the top edge of the handle has very thin chrome plating that portion of the plating May wear away more easily than more thickly plated areas as the door handle is used. The worn chrome plating on the upper edge of the handle May result in a crack or separation between the chrome plating on the inboard and outboard surfaces of the…
Why it matters: A sharp edge could lacerate or otherwise injure a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Dealers will repair the chrome plated interior door handle free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 45 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (43): the most common themes are warning light on (15), fails to deploy (8).
- Body & structure (38): the most common themes are door / lock issues (19), rust / corrosion (15).
- Electrical (19): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), won't start (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Suspension (15): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (10), steering problems (2).
The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has 199 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 65,252 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (319 complaints, 7 recalls), 2004 (202 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (43), body & structure (38), electrical (19).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Hyundai Sonata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.