Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On November 30, 2020 after shopping in food store, starting the cat and coming out of a parking lot and driving the car forward, I smell something burning. Stop & open the front hood and saw smoke coming out of the air filter housing and started to burn. Somebody helped and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. The car was running hood and my daily driver before the incident.
8/27/02 belt noise and burning rubber smell. The pulley belt was replaced. 1/33/03 recall on <a onmouseout="window.status=''; return true 'automatic transmission'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">automatic transmission</a></a> would not shift out of first gear. Throttle body assembly was replaced. 9/8/03 car engine raced to 5000-6000 rpms, had to turn off ignition. Service department can find no explanation. 9/16/03 check engine light comes on. While in park, engine races to 5000 rpms. After 3 restarts at the ignition, the idle returns to normal. 9/21/03 check engine light comes on. Wait to take to dealership. 10/7/03 service department says they can find no problem. 10/23/03 check engine light comes on. Service department says there is a leak in the fill vent valve, repair. 12/18/03 recall service done. 5/9/04 check engine light comes on. …
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2002 Hyundai Sonata at 45 MPH the vehicle lost power without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting approximately ten minutes. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic ,who advised the contact that the failure was due to the crank sensor, cam sensor, and the timing belt. The mechanic made the repairs. However, the same problem occurred the next day. The contact stated that the vehicle was then taken to the dealership, and they informed the contact the problem was due to the crank sensor, cam sensor and the timing belt. The dealership made the repairs however, the same problem continued to occur. The dealership then advised the contact that the module assy- timing and alarm system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealership repaired the module assy- timing and alarm system. …
Electrical system. I have already filed one complaint on the check engine light and the sensors. It has been in the dealership 9 times prior to this one. Now it is a cam sensor and I believe a speed sensor. Not only that but both wheel bearings are bad. It has roughly 78,000 miles. You can only get parts at a dealership. The parts are not only overpriced, but the dealership charges outrageous prices to do anything. You can unhook the battery and the light will stay off for a couple of months and then it comes back on. I take it to the dealership and they supposedly fix it and the light comes back on in a shorter amount of time than unhooking the battery. I have spoke with Hyundai when the problems started and all you get is we'll fix it until the warranty is up then you are out of luck. I can't keep the check engine light off long enough to even sell it.
Dt: the speedometer intermittingly stops working without warning. The consumer says she has tried to see if speed or distance affects it. She says there is no reason that she can see to make it stop working. The consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer for the 5th time today. The manufacturer called the dealer to get it fixed. She said other electric components are not working as well. The doors, windows, and clock are slowly getting worse. The consumer has concerns that it might lead to something more serious, like a fire.
While driving at an undetermined speed, the battery light came on and the vehicle stalled. The problem was caused by alternator failure. The dealership indicated that there was a TSB for this issue. Houser dealership replaced the alternator with a different type and configuration. Another dealer replaced the battery, alternator and drive belt. All work was covered under warranty.
The battery is often drained and continues to do so all the time I've researched it on the internet and many owners of the 2002 have the same problem, possibly the ignition switch relay. Many have replaced battery, alternator and problems continue. My car is currently draining and dying all the time I have purchased a jump starter for my car. I have to jump my car every time I use it.
My 2002 Hyundai Sonata radio comes on and off when ever it wants to and I notice when it rains it makes a really loud noise. I have to replace an alternator 3 times within the last 3 years. Not sure what could be causing this but it is very annoying. Please help!
Speedometer on 2002 Hyundai is defective, the dial just stops working dropping to zero for periods of time - I spoke to the dealership if my car had under 65,000 miles they would fix it free (which seemed to be an awareness of the issue in May car & others).
Right front speaker pops on and off at a stop or moving. When you use the ac button, windshield wiper, windows, and turn signals the speaker either shuts off or turns on. The radio was replaced three times, the speaker twice and the wiring and wiring harnesses were replaced. The car has been in and out of the shop with and without repairs for the same problem at least 12 times. The problem started the first night when I bought the vehicle in October of 2001. The car has had other problems with the power window motors, battery, and remote door locks. I feel as though I have spent more time at the dealer trying to get the car fixed then actually enjoying the car. I have filed cases with the Hyundai corporate office, a factory representative looked at the car, heard the problem, in formed the dealer on how to fix it. …
Electrical complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of the model year's 320 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.