Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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.
I financed my car in and around 3yrs ago, it was on 48,000 which we thought was such a great deal. Tabs and reg. Was do coming up in dec which was and how our nitemare began, we were to go get emissions done low and behold it didn't fail but also did not pass it came back not ready, we drove it for hrs went back still not ready,we then had to get tabs so car would not get towed. The next year no emissions, this year still not ready and unable to get tabs, we actually found out problems way before us, my question is should they have even sold that cannot be registered nor tabbed, in fact I fill that someone at Hyundai needs to make this right, we even purchased it from Hyundai in renton, wa. Please help me !!! Thank you, very much
While driving, the air bag inadvertently deployed which caused the consumer to hit a parked vehicle and subsequently the vehicle rolled over. Provide further details. The vehicle was once service for the check engine light illuminating. Recall campaign: NHTSA campaign id number : 02V145000. On certain passenger vehicles, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) side impact air bag satellite sensors May be too sensitive to some lateral accelerations that are not caused by side impacts to the vehicle, such as forcefully slamming a door closed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine fell through the cradle assembly and crushed the axle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. Prior to the failure, the contact heard a lot of squeaking while driving various speeds and making turns. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,000.
While driving 50 MPH the vehicle was involved in a head on collision. Upon impact, the dual airbags did not deploy, instead the airbag sensor light came on. The radiator had broken also.
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer four times due to overheating. During each visit, the dealer stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced in June of 2007, but the failure recurred in August while driving 15 MPH. The water pump was replaced again in September of 2008. The contact believes that there is failure with the heating or cooling system in the vehicle for the same issue to recur within a year of having it replaced. The manufacturer refused to be liable or make partial payments for the repairs to the vehicle. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 77,000 and current mileage was 133,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle completely shut off and the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to the fuel system. The vehicle was repaired for the malfunction. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for the same failure. The mechanic replaced the timing belt; however, the engine was damaged. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 94,000 and current mileage was 98,000.
Subject:2002 Hyundai Sonata.I have two problems ones the airbag light the other is engine light on.these could lead to a serios injury accident, if airbags dont work or if I cant stop car because engine dies!I know someone else that has the same problems with hers.my warranty has expired,but they should be responsible to fix both problems!anyway my main problem is the engine light that stays on,the car dies whenever it wants.I think this is a common problem with these cars and they dont want to fix .please look into it for all Sonata owners,this should be a recall fix!thank you!
Engine complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of the model year's 320 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Hyundai Sonata engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.