Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at Valvoline for a service appointment, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the subframe assembly and additional unknown parts were not included in the recall repair. In addition, the contact was informed that the recall could not be performed because other repairs were needed prior to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,425. The contact stated that no assistance has been offered from the dealership from which the vehicle was purchased from.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09V124000 NHTSA Action Number: EA08016 Recall calls for repair or replacement of front sub-frame, due to corrosion. Local dealer responded, " . . . we will not be able to perform recall". I was told the corrosion was too far gone to repair. They refuse to replace the defective part.
2003 Hyundai Sonata affected by progressive, internal corrosion of the right front sub-frame on the vehicle, and resulting in thinning, rusting or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion/rust is visible and discovered during inspection & routine maintenance, and also hear noises & notice tire misalignment and steering pull.these signals are detecting the corrosion progressing and the forward mounting of the lower control arm detaching from the sub-frame. The vehicle was bought new in nebraska, and has remained in nebraska its entire life. Nebraska uses salt on its roads in the same capacity as iowa and other "salt states". Such cars should be included in the recall when considering the lack of safety and dangers involved when the subframe deteriates due to defects in the manufacture of said car. …
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 handle, which May form a sharp edge. Consequence: this May inflict laceration injuries to anyone using the door handle. Basically when you go to use the inside door handles the peeling chrome is sharp and cuts your fingers. Hyundai recall #93 ended in March 2003, my car was manufactured in May 2003. The problem is identical to the models in recall #93.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the four interior door chrome handles exhibited extremely sharp edges. The contact suffered from a two inch laceration to both fingers on the left hand. The front driver and passenger upper door handles caused the injuries. The contact applied tape to the four door handles to avoid additional injuries. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V171000 (latches/locks/linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to veer to the right without warning and the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front subframe was corroded. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a right turn, there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle began to shake violently. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the sub frame had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Rear ended the vehicle in front at a stop light. The airbags never deployed. Now the airbag light is on in the vehicle. Repairs are $1349.00 replace the wire harness. I noticed this has happened repeatedly with these vehicles, why has nothing been done. This is a safety hazard, but the chrome wears off the door handle and a recall is issued. Something is rotten here.
Merged into left lane on highway going about 65mph. Car spun to face opposing way. Hit wall on passenger side, spun back around and went across highway to hit opposite wall. Car had been totaled as I walked away with.
NHTSA investigations
Front sub-frame corrosion
In a letter dated April 14, 2009, Hyundai-Kia America technical center, inc (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that hyundaiis conducting a safety recall of model year (my) 1999 through 2004 Hyundai sonata vehicles manufactured prior to November 20, 2003 that are registered and operated in the following salt belt states and the district of columbia: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland,…
Body complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2003 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the body & structure of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, 19% of the model year's 199 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Hyundai Sonata body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 6 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 2003 Hyundai Sonata body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 19 injuries to body & structure 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.