2002 Hyundai Sonata
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2002 Hyundai Sonata.
Recalls on the 2002 Hyundai Sonata
Suspension
ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON…
Latches/locks/linkages: latch
REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATE.
Air bags: side/window
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE TO SOME…
4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 326 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2002 Hyundai Sonata at a glance
- Trims
- BaseGLSGLS V6LX
- Engine
- 2.4L 4-Cylinder, 2.7L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
Other Hyundai Sonata years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2002 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners have filed 326 complaints about the 2002 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA, most often about the structure. There are 7 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2002 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 7 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2002 Hyundai Sonata?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2002 Hyundai Sonata listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.