2003 Hyundai Sonata problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Q: What gas mileage does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Hyundai Sonata at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

Q: How much is a 2003 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Comparable 2003 Hyundai Sonata listings run roughly $600–$3,150, typically around $1,658 (from 45 vehicles).

2003 Hyundai Sonata at a glance

Safety recalls6

Owner complaints199

Combined21 mpg

Typical price$1,658

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Hyundai Sonata recalls 6

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #09V124000 · 16/04/2009

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN …

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 REPL…

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch NHTSA Campaign #09V171000 · 21/05/2009

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 91,350 MY 2002-2003 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES. 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 …

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch NHTSA Campaign #09V317000 · 07/08/2009

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 82 MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 SONATA VEHICLES. 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 …

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-787-999-3333.

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire NHTSA Campaign #03V097000 · 17/03/2003

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.

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 2…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #04V178000 · 09/04/2004

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.

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, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #04V369000 · 26/07/2004

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Hyundai Sonata common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Structure

Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2003 Hyundai Sonata MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg

City19 mpg

Highway27 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,913

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Low

$600

Typical price

$1,658

High

$3,150

From 45 comparable 2003 Hyundai Sonata listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Hyundai Sonata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,565

Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,050

Total$15,615

Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,658) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,042), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Hyundai Sonata trims & engines on record

Trims

GLS · Base · LX · Super Deluxe (GLS, LS, LX or GS) · Deluxe (GL)

Engines

2.7L 6-cyl 170 hp · 2.4L

2003 Hyundai Sonata vehicles on record

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H03A858958 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H93A732601 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H13A834412 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H93A850146

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H33A778134 2003 Hyundai Sonata LXKMHWF35H33A897852 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H53A858938 2003 Hyundai Sonata BaseKMHWF25S13A738897

2003 Hyundai Sonata BaseKMHWF25S63A743738

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H53A827849

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H23A866950 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H43A907319 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H53A896198 2003 Hyundai Sonata BaseKMHWF25S53A731841

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35HX3A908832

2003 Hyundai Sonata LXKMHWF35H43A877755

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H53A903425 2003 Hyundai Sonata LXKMHWF35H53A859149

2003 Hyundai Sonata LXKMHWF35H23A772793

2003 Hyundai Sonata BaseKMHWF25S43A760943

2003 Hyundai Sonata LXKMHWF35H23A756898 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H83A865978

2003 Hyundai Sonata BaseKMHWF25S23A787106

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLSKMHWF35H93A737054

Other Hyundai Sonata model years

2003 Hyundai Sonata — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Hyundai Sonata?

Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, structure, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Hyundai Sonata get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Hyundai Sonata at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2003 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Comparable 2003 Hyundai Sonata listings run roughly $600–$3,150, typically around $1,658 (from 45 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.