2002 Hyundai Sonata engine and engine cooling problems

16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2002 Hyundai Sonata — 5% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine and Engine Cooling complaints

share of all complaints

55,000 mi

median reported incident mileage

3 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“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…”
filed Jan 18, 2016
“I own a 2002 hyundai sonata which has severe passenger side engine cradle rust. It would not pass vehicle inspection. The mechanic has suggested welding the frame to "bandage" the problem. I have read the other stories from owners of the same car and believe something should be done before there…”
filed Oct 17, 2008

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
23-EM-005H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 13, 2023
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
22-EM-010H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 28, 2022