The 2002 Hyundai Sonata has 3 recalls, the most serious being side airbags that can deploy unexpectedly without a crash, raising the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The side impact airbag sensors are overly sensitive to certain sharp lateral movements, such as a door being slammed, and can trigger deployment under normal use. On the brake side, installing the compact spare tire in any wheel position disables the anti-lock brake system and causes the ABS warning light to come on, meaning the brakes lose their ability to prevent wheel lockup during hard stops. There is also a concern with the interior door handles, where repeated use can wear through the chrome plating and leave a sharp edge that can cut a finger.
At a glance
What can fail
Repeated use can wear the chrome coating on interior door handles, causing cracks or separation that create sharp edges capable of cutting fingers.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the interior door handles and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The T125/70D15 compact spare tire causes the ABS system to stop working and triggers the ABS warning light when installed on any wheel.
What the fix does
The dealer replaces the spare tire with a T125/80R15 compact spare tire and installs a new tire pressure label.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact air bag sensors may be too sensitive and trigger from forceful door slamming or similar lateral movements, not just actual side impacts.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side impact air bag satellite sensors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
