The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fuel tank valve that may not fully close and can spill fuel in a rollover, creating a fire risk if an ignition source is present.
The remaining recalls cover a traction control concern, an interior hardware issue, and a door handle injury risk. On vehicles equipped with traction control, using the compact spare tire in a front wheel position can cause the system to activate unexpectedly at speeds as low as 20 mph, automatically applying the brake at that wheel mid-drive and potentially unsettling the vehicle. The interior door handles carry two separate concerns that describe the same underlying problem: the chrome plating on the top edge of the handle can wear thin with repeated use and eventually flake away, leaving a sharp edge that can cut a hand reaching for the door. This affects both the driver and passenger sides and can worsen gradually over the vehicle's lifetime without being obvious until the edge is touched.
At a glance
What can fail
The chrome plating on interior door handles may wear unevenly due to repeated use. Thin plating on the handle's top edge wears faster, potentially creating a crack or separation that forms a sharp edge.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the chrome-plated interior door handle at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The interior door handle's chrome plating may wear away unevenly, especially on the upper edge. This wear can cause the chrome to crack or separate, creating a sharp edge.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the chrome-plated interior door handle at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A valve on the fuel tank assembly may not close properly. In a rollover crash, fuel could spill if the valve remains open.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve to ensure proper closure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank assembly valve may not close properly. During a rollover, fuel could spill from the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve to prevent fuel leakage during rollover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When a smaller T125/70D-15 compact spare tire is installed on a front wheel, the traction control system may turn on unintentionally at speeds of 20 mph or higher.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spare tire with a larger T125/80R-15 compact spare tire and install a new tire pressure label on the driver's door.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
