2003 Hyundai Sonata
KMHEN41BP3A912901
Vehicle record for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata (VIN KMHEN41BP3A912901). Black, sedan, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Odesa. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KMHEN41BP3A912901, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 6 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2003 Hyundai Sonata data →
What's a 2003 Hyundai Sonata worth?
What comparable 2003 Hyundai Sonata vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2003 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2003 Hyundai Sonata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD Closed
THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION. THE RECALL AFFECTS 91,202 MY 2002-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2002, THROUGH MARCH 22, 2003. THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION WAS DEFINED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S USE OF A NEW SUPPLIER FOR THE CHROME PLATING PROCESS BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2002, AND A PRODUCTION CHANGE IN MARCH 2003 TO IMPROVE ADHESION OF THE PLATING…
NHTSA #PE08071 · Latches/locks/linkages · opened Dec 2008 · closed May 2009FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION Closed
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT HYUNDAI IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 20, 2003 THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSET…
NHTSA #EA08016 · Suspension, Structure · opened Aug 2008 · closed Apr 2009TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES Closed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE05-059, BASED ON NINE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES. THE ALLEGED VALVE STEM FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) TIRE (MICHELIN 205/65R15 ENERGY MXV4 PLUS) TO A "NON-OE¿ AFTERMARKET TIRE. NINETY-EIGHT PERCENT OF THE AFTERMARKET TIRES ALLEGED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TIRE VALVE…
NHTSA #PE05059 · Tires, Wheels · opened Nov 2005 · closed May 2006An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 76
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 76.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not suppl…
Bulletin DTN DL · Air Bags · Apr 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been iden…
Bulletin DTN DCS · Air Bags · Apr 2026This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 25-BD-012H TSB · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2025This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated…
Bulletin 24-BD-001H · Visibility, Visibility/wiper · Feb 2024This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Bulletin 23-EM-005H · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2023Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the…
Bulletin 23-BD-007H · Structure · Apr 2023This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 23-BD-002H · Visibility · Jan 2023Follow 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.
Bulletin 22-EM-010H · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2022Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the less…
Bulletin 22-GI-006H · Tires · Jul 2022Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. ï· Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result…
Bulletin 21-AT-006H · Power Train · May 2021Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SONATA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
On certain vehicles, repeated use of an interior door handle may wear the chrome plating on the upper edge of the handle. This may result in a crack or separation between the chrome plating - forming a sharp edge which could injure a user's finger. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace interior door handles.
Transport Canada #2009148 · May 2009Structure
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), road salt can collect in the rear portion of the side members of the subframe and may result in internal corrosion leading to thinning or perforation of the subframe steel. The corrosion may ultimately lead to separatio…
Transport Canada #2009123 · Apr 2009Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel tank assembly valve may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage could occur. Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Correction: Dealer will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve.
Transport Canada #2004130 · Apr 2004Brakes
On certain vehicles, if the T125/70D15 compact spare tire is installed on any wheel position, the ABS feature will not operate and the ABS warning light will illuminate. Correction: Dealer will replace the spare tire with a new larger diameter T125/80R15 compact spare tire and install a new tire pressure label to provide information applicable to the T125/80R15 compact spare ti…
Transport Canada #2003170 · Jul 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 6
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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 SEPARA…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #09V317000 · manufacturer #91B032 · 07/08/2009LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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 SEP…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #09V171000 · manufacturer #093 · 21/05/2009SUSPENSION
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. RO…
Remedy: 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 REPLAC
NHTSA Campaign #09V124000 · manufacturer #089 · 16/04/2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V369000 · manufacturer #066 · 26/07/2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V178000 · manufacturer #066 · 09/04/2004TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
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.
Remedy: 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 16 200
NHTSA Campaign #03V097000 · manufacturer #059 · 17/03/2003Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 17 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 45 reported injuries
🔍 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.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 199
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at Valvoline for a service appointment, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the subframe assembly and additional unknown parts were not included in the recall repair.…
NHTSA ODI #11743571SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the suspension. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that due to the severe corrosi…
NHTSA ODI #11685113STRUCTURE
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09V124000 NHTSA Action Number: EA08016 Recall calls for repair or replacement of front sub-frame, due to corrosion. Local dealer responded, “ . . . we will not be able to perform recall”. I was told the corrosion was too far gone to repair. They refuse to replace the defective part.
NHTSA ODI #11675456SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that the front subframe was severely corroded. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the subfram…
NHTSA ODI #11596969STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,425. The contact stated that no ass…
NHTSA ODI #11533052ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Airbag light came on and stays on. Pulled a code that pointed to the wiring in the passenger seat. Moved wiring around and made sure connectors were properly plugged and the light went away for maybe a week. Light is back on again. Removed seat bolts to gain better access, used tubing and electrical tape to straighten any kinked wiring I could find underneat…
NHTSA ODI #11421937ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
NHTSA ODI #11396614SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
YOU CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK PASS HALF WITH OUT THE SMELL FILLING THE CAR .THE BACK SUSPENSION WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 TALES FROM SIDE TO SIDE .THE CAR WAS ON THE HIGHWAY .
NHTSA ODI #11362935+ 191 more complaints on record.
