2002 Hyundai Sonata

Introduction

The 2002 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-four that produced 138 horsepower and 157 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 193 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Sonata was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, especially with the base engine.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, decreased engine performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, no power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking oil, decreased engine performance
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark plug failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, decreased fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, slipping gears
  • Solution: Repair or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shifting problems, no power
  • Solution: Replace solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Struts failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power, slow cranking
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power, dimming lights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power, slow cranking
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken door handle, unable to open door
  • Solution: Replace door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window stuck in up or down position
  • Solution: Repair or replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Hyundai Sonata is a reliable and affordable mid-size sedan. However, it does have some potential issues, including intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leak, and transmission fluid leak. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they are generally not major problems.