NHTSA Recall 03V097000: Temporary/emergency spare tire (tires)
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 8,315 vehicles. It affects 2002–2003 Hyundai Sonata.
| NHTSA campaign | 03V097000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 059 |
| Component | TIRES › TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE |
| Report received | March 17, 2003 |
| Owner notification | June 30, 2003 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
Inadvertent activation of the tcs will cause automatic application of the brake at the wheel where the compact spare tire is installed. Inadvertent brake application could cause overheating and damage to the brake, and may prevent the vehicle from being driven at speeds above 20 MPH, which could result in a crash.
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 2002, already contain t125/80r-15 compact spare tires, will only require new tire pressure labels. Owner notification began june 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Notes
Hyundai recall no. 059. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 03V097000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.