VehicleVerdict

2002 Hyundai XG350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 82 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median XG350 year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 6 XG350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (16), suspension (11), and engine (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

82

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other XG350 years?

XG350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted181 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 82 complaints2003: 27 complaints2004: 129 complaints2005: 181 complaints2006: 1 complaints
XG350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XG350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Hyundai XG350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1620%
Engine1113%
Suspension1113%
Fuel System810%
Speed Control67%
Transmission67%
Electrical System67%
Brakes56%
Body & Structure45%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seat Belts11%
Steering11%
Other11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Driver Assistance11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2002 Hyundai XG350 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V124000SuspensionApril 16, 2009 · 188,282 units

Defect

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. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

Consequence

IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

04V369000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2004 · 919 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

04V178000Fuel SystemApril 9, 2004 · 263,968 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 55 MPH, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK, NECK AND HAND INJURIES. THE CONSUMER IS STILL BEING TREATED FOR THESE INJURIES. THE PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES. *BF *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 5, 2005 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI XG350. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE OF THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI XG350. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TURNING A CORNER AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE TRACTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BUT TO NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 11, 2007 · crash

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL FUEL TANK READING EMPTY ON GAUGE, TANK KEEPS STOPPING LIKE THE TANK IS FULL OF GASOLINE, HYUNDAI NEW PORT RICHEY ADMITS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CHARCOL CANISTER AND THAT CHARCOL FLOATS UP THE FILL VENT BREATHER HOSE CAUSING THIS ISSUE AND SUGGESTS THAT THE CANISTER BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 15, 2008

“THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN TWO YEARS THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB THE BATTERY FAILED FOUR TIMES DUE TO THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE WHEN THE VEHICLE GETS TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE. *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 19, 2004

2002 Hyundai XG350 — common questions

Is the 2002 Hyundai XG350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 6 XG350 years. It is one of the XG350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 XG350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (16 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), engine (11 complaints).

Does the 2002 Hyundai XG350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Hyundai XG350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai XG350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XG350 years to avoid are 2005, 2004, 2002. The cleanest record among XG350 years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.