general problems of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, there was smoke emitting from the front of the vehicle. In addition, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the failure could not be determined. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number:04v178000(fuel system, gasoline). A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Tw.

In 2005, I purchased a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. After purchasing my car, I found out that it had a recall on the fuel valve that the company had to re-install. This recall information was not on my carfax report. Later, the manufacturer had a recall on interior door handles that peeled and cut hands. Their solution was to wrap my handles with electrical tape; after my objection, they installed the same recalled handles. I've had my interior handles replaced three times because the manufacturer didn't make the handles out of a different material and chooses to reinstall the same recalled handle. On November 22nd, I went to capitol Hyundai to have them replace the recalled fuel valve, and interior door handles on my 2003 Hyundai Sonata. A service rep informed me that once the company replaces any recalled items the first time, it is the customer's responsibility to pay for them if they fail again. Surely, this cannot be correct! recalls do not expire and as long as the owner has the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealership should be responsible if their materials are continuously failing to meet safety requirements. What are folks making payments or can't afford another vehicle now supposed to do? drive around in a dangerous vehicle? be it 1 time or 1 million times, I want capitol Hyundai to indefinitely honor their recalls--at their expense.

I was informed this vehicle has a one-way safety valve in the fuel filler neck that when working properly will prevent fuel from escaping should there be a roll over. This valve must be stuck in the partially open position since if causes a significant restriction when fueling the car. When fueling the car, fuel does not flow properly and only accepts half gallon at a time before the fuel handle shuts off. Then I must wait for the gas in the filler neck to drop before I can continue to fuel vehicle and then continually repeat this process. Though very time consuming to fill it up, this is a safety issue since the valve does not operate as designed. I was informed it would cost over $600 to replace this valve and I would think it should be a manufacturer's defect. The consumer has no control that would influence the valve's proper functionality.