Menu

1996 Hyundai SonataProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 1996 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints230 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 10, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Hyundai Sonata has problems

23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling60
Electrical system50
Power train50
Air bags31
Equipment30
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Structure20
Visibility20
Suspension10
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 Hyundai Sonata recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 97V-026 · Feb 26, 1997 · 74,965 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONTAMINATION INTERFERES WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Sonata year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Hyundai Sonata safety ratings

1996 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sonata owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

VEHICLE WOULD STALL EVERY TIME A/C IS USED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Complaint 827049 · Aug 21, 1998
WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 65MPH AND TURNS CORNERS THE CAR STALLS. OWNER WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO START IT UP AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, AND THERE IS STILL STALLING. *AK
Complaint 814614 · Jul 31, 1997
MY ENGINE QUITE AT A LIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT 4,000 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE. *AK
Complaint 748941 · Jul 23, 2001

Own a 1996 Sonata?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.