1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (52% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
46
owner complaints
0
fire reports
110,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 110,000 mi)Weak spot: structure (52%)
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)52% · 24 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)20% · 9 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)11% · 5 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)9% · 4 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)4% · 2 complaints
Tires2% · 1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai sonata gls. While making a left turn at a traffic light, the front passenger side suspension separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was included in NHTSA action number: ea08016 (structure, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2015
“1999 hyundai sonat gls airbag warning light continues to come on after being worked on by hyundai dealer 10-15 times. Was worked on without issue while under warranty with no success. Once extended warrenty expired, the dealer then knew that the car needed a new wire harness for about $1000. The service manager then suggested that I hard -wire the wire harness to get around the connector issue. Is there a recourse to an airbag problkem that has been worked on at least a dozen times? *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2010
“I own a 1999 hyundai sonata and was informed by my mechanic that the front sub frame on the passenger side is rusted through, presenting a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers. There is currently a manufacturer's recall due to this corrosion issue. The vehicle was purchased and driven in minnesota for the last ten years where salt is applied to roadways likely contributing this problem. The vehicle is currently registered in georgia and the local hyundai dealership refuses to make the repair. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving down the road the car began to pull to the right. Could barely drive to the shop. They found out the frame was rusted so bad it was not drivable. The tire which were new just 3 months ago were totally bald. The car, a 1999 hyundai sonata, is now not drivable. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2009
“While driving the vehicle suddenly pulled sharply to the right. There was a bad grinding noise when ever we turned a corner. This happened as my wife was coming home from work. I took it to test drive and was surprised with how difficult it was to control. I took it to my mechanic and he said the sub frame was completely rusted through and the vehicle was not safe to operate. He was able to find a used sub frame to replace it and I did save the old sub frame. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2009
“I noticed my left front suspension on my 1999 hyundai sonata gls squeaking loudly while driving city speeds. My mechanic noticed rusty area around suspension control arm, etc. Labeled it as a priority repair for safety reasons. I previously had the complete rear wheel hub replaced because of corrosion a few years ago, too. I have not gone to a hyundai dealer yet so I'm not sure how to proceed from here. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2009
“1999 hyundai sonata gls the right side frame is almost completely rusted thru. I caught it before I wrecked the car or ran into someone due to it resting apart. This should not be happening it is very safe and left alone could cause fatal injuries. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2008
“I have a 1999 hyundai sonata which broke down yesterday due badly rusted huge hole on the front right side of the frame. This made the vehicle disabled and can not be driven. This also resulted in the damage to the wheel joints the mechanic told me that the whole front frame had to be replaced. He also told me that there would be a lot of expense to fix the car. I was reading about the similar problems for the sonata cars that were made during the 1999-2002 were having similar problems and the NHTSA was investigating the matter. Please advice me the further courses of action. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2008
“Noticed that the tires were getting misaligned and the car keeps pulling to the right. Finally took the tire off and noticed that the passenger side sub-frame is rusted all the way through where all the suspension attachments are barely holding in its place. Nothing has been done to fix the issue at this moment due to its repair cost vs what the vehicle is worth. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2008
“Just everyday driving to and from work, the usual speed bumps ( taken at normal speeds for said speed bumps) the steering pulls to the right, significantly, and the front right tire is at an angle instead of perpendicular to the road. The k-frame has rotted out and caused the front left spindle to bend, making the vehicle undrivable. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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Is the 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS. The most complained-about area is structure (52% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.