1990 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The driver's side door is the only door that can be opened from the outside and cannot lock the doors with the key. The rear window on the driver's side is the only window working. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 1995
“No interlock system, grandson sear in front passengers seat reached over and shifted into neutral, vehicle rolledout into street into a neighbors yard. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 1995
“I purchased this vehicle new. Through less than seven years this vehicle has needed three transmissions. I have not replaced the most recent transmission because the cost of the new transmission is more than the value of the car.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1993
Show 5 more owner reports
“Transmission slips out of gear twice every month. Mechanic informed owner component was not built for this type of vehicle. Tt”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1991
“The consumer is able to remove the key out of the ignition while the car is in drive; also, gearshift can be moved out of park when key is not inserted. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1990
“Interlock system failed allowing driver to remove key while vehicle in drive, while putting children in the car it began to roll backwards, children were removed before car went over enbankment.”Owner report · Power Train
“After filling vehicle's tank smelled fuel inside vehicle. A dealer has been contacted. Fuel tank has been replaced twice before. Problem has returned. Please provide further information.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“The ignition key can be removed from the steering column when the gear shift is in any position (drive, reverse, etc.) instead of park position only. This allows the car to roll unattended if the gear shift was left in in any position other than park. Also, the gear shift can be moved from park to any other position with out the key inserted which could be a disaster if children were left unattended in the car. I have sent complaints to hundai with no response and I have sent forms to NHTSA with the last being sent on 10/27/96 and received by you on 10/11/96 (ref no. 803454). To date I have received no other response. *ak”Owner report · Power Train
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT CAN TRAVEL SLOWLY OR CHATTER IN THE TRACK AND MAY EVENTUALLY STOP TRACKING AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE TRACK ASSEMBLY AND, IF ANY SYSTEMS ARE FOUND INOPERATIVE, THE SYSTEM WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, AS REQUIRED.
THE SPRING CLAMP TANGS ON THE COOLANT BYPASS HOSE MAY CONTACT AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE ENGINE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE.
Remedy: ROTATE SPRING CLAMP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH FUEL HOSE; REPLACE DAMAGED HOSES.
INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY CATCH ON THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH STRIKER TO BIND.
Remedy: REPLACE HOOD LATCH STRIKER ASSEMBLY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonata by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Hyundai Sonata. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1990 Hyundai Sonata have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.