1993 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: just bought the vehicle used and it started smoking. Also, fluid was coming out of it, had vehicle towed to brother's house. Dealer hasdnot looked at vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2005
“Took the automobile into dealership to have a vehicle inspection done. When leaving dealership noticed that the directional signals did not work circled around the block and drove the car back to the dealership. I explained that the directional signals were working fine when I brought the vehicle in. Mr. Ray marshall acknowledged that the signals were working when the vehicle was inspected and stated that I could bring the automobile back on tuesday 9/5/00.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2000
“While driving at 10 mph, making a right hand turn, another vehicle rear ended consumer's vehicle, and both front back seats broke. Driver was injured. Manufacturer contacted, but provided no help. *ak *ml”Owner report · Seats · Jan 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“Problems with changing gears. Would go 30mph. Would get no speed. Transmission made grinding noise. Been to dealer & had mechanic change transmission. The 2nd transmission was same as first. Took vehicle back & transmission replaced once again, 3 months later, transmission stopped working. Had vehicle towed home. Finally took vehicle back to dealer & mechanic noticed the motor was defective. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1998
“At different times and speeds, the car will skip at times. Some times it surges very bad and check engine light will come on. Other times the car will miss and the check engine light does not come on. Technicans at dealership can not find trouble code from check engine light to solve problem. You may drive 300 miles with no problem, and then you may drive 10 miles and it surges and the check engine light comes numerous times. The car has been serviced, tuned and filters changed and doesn't help the problem. I am afraid I will get in heavy traffic and stall completely, possibly causing an accident.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1998
“While driving on highway vehicle stalls in the fast lane. Dealer inspected vehicle and found that the cause of the problem was a faulty computer chip. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 1997
“While driving vehicle power steering pump went out, noticed steering fluid had leaked out, checked under hood, noticed steering pump just dangling. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1997
“Consumer suspects total brake failure. If vehicle is driven on rough surface roads, brakes have given away a number of times. On smooth road/rides brakes are fine. Vehicle was purchased in guam, where problem began while still under warrenty. Problem was rported, butgaum dealership did not know what the cause was. Fairfax hyundai dealership in virginia, will not touch/no warrenty, and claims that they are not affiliated with gaum dealership. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1997
“When driving the vehicle the engine check light keeps coming on. Consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer, and they can't determine what the problem is. *ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 1996
“The engine smokes on start up and the lifters rattle and knock was in and out of the dealership for months. Every 850+ miles burns a quart of oil was told that the way that engine works.the car was kept for four months and came back the same way.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1994
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 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 1993 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Hyundai Sonata. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1993 Hyundai Sonata have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.