1996 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While traveling on highway and without prior warning airbag light appeared on dashboard. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2002
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
“Consumer was charged for recall repair 97v-026 for the inoperative windshield wipers, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer experienced battery blowing up while sitting in vehicle and the engine was idling. Consumer heard a loud noise, look under the hood and found the battery in pieces. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1998
“Consumer experiencing problem with engine check light intermittently coming on. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop and problem cannot be resolved. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 1998
“Consumer experiencing problem with right tail light failure. Bulb would last eight month or less. Dealer notified and replacing bulb at the cost to consumer.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 1998
“Vehicle would stall every time a/c is used. Dealer notified and the problem still has not been resolved at this time. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 1997
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1997
“Vehicle would vibrate while driving. As soon as consumer shifted from park to drive, the vehicle would start to vibrate. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 1997
“A consumer?s five year step daughter was killed by the air bag that deployed in a 5 mph collision accident. The consumer indicated that the air bag was defective, this report was written in by clarence ditlow, executive director for the center for auto safety, 202-328-7700, 1825 connecticut ave nw, ste 330, washington, dc 20009. *yh”Owner report · Air Bags
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. 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.