1997 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (31% of complaints); the 1996 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Failure/breakage of passenger side sun visor as addressed in hyundai tsb 09-01-003 NHTSA id:10028945 resulting in visor being unable to stay in position blocking visibility. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · May 2014
“1997 hyundai sonata has defective fuel tank. Leaking gas from the upper part of on the fuel tank. There was a recall on the tank in the year 2001..and my car was fixed, however it has reoccured (same problem). I took to dealer and they would not honor the recall, due to the fact it had already been done. I also called the manufacturor and they would also not honor. There is also a defect in the door lock, not allowing the door to even open.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2005
“Recall # 00v314001 1997 hyundai sonata I had called dealer to ask of recall they had informed me that this vehicle has been serviced for this problem three times. And they had said that it is out of warranty and they will not repair. My question is are they still responsible for the defect that has been repaired three times. I am leaving the VIN # also [xxx] please help thanks. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“The power locks are defective, when placing the key into the lock the passenger lock would not open, when the consumer was inside the vehicle ,the locking device would not lift.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2005
“Recall 00v314001 concerning fuel tank. After refilling the fuel tank consumer smelled strong gasoline odor. Contacted the dealer concerning this recall. Dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2004
“Recall 001v314001 concerning fuel tank. After having recall repairs done consumer smelled gasoline odors, and check engine light illuminated while driving. Vehicle was repaired on five separate times by the dealer, but problem recurred. Consumer complained that the dealer wanted to charge for the next repairs. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2003
“The evaporative emission control systems may apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. Minor fuel tank distortion could result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The check engine light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver noticed a gasoline odor. This recall failed . *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2003
“Fuel tank recalls below have not been properly fixed. Fuel tank still takes on too much pressure and vehicle has also failed emissions inspection. Windshield washer motor has failed twice (currently broken). Hazard light switch has failed 4 times.*ak 1997 hyundai sonata l4-1997cc 2.0l dohc mfi safety recalls tsb number issue date tsb title 01-01-004 mar 01 recall - canister air filter replacement emissions recalls tsb number issue date tsb title 01-01-004-1 apr 01 recall - canister air intake/fuel tank replacement”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2003
“The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #97v026000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.*jb”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2003
“Fuel tank was leaking gas while driving. Contacted dealer, and the dealer stated that leak came from the upper part of the fuel tank.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ACCENT GT MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DOHC ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 1996 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1997; 1998 ACCENT MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 6, 1997 THROUGH JUNE 25, 1998; 1997 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 1996 THROUGH JULY 9, 1997 AND 1998 SONATA VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JULY 9, 1997 THROUGH APRIL 24, 1998. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS MAY APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. MINOR FUEL TANK DISTORTION COULD RESULT. A SMALL CRACK COULD DEVELOP ON THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WOULD THEN ILLUMINATE AND, IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE DRIVER COULD NOTICE A GASOLINE ODOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF IT IS CRACKED, A NEW FUEL TANK WILL BE INSTALLED. A NEW FUEL FILLER CAP THAT DECREASES THE AMOUNT OF VACUUM INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 SONATA FUEL TANKS HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CRACKING. HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME, THE CAUSE FOR THE CRACKING HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THIS PORTION OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN AFTER HYUNDAI HAS DETERMINED THE CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE.
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 1997 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 1997 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Hyundai Sonata problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 72,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. 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.