1989 Hyundai Sonata
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3376 |
| 2012 | 1556 |
| 2013 | 1908 |
| 2014 | 744 |
| 2015 | 1144 |
| 2016 | 722 |
| 2017 | 762 |
| 2018 | 372 |
| 2019 | 161 |
| 2020 | 177 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19950302
3 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
2 of 11 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
2 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 35 MPH. THE FRONT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT SYSTEM DID NOT HOLD THE DRIVER IN PLACE, UPON IMPACT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961017
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 90V037000 — check if this car was fixed
INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY CATCH ON THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH STRIKER TO BIND.
Remedy: REPLACE HOOD LATCH STRIKER ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 90V038000 — check if this car was fixed
PASS.RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
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.
Campaign 93V196000 — check if this car was fixed
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V037000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V038000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V196000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Hyundai Sonata have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.