1990 Hyundai Sonata
Only 16 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 16 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 | 66 |
| 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 | 3368 |
| 2012 | 1551 |
| 2013 | 1895 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 1123 |
| 2016 | 717 |
| 2017 | 758 |
| 2018 | 364 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 165 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 16 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM GETS STUCK IN MIDDLE POSITION OF MECHANISM. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950117
2 of 16 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
NO INTERLOCK SYSTEM, GRANDSON SEAR IN FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT REACHED OVER AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, VEHICLE ROLLEDOUT INTO STREET INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950118
2 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility.
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
1990 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train 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 1990 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 1990 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Hyundai Sonata have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.