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
- 16
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 16 complaints
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 | 320 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,380 |
| 2012 | 1,559 |
| 2013 | 1,915 |
| 2014 | 748 |
| 2015 | 1,154 |
| 2016 | 727 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 375 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 134 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
7 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-18
Electrical system
4 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Stops dead in the middle of the street and it will not start up again. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-07
Seat belts
3 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicles driver side safety belt system gets stuck in middle position of mechanism. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-17
Visibility
3 of 16 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 16 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1990-02-26Engine and engine cooling90V037000 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.
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R
1990-02-26Latches/locks/linkages90V038000 Insufficient clearance could cause the safety catch on the secondary hood latch striker to bind.
Remedy: Replace hood latch striker assembly.
-
I
1993-07-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-11-30 Pass.restraint system fail
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R
1994-02-14Seat belts93V196000 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.
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I
1994-05-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-10-31 Charging system failures
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V037000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 90V038000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 93V196000 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.