1991 Hyundai Sonata
Only 29 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 29 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 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 29 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
8 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.
FIRE7 of 29 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE DEVELOPED A LEAK AND SPRAYED FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, CAUSING A FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950222
7 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and switch.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ALTENATOR AND STARTER ARE DEFECTIVE, RESULTING IN ENGINE FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960319
3 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
1991 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V196000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Hyundai Sonata have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.