1993 Hyundai Sonata
Only 26 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 26 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 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND IT STARTED SMOKING. ALSO, FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF IT, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BROTHER'S HOUSE. DEALER HASDNOT LOOKED AT VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050624
PURCHASED CAR USED, THE TIMING BELT BROKE, PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960329
9 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
9 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and switch.
3 of 26 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.
2 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 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 1993 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 1993 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 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.