MYRModel Year Report

1996 Hyundai Sonata

○ Not enough data
1996 Hyundai Sonata
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:54:45.405Z

Only 23 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Sonata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1987: 1 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 68 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1996 1997: 49 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1999: 124 complaints 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2005: 165 complaints 2006: 1047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2007 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2011: 3376 complaints 2012: 1556 complaints 2012 2013: 1908 complaints 2014: 744 complaints 2015: 1144 complaints 2016: 722 complaints 2017: 762 complaints 2017 2018: 372 complaints 2019: 161 complaints 2020: 177 complaints 2021: 129 complaints 2022: 91 complaints 2022 2023: 85 complaints 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 16 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
1996: 23 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19871
19880
198911
199016
199129
199222
199326
19943
199568
199623
199749
199849
1999124
2000276
2001205
2002319
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113376
20121556
20131908
2014744
20151144
2016722
2017762
2018372
2019161
2020177
2021129
202291
202385
202446
202516
20262

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 65MPH AND TURNS CORNERS THE CAR STALLS. OWNER WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO START IT UP AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, AND THERE IS STILL STALLING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970731

POWER TRAIN

6 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980106

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and switch.

AIR BAGS

3 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.

DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

A CONSUMER?S FIVE YEAR STEP DAUGHTER WAS KILLED BY THE AIR BAG THAT DEPLOYED IN A 5 MPH COLLISION ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020813

SERVICE BRAKES

3 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19970428 — visibility

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.

Campaign 97V026000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 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 (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V026000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1998 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2013 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 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 1996 Hyundai Sonata?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 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.