1996 Hyundai Sonata
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.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 23 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 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-31
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, 1998-01-06
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.
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, 2002-08-13
Service brakes
3 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1997-04-28Visibility97V026000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V026000 · Visibility
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.