1997 Hyundai Sonata
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 49 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
37% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel tank was leaking gas while driving. Contacted dealer, and the dealer stated that leak came from the upper part of the fuel tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-10
Power train
22% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Air bags
16% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger side air bag deployed at low speed, under 5 MPH, killing front seat passenger.*ak the Sonata hit the rear end of a vehicle deploying both the driver and passenger front bag.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-29
While driving about 50 MPH vehicle had hit another vehicle on the driver's side, and neither air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-06-04
Vehicle was involved in a frontal impact travelling about 15MPH, neither air bag deployed upon impact. Car was towed, insurance investigation pending.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-17
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Visibility
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing motor and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
Failure/breakage of passenger side sun visor as addressed in Hyundai TSB 09-01-003 NHTSA id:10028945 resulting in visor being unable to stay in position blocking visibility.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-06
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #97V026000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-27
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 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.
-
R
2001-01-15Fuel system, gasoline00V314001 Vehicle description: accent gt model vehicles equipped with dohc engines manufactured from December 19, 1996 through June 30, 1997; 1998 Accent model vehicles manufactured from May 6, 1997 through…
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If it is cracked, a new fuel tank will be installed. A new fuel filler cap that decreases the amount of vacuum…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V026000 · Visibility
- Recall 00V314001 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Hyundai Sonata?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 2 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.