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 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 | 66 |
| 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 | 3368 |
| 2012 | 1551 |
| 2013 | 1895 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 1123 |
| 2016 | 717 |
| 2017 | 758 |
| 2018 | 364 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 165 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 15 distinct reports on file.
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020910
14% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20030829
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH VEHICLE HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990604
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT TRAVELLING ABOUT 15MPH, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. CAR WAS TOWED, INSURANCE INVESTIGATION PENDING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980917
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 JU
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 INSI
Campaign 00V314001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V026000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V314001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.