1998 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
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 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.
Power train
24% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
Fuel system, gasoline
22% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and mounting.
Show complaint excerpts
We had gotten the recall letter for something other than the gas tank on the vehicle we were told it had a crack in it at the time we took it for the first recall letter for this vehicle,we can only fill the fuel tank to 3/4 hash mark and below...
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-18
Also filed under Fuel system, other
Visibility
20% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and motor.
Latches/locks/linkages
14% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Air bags
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was involved in a 5 MPH minor collision in which the driver's and passenger's air bags deployed, both driver and passenger sustained injuries. Please give any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-30
While driving 65 MPH vehicle had no frontal impact and no accident, but driver's and passenger's airbags deployed inadvertedly, causing driver to lose control of vehicle and going into a ditch. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-12
False deployment of both the driver and passenger air bag resulted in the driver to feeling sick and dizzy from the substance which came out of the air bag.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-25
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
1998 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V314001 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Hyundai Sonata?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.