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 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
22% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: visibility — 7 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
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, 20030118
12% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 6 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1998 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V314001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:automatic transmission, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Sonata have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.