1999 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
- 124
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 124 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.
Structure
30% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
Air bags
25% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
L was stopped on traffic on high way ,and some one, hit me on the back ,the guy was so fast problem more than 75 MPH ,than my car float 20 foot ,and hit the car on my front and my air bags did not deploy or open , so the question is Hyundai...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-07
Consumer loss control and hit a solid barrier and none of the airbags deployed. Driver sustained a head injury. Prior to the accident the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the air bag light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-04
Also filed under Visibility
Consumer had been to the dealer regarding airbag light being illuminated dealer stated the light would turn off, a short time later, vehicle stalled, consumer tried to keep control of vehicle, however he hit a curb and the airbags did not deploy,...
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-23
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Engine and engine cooling
19% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Suspension
14% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing front and wheel bearing.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, he heard noises and noticed that the tire was misaligned causing the steering wheel pulling abnormally.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-06
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an independent repair shop and she was informed that the front sub-frame was corroded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-25
Power train
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2000-11-18Electrical system00V259001 Vehicle description: some Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter v-6 engines and all elantra model vehicles may have experienced intermittent low-speed engine stalling, which could occur if the…
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.
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R
2002-05-27Air bags01V347000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bag warning light could illuminate due to motion of the side impact air bag wiring harness and side impact air…
Remedy: Dealers will more securely fasten the front seat side impact air bag wiring harness and connectors to the vehicle's front seat cushion frames. Owner notification will occur in six mailings on may…
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R
2002-05-28Air bags02V105000 On certain passenger vehicles, an intermittent condition that leads to the supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bag warning light illumination could result from motion of the side impact air bag…
Remedy: Dealers will more securely fasten the side impact air bag wiring harnesses and connectors to the vehicle's front seat cushion frames. Owner notification began May 28, 2002. Owners who take their…
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I
2003-03-26Defect petitionClosed 2003-08-01 Improper frontal air bag performance
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I
2008-04-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-08-21 Front sub-frame corrosion
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I
2008-08-21Engineering analysisClosed 2009-04-20 Front sub-frame corrosion
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2009-07-17Suspension09V124000 Hyundai is recalling 188,282 my 2001-2004 Sonata and my 2001-2004 XG300 and XG350 vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa…
Remedy: Dealers will measure the thickness of the front sub-frame and inspect the front sub-frame for corrosion damage and, if necessary, the front sub-frame will be replaced with a new sub-frame that…
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V259001 · Electrical system
- Recall 01V347000 · Air bags
- Recall 02V105000 · Air bags
- Recall 09V124000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Hyundai Sonata?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.