1990 HYUNDAI SONATA

3 recalls, 25 complaints - 14 TSBs

93V196000 Nov 29, 1993
SEAT BELTS
Defect Description
THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT CAN TRAVEL SLOWLY OR CHATTER IN THE TRACK AND MAY EVENTUALLY STOP TRACKING AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence
SLOWING, CHATTERING, OR FAILURE OF THE MOTORIZED SHOULDERBELT MAY DISCOURAGE USE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE TRACK ASSEMBLY AND, IF ANY SYSTEMS ARE FOUND INOPERATIVE, THE SYSTEM WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, AS REQUIRED.
100,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
90V037000 Feb 21, 1990
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Defect Description
THE SPRING CLAMP TANGS ON THE COOLANT BYPASS HOSE MAY CONTACT AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE ENGINE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE.
Consequence
FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE DAMAGED HOSE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
ROTATE SPRING CLAMP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH FUEL HOSE; REPLACE DAMAGED HOSES.
43,590 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
90V038000 Feb 21, 1990
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Defect Description
INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY CATCH ON THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH STRIKER TO BIND.
Consequence
IF PRIMARY LATCH IS RELEASED OR IF HOOD IS NOT COMPLETELY CLOSED, HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION; THIS WOULD BLOCK DRIVER'S VISION AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE HOOD LATCH STRIKER ASSEMBLY.
39,361 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

25 total complaints

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
SEAT BELTS2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jan 30, 2002
AFTER FILLING VEHICLE'S TANK SMELLED FUEL INSIDE VEHICLE. A DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BEFORE. PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH Jun 23, 2000
THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN ANY POSITION (DRIVE, REVERSE, ETC.) INSTEAD OF PARK POSITION ONLY. THIS ALLOWS THE CAR TO ROLL UNATTENDED IF THE GEAR SHIFT WAS LEFT IN IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jun 23, 2000
THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN ANY POSITION (DRIVE, REVERSE, ETC.) INSTEAD OF PARK POSITION ONLY. THIS ALLOWS THE CAR TO ROLL UNATTENDED IF THE GEAR SHIFT WAS LEFT IN IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 23, 1999
Incident date: Aug 1, 1993
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. THROUGH LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS THIS VEHICLE HAS NEEDED THREE TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE MOST RECENT TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE COST OF THE NEW TRANSMISSION IS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY May 24, 1999
INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED ALLOWING DRIVER TO REMOVE KEY WHILE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, WHILE PUTTING CHILDREN IN THE CAR IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, CHILDREN WERE REMOVED BEFORE CAR WENT OVER ENBANKMENT.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING Jul 24, 1997
Incident date: Apr 1, 1993
SHOULDER BELT ON BOTH SIDES BROKE.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jul 17, 1997
THREE POWER WINDOWS INOPERATIVE.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Jul 17, 1997
THE DOOR HANDLES WERE BROKE.
SEAT BELTS Dec 31, 1996
MOTOR BELT FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 2, 1996
Incident date: Oct 30, 1996
WHEN MAKING A STOP CONSUMER APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. *AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Nov 27, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1995
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND CANNOT LOCK THE DOORS WITH THE KEY. THE REAR WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS THE ONLY WINDOW WORKING. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Nov 27, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1995
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND CANNOT LOCK THE DOORS WITH THE KEY. THE REAR WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS THE ONLY WINDOW WORKING. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Nov 8, 1996
Incident date: Feb 3, 1990
THE CONSUMER IS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE; ALSO, GEARSHIFT CAN BE MOVED OUT OF PARK WHEN KEY IS NOT INSERTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Nov 8, 1996
Incident date: Feb 3, 1990
THE CONSUMER IS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE; ALSO, GEARSHIFT CAN BE MOVED OUT OF PARK WHEN KEY IS NOT INSERTED. *AK
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL Aug 2, 1995
Incident date: Aug 1, 1995
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 28, 1995
Incident date: Feb 28, 1991
TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR TWICE EVERY MONTH. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER COMPONENT WAS NOT BUILT FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 8, 1995
Incident date: Jan 20, 1995
TRANSMISSION; CAR RUN 100 TO 200 MILES CAR BREAK DOWN CAR BEEN IN SHOP ABOUT 240 TIMES. TT
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jun 24, 1991
A/C CONTROL KNOB WON'T STAY IN WHEN PUSHED. TT
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jun 24, 1991
HEATER CONTROL KNOB FELL OFF. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jun 24, 1991
BRAKES MAKE SQUEAKING NOISE. TT
INTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jun 24, 1991
DOME LIGHT WON'T WORK. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jan 7, 1992
REPLACED BATTERY. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Feb 7, 1995
Incident date: Jun 24, 1991
STOPS DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND IT WILL NOT START UP AGAIN. TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH Jan 18, 1995
Incident date: Jan 10, 1995
NO INTERLOCK SYSTEM, GRANDSON SEAR IN FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT REACHED OVER AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, VEHICLE ROLLEDOUT INTO STREET INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD. *AK
SEAT BELTS Jan 17, 1995
VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM GETS STUCK IN MIDDLE POSITION OF MECHANISM. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 HYUNDAI SONATA

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 24.0 20.0 Regular $3,100
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 26.0 21.0 Regular $2,950
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 16.0 22.0 18.0 Regular $3,450

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 HYUNDAI SONATA

14 manufacturer communications from 10 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
350000 EQUIPMENT2
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
270000 LANE DEPARTURE1
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION1
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
190000 TIRES1
23-BD-002H Jan 30, 2023
130000 VISIBILITY
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th
21-EM-003H Mar 10, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
21-EM-003H Mar 10, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H Nov 30, 2020
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H Nov 19, 2020
190000 TIRES
This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For
20-SS-004H Nov 19, 2020
200000 WHEELS
This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For
20-EE-003H Apr 23, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
20-EE-003H Apr 23, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
19-BE-011H-1 Nov 4, 2019
270000 LANE DEPARTURE
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v
19-BE-011H-1 Nov 4, 2019
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v
5NP-S9D9P-10 Sep 2, 2016
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON COMPONENTS, ATTRIBUTES, AND PRECAUTIONS OF THE 7-SPEED DRY-TYPE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT).
97110120014 Nov 1, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
PROVIDED PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A BLOCK HEATER. *YC
97100120012 Oct 1, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION ON CYLINDER HEAD BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *YC
9740002 Jan 1, 1997
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE18003 Opened: Mar 16, 2018 , Closed: Aug 30, 2019
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more
PE16018 Opened: Dec 27, 2016 , Closed: Oct 23, 2017
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013
Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyun... Read more
PE16010 Opened: Sep 3, 2016 , Closed: Feb 22, 2017
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016
Electronic Parking Brake
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area.The vehicles subject to the investigation ... Read more
PE14023 Opened: Jul 22, 2014 , Closed: Dec 1, 2014
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006
Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner s... Read more
PE10035 Opened: Aug 27, 2010 , Closed: Feb 7, 2011
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011
Steering Shaft Separation
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 7 complaints and field reports and 10 warranty claims on the subject vehicles that allege the intermediate steering shaft became loose or in some cases separated from the upper steering column and/or the steering gearbox, causing (or potentially ... Read more
PE08071 Opened: Dec 15, 2008 , Closed: May 29, 2009
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD
THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION.THE RECALL AFFECTS 91,202 MY 2002-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2002, THROUGH MARCH 22, 2003.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION WAS DEFINED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S USE OF A NEW SUPPLIER FOR THE CHRO... Read more
PE08029 Opened: Apr 22, 2008 , Closed: Aug 21, 2008
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999
FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE08-029, ON APRIL 22, 2008, BASED ON 40 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES.COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IN THE A... Read more
PE05059 Opened: Nov 7, 2005 , Closed: May 11, 2006
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002
TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE05-059, BASED ON NINE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES.THE ALLEGED VALVE STEM FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) TIRE (MICHELIN 205/65R15 ENERGY MXV4 PLUS) TO ... Read more
DP03001 Opened: Mar 26, 2003 , Closed: Aug 1, 2003
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999
IMPROPER FRONTAL AIR BAG PERFORMANCE
HYUNDAI HAS RECEIVED 49 REPORTS FROM CUSTOMERS STATING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.EXAMINATION OF SUPLIMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ODI BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPORTED CASES IT APPEARED THAT THE NECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET.THE... Read more
PE93061 Opened: Jul 8, 1993 , Closed: Nov 30, 1993
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1989
PASS.RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SONATA across all model years (1989, 2026).

141 Total Recalls
22,165 Total Complaints
10 Investigations
1,201 Reported Crashes
681 Reported Fires
27 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2026 1 2 View
2025 0 20 View
2024 1 71 View
2023 2 136 View
2022 3 139 View
2021 4 170 View
2020 4 258 View
2019 0 206 View
2018 1 544 View
2017 3 995 View
2016 6 992 View
2015 9 1,642 View
2014 7 1,077 View
2013 9 2,641 View
2012 8 2,272 View
2011 14 4,609 View
2010 2 415 View
2009 2 612 View
2008 5 554 View
2007 7 906 View
2006 11 1,422 View
2005 1 217 View
2004 1 288 View
2003 6 249 View
2002 7 407 View
2001 3 293 View
2000 4 378 View
1999 4 187 View
1998 1 68 View
1997 2 74 View
1996 1 37 View
1995 2 93 View
1994 1 7 View
1993 1 46 View
1992 1 43 View
1991 1 41 View
1990 (current) 3 25
1989 3 18 View
1987 0 4 View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SANTA FE 153 9,962 View
ELANTRA 133 11,853 View
PALISADE 124 2,704 View
TUCSON 95 8,074 View
SONATA HYBRID 67 1,129 View
IONIQ 5 66 1,865 View
ACCENT 64 2,745 View
SANTA FE HYBRID 57 347 View