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1996 Hyundai Sonata problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Hyundai Sonata is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sonata model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
41
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 1996 Hyundai Sonata problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported February 26, 1997 · 74,965 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Risk
This contamination interferes with the electrical circuit continuity and prevents the windshield wiper motor from operating. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.

Recall number 97V026000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata 41

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 41 bulletins for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata

1996 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD18-192621-22
3.0L 6‑cylFWD162319

What 1996 Hyundai Sonata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Airbags · MO

A consumer?s five year step daughter was killed by the air bag that deployed in a 5 MPH collision accident. The consumer indicated that the air bag was defective, this report was written in by clarence ditlow, executive director for the center for auto safety, 202‑328‑7700, 1825 connecticut ave nw, ste 330, washington, dc 20009.

Filed Mar 21, 2002 · Airbags · IN

While traveling on highway and without prior warning airbag light appeared on dashboard. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Engine · GA

My engine quite at a light. There was no warning, the car had been running fine. It had been about 4,000 miles since my last oil change.

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Body, Visibility · CT

Consumer was charged for recall repair 97v‑026 for the inoperative windshield wipers, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm

Filed Jan 2, 2001 · Locks · VA

Door lock would keep locking on its own. When either in or out of vehicle locks would either keep driver/passenger in/or locked out. Had door locks repaired 5 times, but problem keeps reappearing. Mechanic indicated to bring it in when it happens, but it's not resolved. Dealer urged consumer to take vehicle to another dealership for repairs.

Filed Jul 27, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · GA

When driving on the highway at 65 MPH transmission stopped changing gears, causing vehicle to decelerate, and losing all power. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer replaced transmission. Also, having other problems with the starter and alternator. *ak axle broke , defrost malfunctions and cassette player failed.

Filed Jun 5, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA

Car wants to lurch forward when stopped at a trafic light .new transmission in car . Problem still appears.

Filed Oct 21, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · KS

The power-steering pump s leaking down into the alternator, and shorting it out. Dealer looked at it three times and replaced the high psi line going into the pump, as well as the crush washers. That was accomplished the second time it happened. The third time they replaced the high psi line again, and it occurred three more times and they told us there was nothing that they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. Therefore we have replaced the alternator three more times to correct the problem. I, the owner, built a guard over the alternator to prevent the fluid from leaking into the alternator. Since then we have had no problems, but it took the engineering of myself to fix the problem.

Filed Oct 19, 1999 · Engine · PA

Vehicle has been back to auto repair center for the same reoccurring problem at least 10 different times. Car cuts off at cruise speeds car/ bucks and restarts, car dies when you turn corners at low speeds and you must put car in nutrel to restart.

Filed Oct 8, 1998 · Airbags · IL

The vehicle has been serviced 3 times in the last year because the air bag warning light continued to come on. One of the air bags was replaced, but the air bag warning light continues to come on. The vehicle will be serviced the 4th time for the same problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Hyundai Sonata before you buy

Compare the 1996 Hyundai Sonata

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1996 Hyundai Sonata

Is the 1996 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1996 Hyundai Sonata, fewer than a typical Sonata model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Hyundai Sonata?

Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is transmission (5).

How many recalls does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata have?

1 recall, covering visibility.

What year does the Hyundai Sonata have bad engine?

The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (1,012 complaints), 2013 (778 complaints) and 2015 (651 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-19 city and 26 highway.

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