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1997 Hyundai Sonata problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Hyundai Sonata is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 110,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sonata model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
49
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
47
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
18-21mpg

The worst 1997 Hyundai Sonata problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Fuel system
    17
  • Transmission
    9
  • Airbags
    8
  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Hyundai Sonata

Check engine light 7Fuel leak 7

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported October 2, 2000 · 66,086 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 june 25, 1998; 1997 sonata vehicles manufactured from august 1, 1996 through july 9, 1997 and 1998 sonata vehicles produced from july 9, 1997 through april 24, 1998. The evaporative emission control systems may apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. Minor fuel tank distortion could result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver could notice a gasoline odor.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
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 inside the fuel tank will also be installed. Note: the 1997-1998 sonata fuel tanks have also experienced cracking. However, at this time, the cause for the cracking has not been identified. This portion of the campaign will begin after hyundai has determined the cause and corrective procedure.

Recall number 00V314001 · Recall details

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 2 recalls for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata 47

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

See all 47 bulletins for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata

1997 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‑cylFWD18-1925-2620-21
3.0L 6‑cylFWD162218

What 1997 Hyundai Sonata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 6, 2014 · Visibility · 64,000 miles · NJ

Failure/breakage of passenger side sun visor as addressed in hyundai tsb 09-01-003 the federal safety agency id:10028945 resulting in visor being unable to stay in position blocking visibility.

Filed May 27, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 108,000 miles · IN

After attempting to call hyundai, I am absolutely fed up with everything they are doing. I have "repaired" my vehicle on numerous occasions to no avail. After at least 5, definitely more, trips to the mechanic I have repaired the alternator twice, the idle air control valve, brakes, motor mounts, done a transmission fluid change, and have had to repair 2 flywheels in the transmission. That list does not include the general maintenance of plugs, filters, and oil. I can't deal with this anymore. This is not actually my vehicle, this is my mothers vehicle, but regardless of who's vehicle it is, this is not acceptable. What it basically is doing is when it reaches a certain mileage it will basically "kick/jerk/push forward" (for a lack of terms) when it reaches 12 MPH and 32 MPH and I'm certain of others but my mother virtually never drives above 45 MPH so anything above that I'm uncertain of. It also has a very hard time accelerating to 20 MPH. Once it's above 20 MPH it's easy and accelerates very fast. My mother has nearly been hit twice due to this inability to accelerate as fast as it should. I have taken it too hyundai and they refused to look at the vehicle saying it is out of warranty, so I took it too numerous different mechanics. I am getting 3 different answers, something in the fuel/air line, engine computer module, and transmission. I do not want to have to pay for any of these repairs so I haven't done any of them, but I am thinking that this definitely needs to be reported. There are transmission and electrical items being reported which may be related to this. If this is as numerous as I'm seeing on here, you may want to issue a recall on this vehicle. Once is a coincidence, 5 times is phenomena, but over 20 times is an explicit failure by the company, no matter if the vehicle is 30 days old or 30 years old.

Filed Jun 30, 2005 · Fuel system · IL

1997 hyundai sonata has defective fuel tank. Leaking gas from the upper part of on the fuel tank. There was a recall on the tank in the year 2001..and my car was fixed, however it has reoccured (same problem). I took to dealer and they would not honor the recall, due to the fact it had already been done. I also called the manufacturor and they would also not honor. There is also a defect in the door lock, not allowing the door to even open.

Filed Jun 4, 2005 · Fuel system · 148,000 miles · PA

Recall # 00v314001 1997 hyundai sonata I had called dealer to ask of recall they had informed me that this vehicle has been serviced for this problem three times. And they had said that it is out of warranty and they will not repair. My question is are they still responsible for the defect that has been repaired three times. I am leaving the VIN # also [xxx] please help thanks. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Locks · 86,000 miles · VA

The power locks are defective, when placing the key into the lock the passenger lock would not open, when the consumer was inside the vehicle ,the locking device would not lift.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Fuel system · 128,000 miles · ID

Recall 001v314001 concerning fuel tank. After having recall repairs done consumer smelled gasoline odors, and check engine light illuminated while driving. Vehicle was repaired on five separate times by the dealer, but problem recurred. Consumer complained that the dealer wanted to charge for the next repairs.

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Fuel system · 25,000 miles · NY

Recall 00v314001 concerning fuel tank. After refilling the fuel tank consumer smelled strong gasoline odor. Contacted the dealer concerning this recall. Dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Fuel system · 33,116 miles · RI

Recall regarding gas tank problem.*mr while driving the consumer hit a pothole in the road. Shortly after all the fuel in the fuel tank leaked out. The dealer did not save the tank or inspect it further because the consumer hit a pothole. Sometime in 2001 the consumer received a recall (00v-314001) regarding a gas tank problem. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the recall work was done.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · AL

Transmission failure

Filed May 9, 2004 · Fuel system, Visibility · 118,468 miles · NJ

Fuel tank recalls below have not been properly fixed. Fuel tank still takes on too much pressure and vehicle has also failed emissions inspection. Windshield washer motor has failed twice (currently broken). Hazard light switch has failed 4 times.*ak 1997 hyundai sonata l4-1997cc 2.0l dohc mfi safety recalls tsb number issue date tsb title 01-01-004 mar 01 recall - canister air filter replacement emissions recalls tsb number issue date tsb title 01-01-004-1 apr 01 recall - canister air intake/fuel tank replacement

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Hyundai Sonata before you buy

Compare the 1997 Hyundai Sonata

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 Hyundai Sonata

Is the 1997 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 1997 Hyundai Sonata, fewer than a typical Sonata model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Hyundai Sonata?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 17 complaints, typically around 110,000 miles. Next is transmission (9).

How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and visibility.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Hyundai Sonata fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V314001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Sonata have the most fuel system problems?

The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2013 (212 complaints), 2011 (135 complaints) and 2012 (117 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-19 city and 25-26 highway.

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