1997 Hyundai Sonata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Sonata › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Hyundai Sonata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Hyundai Sonata. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
49 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility
Failure/breakage of passenger side sun visor as addressed in hyundai tsb 09-01-003 nhtsa id:10028945 resulting in visor being unable to stay in position blocking visibility. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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…
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)
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
After making several appointments to have the fuel tank recall 00v314001 performed the parts weren't available. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Check engine light stays on after dealerships tried to fix muliple times. I have spend about 3,000 dallors of my money to fix the car. The dealership has finally told me that they do not know what IS wrong with the car. The car wants to stall at a stop and the idle jumps aroud while driving down the road. The car really acts up when you have the a/c on.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Passenger side air bag deployed at low speed, under 5 mph, killing front seat passenger.*ak the sonata hit the rear end of a vehicle deploying both the driver and passenger front bag. the consumer does not know for certain if the 5 year old child in the front passenger seat was belted. the…
Passenger side air bag deployed at low speed, under 5 mph, killing front seat passenger.*ak the sonata hit the rear end of a vehicle deploying both the driver and passenger front bag. the consumer does not know for certain if the 5 year old child in the front passenger seat was belted. the consumer does not believe the child was. the child sustained lacerations to the neck, spinal cord injuries and brain damage. the child was pronounced dead at the scene.cw
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Equipment
My vehicles check engine light has been on for well over a year now. I believe this problem IS dut to a manufacturer's defect and I should not have to come out of my pocket to pay for a company's mishap. I would like the problem to be corrected as soon as possible.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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 noticed a gasoline odor. This recall failed . *tt
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
I am writing to complain against difeo hyundai, hudson mall, rt. 440, jersey city, nj. I had the following recalls done on my hyundai sonata 97 (vin [xxx]) from difeo in january, 03: nhtsa campaign: 97v026000. nhtsa campaign: 00v314001 difeo had to replace the fuel tank as a part of the…
I am writing to complain against difeo hyundai, hudson mall, rt. 440, jersey city, nj. I had the following recalls done on my hyundai sonata 97 (vin [xxx]) from difeo in january, 03: nhtsa campaign: 97v026000. nhtsa campaign: 00v314001 difeo had to replace the fuel tank as a part of the recall. soon after the recall was done, I noticed that the fuel gauge needle was stuck on the upper end. spoke to difeo service manager [xxx] about this problem on 2/14/03 and took an apptment for 2/18/03 morning. Confirmed the apptment before leaving on 2/18/03. However, on reaching the service center I was turned away because it was closed for the day. this IS not the first time difeo has shown such unprofessional attitude in servicing the recall. 1.when I approached difeo the first time in november 2002, the dealer refused any knowledge of a recall. Had to have hyundai USA call them up to inform about the recall. 2.after this when I went to the service center on 1/11/03 the representative there (mike), again refused any knowledge of such a recall. 3.again had to go back to hyundai USA for help. Had [xxx] at 1800 633 5151 x [xxx] talk to [xxx]. Only then did difeo agree to service the recall. 4.finally dropped off the car on 1/25/03. Mike from difeo informed me the same evening that the car was ready for pickup. However, on reaching the service center I was informed that car was not ready yet and the gas tank would have to be replaced. 5.finally the fuel tank was replaced. am sure the problem with the fuel gauge has occurred because of difeo's poor workmanship. I am apprehensive if driving the car in its present state might endanger my safety. Difeo was hesitant to service the recall in the beginning and when forced, did a shoddy job out of it. I demand that difeo pick up the car from my residence and drop it back after doing a thorough job of the recall. I request you to get me some relief from this harassment. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The fuel tank cracked and leaked gasoline. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #97v026000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel tank was leaking gas while driving. Contacted dealer, and the dealer stated that leak came from the upper part of the fuel tank.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states the vehicle would not start, dealer said timing belt broke and caused the crank sensor and timing sensor to break, however after repairs the vehicle still would not start, consumer was informed that the problem was not with the starter, but possibly with the head. *yd
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Recall 00 v 314 001/fuel tank: recall repairs were done in april 27, 2001, and problem has reoccurred. Dealer/manufacturer were notified. *Ak when consumer informed dealer that fuel tank was leaking as a result of the recall repairs, they indicated that the leak was caused by consumer's personal mechanic and would not attempt to fix the problem of excessive vaccum nor replace the fuel tank without charge. *tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer states having problems with their brakes causing vehicle unable to stop.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Fuel tank has developed cracks and a fuel smell IS present. 1) in dec 2000 and mar 2001 fuel tank replaced because of cracks on top of fuel tank; 2) in april 2001 service for recall 00v314001 was performed; 3) in october 2001 fuel was leaking from a seal between fuel tank and a pipe, leading…
Fuel tank has developed cracks and a fuel smell IS present. 1) in dec 2000 and mar 2001 fuel tank replaced because of cracks on top of fuel tank; 2) in april 2001 service for recall 00v314001 was performed; 3) in october 2001 fuel was leaking from a seal between fuel tank and a pipe, leading to engine, resulting in fuel tank being replaced for fourth time and 4) in november 2001 fuel smell was present again and dealership was diagnosing the problem. *Ak the fuel gauge operation stays on full then drops drastically due to fuel sender/pump failure. The dealer replaced the gas tank cap. the check engine light comes on due to purge valve failure. Consumer was asking for reimbursement. *yh
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Automatic transmission; when appling gear in reverse there IS a hard banging noise coming from transmission. transmission has been replaced three times. dealership was aware of problem.*ak check engine light illuminated, dealer replaced faulty O2 sensor. faulty battery causing vehicle to…
Automatic transmission; when appling gear in reverse there IS a hard banging noise coming from transmission. transmission has been replaced three times. dealership was aware of problem.*ak check engine light illuminated, dealer replaced faulty O2 sensor. faulty battery causing vehicle to crank slow. driver door window moves slow, dealer lubricated glass channel. outer cv boot replaced, it was cracked. solenoid valve faulty causing poor gas mileage. *slc
- Air bags
Air bag light came on while operating vehicle. dealership has examined vehicle and determined that clock spring needed to be replaced. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10230904This 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 the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
- 10196546Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicles owners manual. Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result in reduced durability. Hyundai does not approve the use of any aftermarket ATF or gear oil additives.
- 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
- 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
- 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
- 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
- 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
- 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
- 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
- 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
- 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
- 10169370The 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 vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
- 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
- 10082725This bulletin provides information on components, attributes, and precautions of the 7-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission (dct).
- 10040957Hyundai: all sonata hybrids. Brake bleeding procedure.
- 10020878Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10003225Pre-conditions for readiness monitors.
- 10000710Obd-ii readiness test drive cycle.
- 633884Subject regarding diagnostic guide for clifford and dei security system.
- 631997Information on exhaust gas recirculation. *Slc
- 604299Subject pertaining to ( electrical troubleshooting manual ) etm correction for ground distribution .
- 604210Subject on airbag repair kit part numbers.
- 604011Information on fuel injector configuration.
- 601635Shop manual on DOHC spark plug wire routing.
- 601634Specification on rear brake disc minimum thickness.
- 601628Vehicles may experience a wind noise in the area around the right
- 601623Vehicles may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift.
- 601621Installation procedures on wood interior trim.
- 54312Throttle position sensor and idle switch adjustment procedure.
- 54310Installation instructions on block heater.
- 54309Subject pertaining to the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor location.
- 54161Provided procedures for the installation of a block heater.
- 54160Various information on proper care for vehicle exteriors and corrective steps for environmental damage.
- 54159Description and information on a new front case.
- 54158Information on torsion bars, gas struts and chmsl.
- 54157Service procedure and installation of the trunk mounted spoiler.
Every Hyundai Sonata model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.