Most common 1996 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
Best Sonata years: 2025, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2017. Compare all years →
1996 Hyundai Sonata recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
What 1996 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
When vehicle is driven 65mph and turns corners the car stalls. Owner would have to put the car in neutral to start it up again. The car has been to the dealer for repair, and there is still stalling.
Transmission & drivetrain
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. Axle broke , defrost malfunctions and cassette player failed.
Car wants to lurch forward when stopped at a trafic light .new transmission in car . Problem still appears.
Electrical system
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.
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. Axle broke , defrost malfunctions and cassette player failed.
1996 Hyundai Sonata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Hyundai Sonata a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Sonata rates better than average: 92% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sonata at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata, the most recent from February 26, 1997 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Sonata?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015 and 2017. See the full Hyundai Sonata years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.