Most common 1997 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of the 49 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 →
1997 Hyundai Sonata recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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…
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.
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 1997 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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. 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
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 [redacted] please help thanks.
Transmission & drivetrain
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. 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.
Experiencing problem with accelleration on highway. When vehicle reaches 40 MPH or more it appears to be shifting in neutral, and causes engine to stall. Vehicle been in dealer's shop on four occasions, and dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Please fill free toprovide any further details.
Air bags
On September 18, 1999 while driving on baltimore/washington prkwy, I approached an area of highway were work was being done. I was now traveling at approximately 3-5 MPH. At one point traffic came to a complete stop. As I glanced down at my instrumental panel the airbag indicator light appeared to be flickering, the light stayed on for a few seconds, then went out. While in a stopped position approximately (2) mins after airbag light came on, the airbags both the driver and passenger deployed. I was startled by this and did however release the pressure on the brakes slightly bumping the vehicle ahead of me. There was no damage to the other vehicle and little damage to the bumper of my car. The major damage is from the interior of my car from the airbags. Please be aware the airbags deployed before my car came into contact with the other vehicle.
Passenger side air bag deployed at low speed, under 5 MPH, killing front seat passenger. 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
1997 Hyundai Sonata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Hyundai Sonata a good car?
Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Sonata rates better than average: 85% 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 1997 Hyundai Sonata?
The fuel & propulsion system — 17 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (9) and air bags (8).
How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Sonata have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata, the most recent from October 2, 2000 (tank assembly). 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Hyundai Sonata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.