Most common 1998 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 →
1998 Hyundai Sonata recalls (1)
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.
What 1998 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Follow up to complaint #10102430, pasenger door will not open from inside/outside, after removing inside door panel fished out a broken spring rusted through, was able to repair with $.50 spring from local hardware store, checked drivers side and found same spring about to rust through, if Hyundai used stainless spring would have prevented problem, fell sorry for that person trying to seek medical help at a emergency room entrance when door won,t open, transmission also goes out of gear when after slowing for ez pass then slams into gear.
When driving out of my parking lot, two pieces of equipment fell off of my vehicle. One looked like a belt and the other a small drum. My automatic transmission would no longer function and I was forced to coast into a parking spot in the lot.
Fuel & propulsion system
Crack in gas tank discovered after several removals of tank to replace hoses, then clamps. Replaced 1998 tank with used tank from 1996 model. Within 3 month replacement tank was leaking from crack in same area as before. Discovered recall on this model and took vehicle to local dealer. Dealer refused to honor recall due to service performed in 2006 where they (supposedly) added check valve to prevent gas tank cracks from developing. Appeals to regional and national Hyundai offices were also rejected. Dealer sent me away with seriously leaking / dangerous tank.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Hyundai Sonata. The contact smelled gas and noticed a gas leak coming from the fuel tank. Recall # 00V314001 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) was found. The dealer stated that there was a hole in the gas tank, but refused to repair it because the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact felt they should replace the gas tank as stated in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Dt: the drivers side door latch broke. Caller had to roll down the window to get the door opened. For about 6 months the handle had a hairline crack in it, and now the handle had 4 cracks. It is not strong enough to open the latch. Dealer and manufacturerr have not been contacted yet. Also caller had to replace all 4 of the window rollwers.
Turn signals and hazards failed. All fuses, control box, and wiring were checked and problem could not be found. In addition, electric window assembly plastic pulleys have broken in 3 of 4 doors. Causing windows to remain in either up or down position.
1998 Hyundai Sonata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Hyundai Sonata a good car?
Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 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 1998 Hyundai Sonata?
The transmission & drivetrain — 12 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (10) and windows, wipers & sunroof (9).
How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Sonata have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 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 1998 Hyundai Sonata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 29% 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.