1993 Hyundai Sonata: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 46 complaints
46
Total Complaints
Automatic Transmission
Top Issue
1
Crash Reports

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

Automatic Transmission
7
Engine
4
Gasoline
4
Starter Assembly
3
Horn
2
Switch
2
Manual Transmission
2
Pump
2
Flasher Unit
2
Interior Lighting
2

Severity Assessment

1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

"PURCHASED CAR USED, THE TIMING BELT BROKE, PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK"
"SUPERIOR HYUNDAI IN FAIRFIELD; RECALL FOR SLOW, CHATTERING OR NO MOVEMENT OF PASSIVE RESTRAINT. DEALER REFUSES TO PERFORM RECALL SAYS NOT PART OF RECALL. *AK"
"POWER WINDOWS INOPERATIVE. *SD"

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

When Were Complaints Filed?

Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.

Where Are Complaints Coming From?

Top states by complaint count.

OH: 10 OK: 8 NY: 5 00: 3 VA: 3 MA: 3 CA: 3 TX: 2 FL: 2 AL: 2

Who Files Complaints?

39.1%
Original Owners
60.9%
Second+ Owners

Hyundai Sonata — Other Years

See how this model compares across different model years.

YearComplaintsCrashes
1990250
1991413
1992431
19959317
1996370
1997746
1998683
199918725
200037822
200129334
200240750
200324728
200428536
200521744
2006142255
200790545
200855424
200961029
201041523
20114582194
2012225486
20132602138
2014106148
2015161160
201696037
201796446
201851926
201918211
20202368
202115611
202212314
202313012
2024613

Active Recalls (1)

Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.

Seat Belts
Campaign 93V196000 | 29/11/1993
SLOWING, CHATTERING, OR FAILURE OF THE MOTORIZED SHOULDERBELT MAY DISCOURAGE USE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE TRACK ASSEMBLY AND, IF ANY SYSTEMS ARE FOUND INOPERATIVE, THE SYSTEM WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, AS REQUIRED.

Extend Your Transmission Life

Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.

  • Change transmission fluid at manufacturer intervals — not 'lifetime' fluid
  • Come to a full stop before shifting from reverse to drive
  • Don't ride the brakes on hills — use a lower gear
  • Check transmission fluid level and color monthly — dark fluid needs changing
  • Address slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement immediately

Compare Hyundai Sonata

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Vehicle Rankings

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Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28