1996 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Hyundai Sonata: 1 recall, 23 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V026000 · 1997 · 74,965 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Hyundai Sonata has 23 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old. Neighboring years: 1995 (66 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (49 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (6), transmission & drivetrain (5), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Hyundai Sonata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.