MotorDeets

1998 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 Hyundai Sonata: 1 recall, 49 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
49owner complaints
3mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1998 Hyundai Sonata
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V314001 · 2000 · 66,086 vehicles

What's wrong: The evaporative emission control systems May apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. Minor fuel tank distortion could result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver could notice a gasoline odor.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

The fix: 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. A new fuel filler cap that decreases the amount of vacuum inside the fuel tank will also be installed.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain12
Fuel system10
Visibility (wipers, glass)9
Latches & locks7
Airbags6
Engine & cooling4
Electrical4
Brakes (hydraulic)3

What owners describe

The 1998 Hyundai Sonata has 49 owner complaints, ranking #28 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 1999 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (49 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (124 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192521Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182520Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive152218Regular

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 1998 Hyundai Sonata.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1998 Hyundai Sonata manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1998 Hyundai Sonata manual

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FAQ

Does the 1998 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 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 1998 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (12), fuel system (10), visibility (wipers, glass) (9).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Hyundai Sonata get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1998 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.

Other Sonata years

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