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.

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.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (12): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are leaks (6).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Latches & locks (7): the most common themes are door / lock issues (7).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | 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 1998 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.
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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.