MotorDeets

1999 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Hyundai Sonata: 4 recalls, 124 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
124owner complaints
12mention a crash
22best combined mpg
1999 Hyundai Sonata
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Electrical Vehicle recall #00V259001 · 2000 · 165,977 vehicles

What's wrong: 5 liter v-6 engines and all elantra model vehicles May have experienced intermittent low-speed engine stalling, which could occur if the maf (mass air flow) sensor electrical signal is interrupted as a result of engine vibration transmitted to the maf sensor connector wiring harness.

Why it matters: This condition can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.

Airbags Vehicle recall #01V347000 · 2001 · 86,513 vehicles

What's wrong: The supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bag warning light could illuminate due to motion of the side impact air bag wiring harness and side impact air bag wiring harness connector that mount to the adjustable seat cushion assembly. This condition only relates to the driver and/or passenger seat-mounted side impact air bag(s).

Why it matters: This condition could prevent seat mounted side impact air bag deployment during an accident where such deployment should occur. Non-deployment of the SRS side impact air bags could increase the risk of injury during an accident where side impact air bag deployment is intended.

The fix: Dealers will more securely fasten the front seat side impact air bag wiring harness and connectors to the vehicle's front seat cushion frames. Owner notification will occur in six mailings on May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, and July 1, 2002.

Airbags Vehicle recall #02V105000 · 2002 · 145,355 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, an intermittent condition that leads to the supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bag warning light illumination could result from motion of the side impact air bag wiring harness and side impact air bag wiring harness connector which mount to the adjustable seat cushion assembly. This condition only relates to the side impact air bags and could prevent air bag deployment during a…

Why it matters: Non-deployment of the SRS side impact air bag could increase the risk of injury during a side impact crash.

The fix: Dealers will more securely fasten the side impact air bag wiring harnesses and connectors to the vehicle's front seat cushion frames. Owner notification began May 28, 2002.

Suspension Vehicle recall #09V124000 · 2009 · 188,282 vehicles

What's wrong: Road salt applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months May result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame on the vehicles, and May result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners May also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. If these signals are…

Why it matters: If that happens, the vehicle May lose drive power to the wheels, and the front wheel May make contact with the fender or wheel well, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will measure the thickness of the front sub-frame and inspect the front sub-frame for corrosion damage and, if necessary, the front sub-frame will be replaced with a new sub-frame that incorporates additional holes in the upper and lower panels. If the front sub-frame does not require…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Body & structure36
Airbags31
Engine & cooling23
Suspension17
Transmission & drivetrain14
Electrical11
Seat belts6
Brakes (hydraulic)6

What owners describe

The 1999 Hyundai Sonata has 124 owner complaints, ranking #23 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 2008 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 98,723 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (49 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (276 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192722Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular
2.5 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular
2.5 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular

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 1999 Hyundai Sonata.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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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.

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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
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FAQ

Does the 1999 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (36), airbags (31), engine & cooling (23).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Hyundai Sonata get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 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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