Photo: Jirapat Chroenkeskij / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
1996 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and reliability
29 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1996 Sonata?The 1996 Hyundai Sonata has 29 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Sonata?
Across the 30 Sonata model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (1996) to 3,472 (2011). With 29 complaints, the 1996 Sonata sits below the model's median of 223.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Sonata
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Campaign 97V026000THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sonata. See the full Sonata owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sonata listings typically run $10,598–$20,175.
Other Sonata model years
Compare every Sonata year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonata against its rivals
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