Photo: Jirapat Chroenkeskij / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
1997 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and reliability
60 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about fuel system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Sonata?The 1997 Hyundai Sonata has 60 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel system and gasoline.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 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 60 complaints, the 1997 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 1997 Sonata
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 00V314001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ACCENT GT MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DOHC ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 1996 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1997; 1998 ACCENT MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 6, 1997 THROUGH JUNE 25, 1998; 1997 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 1996 THROUGH JULY 9, 1997 AND 1998 SONATA VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JULY 9, 1997 THROUGH APRIL 24, 1998. 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.
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 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonata against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy