1990 Hyundai Sonata problems
The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea where their headquarters are located, China and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata.
First generation (Y1; 1985)
The first Sonata was introduced to compete with the Daewoo Royale series and was a more luxurious version of the Stellar. It included cruise control, power seats, head lamp washers, power brakes, electric operated adjustable side mirrors and chrome bumper trims. The Sonata was available with two trim options in Korea: Luxury and Super (the latter only available with a 2.0-liter engine). In the domestic market Hyundai attempted to sell the Sonata as an executive car using catchphrases like "Luxury car for VIP"; however, as the Sonata was based on the Stellar without any major changes, it was seen by the public as no more than a luxury version of the Stellar. In 1987 Hyundai added two tone color schemes and a trip computer option, but sales soon went down and the car was discontinued in December of that year. The Sonata was sold only in the South Korean domestic market. The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea on 4 November 1985.
Engine choices included 1.6-liter Mitsubishi Saturn (only available outside the domestic market), 1.8- and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Sirius inline-fours. The latter unit also found its way into the 1987 and later Stellar, and in MPI form the 1986 Hyundai Grandeur. The body was a largely unchanged Hyundai Stellar.
It was sold in New Zealand (right hand drive) with the 1.6-liter Mitsubishi engine with the five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission was an optional extra. The original importer was a unit of the Auckland-based Giltrap Motor Group.
The final version of the Stellar was known as the Stellar 88 and was launched to celebrate the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Afterwards, Hyundai discontinued the Stellar and replaced it with the all-new Sonata.
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Common 1990 Hyundai Sonata problems
The Hyundai Sonata, introduced in 1985, has been a popular midsize car option for many drivers. However, like any vehicle, it has experienced its share of problems and complaints from owners. This article will focus on common problems with the 1990 Hyundai Sonata based on complaints from owners.
- Parking Lights Don't Turn Off
A common complaint among 1990 Hyundai Sonata owners is that the parking lights do not turn off. This can lead to the battery draining if the car is left parked for an extended period. The issue is often due to a faulty headlight switch or wiring problem. Replacing the switch or repairing the wiring can resolve this issue.
- Transmission Won't Shift/CEL Due to Failed Speed Sensors in Transmission
Another common problem with the 1990 Hyundai Sonata is the transmission failing to shift or the Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminating due to failed speed sensors in the transmission. This issue can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Replacing the faulty speed sensors can resolve this issue.
- Improved Timing Chain
Some 1990 Hyundai Sonata owners have reported issues with the timing chain. This issue can lead to engine damage and reduced performance. Hyundai has improved the timing chain in later models, making it more reliable and durable.
- Engine Brakes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that engine brakes are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the engine brakes more reliable and durable.
- Vehicle Speed Control
Vehicle speed control is another common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the vehicle speed control more reliable and durable.
- Wheels
Wheel-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the wheels more reliable and durable.
- Electrical Systems
Electrical system-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the electrical systems more reliable and durable.
- Airbags
Airbag-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced safety and increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the airbags more reliable and durable.
- ABS Warning Lamp
ABS warning lamp-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced safety and increased risk of accidents. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the ABS warning lamp more reliable and durable.
- Front Passenger Seat Belt
Front passenger seat belt-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced safety and increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the front passenger seat belt more reliable and durable.
- Possible Loss of Steering Assist
Possible loss of steering assist is a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced safety and increased risk of accidents. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the steering assist more reliable and durable.
- Brake Calipers
Brake caliper-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced safety and increased risk of accidents. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the brake calipers more reliable and durable.
- Left Axle Shaft
Left axle shaft-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the left axle shaft more reliable and durable.
- Engine Brakes
Engine brake-related issues are a common complaint among Hyundai Sonata owners. This issue can lead to reduced performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Hyundai has addressed this issue in later models, making the engine brakes more reliable and durable.
In conclusion, the 1990 Hyundai Sonata has experienced a range of problems and complaints from owners. These issues include parking lights not turning off, transmission failure, timing chain issues, engine brakes, vehicle speed control, wheels, electrical systems, airbags, ABS warning lamp, front passenger seat belt, possible loss of steering assist, brake calipers, left axle shaft, and engine brakes. Hyundai has addressed many of these issues in later models, making the Sonata more reliable and durable.
What is the common problem of Hyundai Sonata?
Old and new Sonata model years had similar issues with their timing chain tensioner, which produced rattling noises upon engine startup. Many owners also reported a broken timing belt, which damaged the crankshaft position sensor.
Are old Hyundai Sonatas reliable?
Buy: 2003-2004 Hyundai Sonata
Many reviews say it's a very reliable car with little to no issues. And with a price tag of $586-$3,132, you're looking at an excellent value proposition.
Is Hyundai Sonata high maintenance?
A Hyundai Sonata will cost about $5,998 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $1,098. There is also a 17.73% chance that a Sonata will require a major repair during that time.
Is Hyundai Sonata expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Hyundai Sonata is $458, compared to an average of $526 for midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
1990 Hyundai Sonata car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Sonata problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Hyundai Sonata vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Hyundai Sonata complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Hyundai Sonata.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER FILLING VEHICLE'S TANK SMELLED FUEL INSIDE VEHICLE. A DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BEFORE. PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHBF32T7LU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN ANY POSITION (DRIVE, REVERSE, ETC.) INSTEAD OF PARK POSITION ONLY. THIS ALLOWS THE CAR TO ROLL UNATTENDED IF THE GEAR SHIFT WAS LEFT IN IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER POSITION WITH OUT THE KEY INSERTED WHICH COULD BE A DISASTER IF CHILDREN WERE LEFT UNATTENDED IN THE CAR. I HAVE SENT COMPLAINTS TO HUNDAI WITH NO RESPONSE AND I HAVE SENT FORMS TO NHTSA WITH THE LAST BEING SENT ON 10/27/96 AND RECEIVED BY YOU ON 10/11/96 (REF NO. 803454). TO DATE I HAVE RECEIVED NO OTHER RESPONSE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-08-01
- VIN: 2HMBF32T2LB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. THROUGH LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS THIS VEHICLE HAS NEEDED THREE TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE MOST RECENT TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE COST OF THE NEW TRANSMISSION IS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF21S7LB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED ALLOWING DRIVER TO REMOVE KEY WHILE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, WHILE PUTTING CHILDREN IN THE CAR IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, CHILDREN WERE REMOVED BEFORE CAR WENT OVER ENBANKMENT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-01
- VIN: 2HMBF22S6LB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT ON BOTH SIDES BROKE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF2251LB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR HANDLES WERE BROKE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF2251LB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THREE POWER WINDOWS INOPERATIVE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-30
- VIN: 2HMBF22F1PB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN MAKING A STOP CONSUMER APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. *AK
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- VIN: 2HMBF22S1LB
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND CANNOT LOCK THE DOORS WITH THE KEY. THE REAR WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS THE ONLY WINDOW WORKING. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTOR BELT FAILED.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-02-03
- VIN: KMHBF32T7LU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER IS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE; ALSO, GEARSHIFT CAN BE MOVED OUT OF PARK WHEN KEY IS NOT INSERTED. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE FAILURE WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-02-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR TWICE EVERY MONTH. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER COMPONENT WAS NOT BUILT FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-20
- VIN: KMHBF32P9LU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION; CAR RUN 100 TO 200 MILES CAR BREAK DOWN CAR BEEN IN SHOP ABOUT 240 TIMES. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STOPS DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND IT WILL NOT START UP AGAIN. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-07
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED BATTERY. TT
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DOME LIGHT WON'T WORK. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES MAKE SQUEAKING NOISE. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CONTROL KNOB FELL OFF. TT
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22S3LB
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C CONTROL KNOB WON'T STAY IN WHEN PUSHED. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-10
- VIN: 2HMBF22SXLB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO INTERLOCK SYSTEM, GRANDSON SEAR IN FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT REACHED OVER AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, VEHICLE ROLLEDOUT INTO STREET INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM GETS STUCK IN MIDDLE POSITION OF MECHANISM. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22SXLB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REBUILD/INSTALLED TRANSMISSION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22SXLB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED COMPUTER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22SXLB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED PULSE GENERATORS.
1990 Hyundai Sonata recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Hyundai Sonata.
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT CAN TRAVEL SLOWLY OR CHATTER IN THE TRACK AND MAY EVENTUALLY STOP TRACKING AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: SLOWING, CHATTERING, OR FAILURE OF THE MOTORIZED SHOULDERBELT MAY DISCOURAGE USE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE TRACK ASSEMBLY AND, IF ANY SYSTEMS ARE FOUND INOPERATIVE, THE SYSTEM WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, AS REQUIRED.
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY CATCH ON THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH STRIKER TO BIND.
- Consequence: IF PRIMARY LATCH IS RELEASED OR IF HOOD IS NOT COMPLETELY CLOSED, HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION; THIS WOULD BLOCK DRIVER'S VISION AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE HOOD LATCH STRIKER ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
- Summary: THE SPRING CLAMP TANGS ON THE COOLANT BYPASS HOSE MAY CONTACT AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE ENGINE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE.
- Consequence: FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE DAMAGED HOSE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: ROTATE SPRING CLAMP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH FUEL HOSE; REPLACE DAMAGED HOSES.
Negative 1990 Hyundai Sonata car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Hyundai Sonata problems:
2003 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
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Jun 19, 2018 ... What are common problems with Hyundai cars? ... “It all started in 1990,” recalls Dr. ... Model Matters: Some Hyundai models are like superheroes in ...
Other years of Hyundai Sonata
Are you having problems with your 1990 Hyundai Sonata?
Olaf Hane 2024-05-06
This car has always been reliable and started for me without any issues. However, I have noticed that the engine has started burning oil, which is a concern for me. It seems premature for a car that has only done 93000 miles. I wonder if the 4 CYL engine was not appropriate for the Sonata. Additionally, the power windows don't operate very well.
Harold Kshlerin 2024-04-15
This car belonged to my parents and has only 89000 miles on it. I use it to commute about 90 miles daily, mostly on the highway. It's an okay commuter car, but it does have a few issues. The torque converter was defective, but it was replaced under warranty. There is also a problem with the ignition switch, which I bypassed with a push button. It can be hesitant to start, and the air vents are a bit cheesy and have fallen apart. However, the air conditioner still works, although the outside air vent is jammed open. Unfortunately, there is a water leak that has rusted the AC blower fan, but I put some oil in it to quiet it down for now. On humid days, the windows can fog up easily. If you're considering buying this car, make sure you know its complete history.