1993 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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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 1993 Hyundai Sonata problems
The 1993 Hyundai Sonata, while offering a spacious and comfortable ride, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Valve guide sleeve pair issues: Even a small amount of resin on the valve stem due to low-quality gasoline can cause the valves to jam in 2-liter engines. This issue is not common in other engines, and the cause is unclear .
- Timing belt problems: The timing belt in the 1993 Sonata needs to be replaced after 50,000 kilometers. Failure to replace the timing belt can result in significant engine damage if it breaks, including the need to replace the cylinder head and balance shafts, which are driven by a belt rather than a chain .
These common problems should be taken into consideration when purchasing a used 1993 Hyundai Sonata. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure a more reliable ownership experience.
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.
What year sonatas have engine problems?
A Hyundai Sonata engine failure lawsuit accuses Hyundai of manufacturing defective engines in model year 2011-2012 Sonatas. The plaintiff alleges Hyundai knew when the connecting rod bearings start to fail, metal debris from the bearings is sent throughout the engine through contaminated engine oil.
Is a Hyundai Sonata a reliable car?
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Hyundai Sonata Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $458 which means it has excellent ownership costs.
Is Hyundai Sonata a safe car?
The Hyundai Sonata is a stylish midsize sedan that's designed to keep you safe. It earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
1993 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Hyundai Sonata vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Hyundai Sonata
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Hyundai Sonata. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND IT STARTED SMOKING. ALSO, FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF IT, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BROTHER'S HOUSE. DEALER HASDNOT LOOKED AT VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22T4PB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE SMOKES ON START UP AND THE LIFTERS RATTLE AND KNOCK WAS IN AND OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR MONTHS. EVERY 850+ MILES BURNS A QUART OF OIL WAS TOLD THAT THE WAY THAT ENGINE WORKS.THE CAR WAS KEPT FOR FOUR MONTHS AND CAME BACK THE SAME WAY.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF22T1PB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ACTUALLY A QUESTION RE A CURRENT RECALL: 93V196000. I'M GETTING A RUNAROUND FROM HYUNDAI. THEY SAY MY VIN IS FOR A CANADIAN VEHICLE (?) AND SO THEY CAN'T ASSIST WITH THE SEAT BELT TRACKING PROBLEM. I WONDER IF THAT'S LEGITIMATE, OR BOGUS. PLEASE ADVISE VIA EMAIL. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED AT PURCHASE BECAUSE OF SLOW REACTION AND NOISE, TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HILL IN 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC, VALVE SEALS REPLACED AFTER CAR CONTINUALLY BLEW SMOKE FROM BURNING THE OIL, CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AFTER FAILING TO WORK, FRONT CAM, LIFTERS AND A ROCKER REPLACED (NO IDEA IF THIS COULD BE A SAFTEY HAZARD OR NOT BUT IT IS UNUSUAL), POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED (MECHANIC SAID WAS IN POOR CONDITION AND WAS PITTED AND SUCH)CAR OVERHEATED SUDDENLY ONE DAY ON INTERSTATE-REPLACED WATER PUMP AND THE THERMOSTAT BUT APPARENTLY NEEDS A HEAD GASKET,FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SLID DOWN BUT NOT UP ONE DAY AND IS PROPPED UP INSIDE PANEL WITH BOARDS REPAIRS TOTAL TO NEARLY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND I PAID SEVEN THOUSAND FOR THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF3219PB
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HAVE REPLACED TRANSMISSION, FRONT CAM, LIFTERS, ROCKER, TIMING BELT, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, POWER STEERING PUMP, VALVE SEALS, WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, BRAKES. TO BE REPAIRED ENGINE-WISE: REAR CAM, DRIVE AXLES, CYLINDER HEADS OR HEAD GASKETS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22TXPB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TOOK THE AUTOMOBILE INTO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A VEHICLE INSPECTION DONE. WHEN LEAVING DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS DID NOT WORK CIRCLED AROUND THE BLOCK AND DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I EXPLAINED THAT THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WERE WORKING FINE WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN. MR. RAY MARSHALL ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SIGNALS WERE WORKING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND STATED THAT I COULD BRING THE AUTOMOBILE BACK ON TUESDAY 9/5/00.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-02
- VIN: 2HMBF22TXPB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TOOK THE AUTOMOBILE INTO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A VEHICLE INSPECTION DONE. WHEN LEAVING DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS DID NOT WORK CIRCLED AROUND THE BLOCK AND DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I EXPLAINED THAT THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WERE WORKING FINE WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN. MR. RAY MARSHALL ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SIGNALS WERE WORKING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND STATED THAT I COULD BRING THE AUTOMOBILE BACK ON TUESDAY 9/5/00.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2HMBF32TXPB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-25
- VIN: 2HMBF22F5PB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH CHANGING GEARS. WOULD GO 30MPH. WOULD GET NO SPEED. TRANSMISSION MADE GRINDING NOISE. BEEN TO DEALER & HAD MECHANIC CHANGE TRANSMISSION. THE 2ND TRANSMISSION WAS SAME AS FIRST. TOOK VEHICLE BACK & TRANSMISSION REPLACED ONCE AGAIN, 3 MONTHS LATER, TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME. FINALLY TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER & MECHANIC NOTICED THE MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-10
- VIN: 2HMBF22T3PB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND SPEEDS, THE CAR WILL SKIP AT TIMES. SOME TIMES IT SURGES VERY BAD AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. OTHER TIMES THE CAR WILL MISS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. TECHNICANS AT DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND TROUBLE CODE FROM CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO SOLVE PROBLEM. YOU MAY DRIVE 300 MILES WITH NO PROBLEM, AND THEN YOU MAY DRIVE 10 MILES AND IT SURGES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED, TUNED AND FILTERS CHANGED AND DOESN'T HELP THE PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID I WILL GET IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND STALL COMPLETELY, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-10
- VIN: 2HMBF22F4PB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED CAUSING DRIVER TO KEEP TURNING IGNITION KEY OFF AND ON TO GET VEHICLE TO START. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE LEAKING OIL. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STALLING. NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2HMBF32T2PB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND BOTH FRONT BACK SEATS BROKE. DRIVER WAS INJURED. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED, BUT PROVIDED NO HELP. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE TIMING BELT MALFUNCTIONED FOUR TIMES, CAUSING THE VALVES TO BEND AND ENGINE TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR/STARTER FAILED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-26
- VIN: 28MBF22T4TB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY CAN'T DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 2HMBF32T1PB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING RIGHT WITH THE LIGHTS ON, THE SWITCH APPARENTLY SHORTS OUT ALL LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTINGUISHED WHEN TURN SIGNAL IS APPLIED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 2HMBF32T1PB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: GEARSHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE DASH, INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE, FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 4-SPEED TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- VIN: 2HMBF22F1PB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED 3 TIMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLS IN THE FAST LANE. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY COMPUTER CHIP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: KMHBF32T1PU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER SUSPECTS TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON ROUGH SURFACE ROADS, BRAKES HAVE GIVEN AWAY A NUMBER OF TIMES. ON SMOOTH ROAD/RIDES BRAKES ARE FINE. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN GUAM, WHERE PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE STILL UNDER WARRENTY. PROBLEM WAS RPORTED, BUTGAUM DEALERSHIP DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. FAIRFAX HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN VIRGINIA, WILL NOT TOUCH/NO WARRENTY, AND CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH GAUM DEALERSHIP. *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
- VIN: 2HMBF32T1PB
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE; ALSO REPLACED HORN AND IGNITION SWITCH, *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
- VIN: 2HMBF32T1PB
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, HORN, AND IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.
1993 Hyundai Sonata recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 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.
Negative 1993 Hyundai Sonata car reviews
Positive 1993 Hyundai Sonata car reviews
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The pick-up is great, and I really appreciate that on the highway every day. In Korea, drivers tend to be like New York drivers, aggressive and in your face. The extra power I get from my Sonata really helps. The interior is very comfortable, and the ride is nice, especially for an older car. Overall, it's just a really pleasant experience to drive. Also, the dealer here (near the UsaRMY7 BASE) sold it to me for only $950, which is about half of what I would have paid to a dealer in the states, and even less than a private party would have asked for.
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After 11 years and 93K km, this is my first trouble-free car in 50 years. It has the best gas mileage since my '87 Sentra!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my vehicle. I bought it back in 2003 with 420,000k on it, and since then, I've only had to spend about $250 per year on repairs. It passed air care in 2006 and has been running as good as new ever since, with approximately 440,000k on the 3 litre Mitsubishi engine. Now, it has 465,000k and still runs like a dream!
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I'm so glad I chose the Hyundai! It blew away the competition during the test drive and made me feel like king of the road. Not only did I save 4k, but I also got the best riding vehicle in its class. The only thing that could make it even better would be a v6 engine.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Hyundai Sonata problems:
2001 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Hyundai Sonata ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1993 Hyundai Sonata problems. (1).
2011 Hyundai Sonata Problems | Kelley Blue Book
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2015 Hyundai Sonata - Transmission issue - Maintenance/Repairs ...
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Feb 5, 2009 ... I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata with the 3.3 V6. I have a sound, upon initial start-up that sounds like cards in a - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Hyundai Sonata
Are you having problems with your 1993 Hyundai Sonata?
Milford Grady 2024-02-23
This was my first car, and although it drove pretty well when it was working, the two years I owned it were quite frustrating. Unfortunately, the interior was uncomfortable and at least half of the controls stopped working within six months. The fuel economy was so-so, but my main issue with this car was its terrible reliability. I had to take it to the shop eight times in two years for some major problems, including the transmission, alternator, starter, and finally the engine, which failed and ended up costing me twice the price I paid for the car. In the end, I decided to donate it to charity.