1999 Hyundai Sonata

Introduction to the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

The 1999 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan known for its spacious interior, reliable engine, and affordability. It comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four that produces 140 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter V6 that generates 165 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

While the Sonata has many positive attributes, it has also been plagued by several common issues. These issues range in severity and cost, from minor annoyances to more significant repairs.

Engine

2.4L Inline-Four

• Timing Belt Failure: This failure can occur due to excessive wear or a manufacturing defect. Symptoms include engine misfires, loss of power, and a ticking or slapping sound from the engine. The belt must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: This leak can lead to a loss of coolant and engine overheating. Symptoms include a high engine temperature gauge, coolant leaks, and a sweet smell in the engine bay. The gasket must be replaced to fix the leak. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ignition Coil Failure: This failure can cause the engine to misfire or stall. Symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, and illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL). The faulty coil must be replaced to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per coil
• Water Pump Failure: This failure can lead to engine overheating and coolant leaks. Symptoms include coolant leaks, a high engine temperature gauge, and a squealing noise from the water pump. The water pump must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+

2.5L V6

• No Major Issues Found

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure: This failure can cause the transmission to slip or shift erratically. Symptoms include rough shifting, slipping gears, and illuminated CEL. The faulty solenoid must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Torque Converter Failure: This failure can cause the transmission to shudder or lose power. Symptoms include shuddering during acceleration, difficulty shifting gears, and illuminated CEL. The torque converter must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
• Transmission Fluid Leak: This leak can lead to low fluid levels and transmission damage. Symptoms include slipping gears, delayed shifts, and a burning smell. The source of the leak must be identified and repaired to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the leak
• ECM Failure: This failure can cause a variety of transmission issues, including shifting problems, limp mode, and illuminated CEL. The ECM must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure: This failure can cause a clunking noise from the front end and affect handling. Symptoms include a clunking noise over bumps, reduced handling, and uneven tire wear. The strut mounts must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure: This failure can lead to a rough ride and poor handling. Symptoms include a bouncy ride, poor cornering, and excessive body roll. The shock absorbers must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Control Arm Bushing Failure: This failure can cause a variety of issues, including clunking noises, vibrations, and reduced handling. Symptoms include a clunking or squeaking noise, vibrations, and premature tire wear. The control arm bushings must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+

Electrical

• Electrical Shorts: Electrical shorts can cause a variety of issues, including blown fuses, flickering lights, and inoperative components. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the short. The short must be identified and repaired to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the location of the short
• Battery Drain: This issue can cause the battery to discharge quickly, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. Symptoms include a dead battery, flickering lights, and illuminated CEL. The source of the drain must be identified and eliminated to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
• Alternator Failure: This failure can lead to a loss of power and an inability to recharge the battery. Symptoms include flickering lights, a weak battery, and illuminated CEL. The alternator must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• ECM Failure: This failure can cause a variety of electrical issues, including engine problems, transmission issues, and lighting problems. Symptoms vary depending on the specific issue caused by the failure. The ECM must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Rear Bumper Sagging: This issue can cause the rear bumper to sag or detach from the vehicle. Symptoms include a sagging or misaligned bumper. The bumper must be repaired or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Paint Fading: Paint fading is a common issue on many older vehicles and can occur due to sun exposure and oxidation. Symptoms include faded or discolored paint. There is no permanent fix for this issue, but regular waxing and paint sealants can help protect the paint from further fading. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the fading
• Headlight Dimming: This issue can cause the headlights to become dim or flicker, reducing visibility at night. Symptoms include dim headlights and flickering lights. The cause of the dimming may vary, but it often involves a wiring issue, a faulty headlight switch, or failing headlight bulbs. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
• Fog Light Condensation: This issue can cause condensation to build up inside the fog lights, affecting their visibility. Symptoms include fogged-up fog lights and reduced visibility in fog. The fog lights must be cleaned and inspected for any leaks to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues: These issues can include weak airflow, excessive noise, or a lack of cooling. Symptoms vary depending on the specific issue. The source of the issue must be identified and repaired to fix the problem. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the issue
• Door Handle Failure: This failure can make it difficult or impossible to open the door from the outside. Symptoms include a broken or loose door handle. The door handle must be repaired or replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
• Seat Adjustments Failure: This failure can affect the power or manual seat adjustments. Symptoms vary depending on the specific issue. The source of the issue must be identified and repaired to fix the problem. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the issue
• Sunroof Glass Shattering: This issue can involve the sunroof glass shattering or cracking spontaneously. Symptoms include a shattered or cracked sunroof glass. The sunroof glass must be replaced to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+

Summary

The 1999 Hyundai Sonata is a reliable and affordable mid-size sedan with some common issues. Engine issues tend to be the most severe and expensive to repair, while interior and exterior issues are generally less severe. While repairs can be costly, they are necessary to maintain the vehicle’s safety and reliability.