1998 Hyundai Sonata
KMHCF21NPWA086349
Vehicle record for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata (VIN KMHCF21NPWA086349). White, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Mykolaiv. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1998 Hyundai Sonata · White on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 1 recall campaign exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KMHCF21NPWA086349, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 1 recall campaign for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Hyundai Sonata data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1998 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Hyundai Sonata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 44
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 44.
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 23-BD-002H · Visibility · Jan 2023Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
Bulletin 22-EM-010H · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2022Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the less…
Bulletin 22-GI-006H · Tires · Jul 2022Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. ï· Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result…
Bulletin 21-AT-006H · Power Train · May 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
Bulletin 21-EM-004H · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Mar 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
Bulletin 21-BR-002H · Service Brakes, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Mar 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
Bulletin 21-EM-003H · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Mar 2021This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
Bulletin 20-BR-002H · Service Brakes · Nov 2020This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the âTire Balance Data Sheetâ must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) d…
Bulletin 20-SS-004H · Wheels, Tires · Nov 2020This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp as…
Bulletin 20-BD-014H · Exterior Lighting, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jul 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SONATA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the evaporative emission control systems may apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tank during the canister purge cycle if the two-way valve filter assembly becomes contaminated with dirt. Minor fuel tank distortion could result and a small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The driver may notice a gasoline odour. Fuel leakage in the presence…
Transport Canada #2001081 · Apr 2001Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata 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.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE 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 SYST…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF IT IS CRACKED, A NEW FUEL TANK WILL BE INSTALLED. A NEW FUEL FILLER CAP THAT DECREASES THE AMOUNT OF VACUUM INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 SONATA FUEL TANKS HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED
NHTSA Campaign #00V314001 · 02/10/2000Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🚑 3 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 51
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Hyundai Sonata.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I BOUGHT MY HYUNDAI IN 2004. MY 1998 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLE DRIVER AND PASSENGER INTERIOR PART OF DOORS ARE STUCK. I HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR REPAIRED THE SAME YEAR. IT STUCK AGAIN IN 2006 AND HAS BEEN THAT WAY TO THIS DAY. MY PROBLEM NOW IS THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS NOW STUCK AS OF JULY 10 2010. I CANNOT AFFORD REPAIRS AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE THE …
NHTSA ODI #10343844FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CRACK IN GAS TANK DISCOVERED AFTER SEVERAL REMOVALS OF TANK TO REPLACE HOSES, THEN CLAMPS. REPLACED 1998 TANK WITH USED TANK FROM 1996 MODEL. WITHIN 3 MONTH REPLACEMENT TANK WAS LEAKING FROM CRACK IN SAME AREA AS BEFORE. DISCOVERED RECALL ON THIS MODEL AND TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALER. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL DUE TO SERVICE PERFORMED IN 2006 WHERE…
NHTSA ODI #10211434FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS AND NOTICED A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. RECALL # 00V314001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) WAS FOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR IT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT FELT THEY SHOULD …
NHTSA ODI #10193270FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WE PURCHASED A USED 1998 SONATA GL FOR MY DAUGHTER IN MAY 2006. IN ABOUT JULY 2006 SHE NOTICED THAT SHE SEEMED TO BE USING MORE FUEL THAN USUAL. ALSO THAT HER AND HER FRIENDS NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. CHECKING UNDER THE VEHICLE I NOTICE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS WET ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE REAR TIRE AND SMELLED OF GASOLINE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO BE …
NHTSA ODI #10174592ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT FUNCTIONAL AND THAT THE THE OBD TO THE SYSTEM IS NOT COMMUNICATING. DUE TO THIS THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM IS NOT READY. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT CONFORMING TO THE CLEAN AIR ACT AND CANNOT PASS EMISSIONS.
NHTSA ODI #10160914POWER TRAIN
WHEN DRIVING OUT OF MY PARKING LOT, TWO PIECES OF EQUIPMENT FELL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. ONE LOOKED LIKE A BELT AND THE OTHER A SMALL DRUM. MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION AND I WAS FORCED TO COAST INTO A PARKING SPOT IN THE LOT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10152507SEATS
CONSUMER LETTER REQUESTING ALL INFORMATION, INVESTIGATIONS AND RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE 1998 SONATA OR THE Y3 SEAT. *TS *NM
NHTSA ODI #10152993VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DT: THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LATCH BROKE. CALLER HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW TO GET THE DOOR OPENED. FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS THE HANDLE HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK IN IT, AND NOW THE HANDLE HAD 4 CRACKS. IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO OPEN THE LATCH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURERR HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. ALSO CALLER HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 OF THE WINDOW ROLLWERS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10130555+ 43 more complaints on record.
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