1990 Hyundai Sonata Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 44%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Hyundai Sonata, 44% of the 16 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #711866, filed 1999-09“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #724188, filed 2000-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #545486, filed 1999-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #803454, filed 1996-11“No interlock system, grandson sear in front passengers seat reached over and shifted into neutral, vehicle rolledout into street into a neighbors yard.”
NHTSA complaint #958805, filed 1995-01Related service bulletins
- 10082725Sep 2, 2016This bulletin provides information on components, attributes, and precautions of the 7-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission (dct).
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 18% |
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 24 | 25% |
| 2021 | 25 | 19% |
| 2020 | 24 | 13% |
| 2019 | 8 | 5% |
| 2018 | 40 | 11% |
| 2017 | 56 | 7% |
| 2016 | 59 | 8% |
| 2015 | 135 | 12% |
| 2014 | 55 | 7% |
| 2013 | 94 | 5% |
| 2012 | 97 | 6% |
| 2011 | 173 | 5% |
| 2010 | 21 | 6% |
| 2009 | 41 | 9% |
| 2008 | 14 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 1% |
| 2006 | 22 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 3% |
| 2001 | 18 | 9% |
| 2000 | 19 | 7% |
| 1999 | 14 | 11% |
| 1998 | 12 | 24% |
| 1997 | 9 | 18% |
| 1996 | 5 | 22% |
| 1995 | 15 | 23% |
| 1993 | 9 | 35% |
| 1992 | 5 | 23% |
| 1991 | 7 | 24% |
| 1990 | 7 | 44% |
| 1989 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1990 Hyundai Sonata
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology