1997 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 49 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Hyundai Sonata, 4% of the 49 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.
“When consumer uses hazard lights and then use it again signal lights go out. Took to dealer, and they replaced at 3708, second time 6000 miles, and third time at 59,000. Currently, consumer has to change hazard lights again.”
NHTSA complaint #884163, filed 2001-03“In extremely cold weather, the Hyundai Sonata's turn signal lights do not function. In order to get them to activate, you must turn on the emergency flashers or wait for the vehicle to warm up. The problem is known the Hyundai, but they have taken no steps to recall the auto to fix the problem. In order to resolve the problem, the emergency flasher switch, which somehow provides power to the turn signals, must be replaced. There is a defect in the connection in the steering column that powers the air bag control system. …”
NHTSA complaint #710820, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
- 10178175Jul 14, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 18 | 11% |
| 2018 | 22 | 6% |
| 2017 | 20 | 3% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 38 | 3% |
| 2014 | 120 | 16% |
| 2013 | 197 | 10% |
| 2012 | 141 | 9% |
| 2011 | 249 | 7% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
| 2009 | 14 | 3% |
| 2008 | 20 | 5% |
| 2007 | 35 | 5% |
| 2006 | 45 | 4% |
| 2005 | 17 | 10% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Hyundai Sonata
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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