9th Mar 2003, 19:44
You have to remove the intake to change the back three plugs. I'm a forklift mechanic and just did it, but unless you have mechanical ability take it the dealer ($300). Be sure if you do this yourself to allow the engine to fully cool. The aluminum threads strip out easily. I am having some issue with brakes dragging/squealing, anyone else seeing this? Also with an intermittent jerking, I've already had one transmission go out at 30,000 miles.
1st Aug 2003, 10:14
My daughter has taken her 2000 Hyundai back to the dealership 5 times for a jerking motion when she has the ac on and driving. They still cannot find the cause of this problem. Has anyone else have this problem. This is a tremendous inconvenience since she is a single parent, and cannot be going back and forth to the dealership. Now they are contacting the general manager of Hyndai to figure out the problem She has had a new exhaust system, crank shaft sensor, new ac compressor and ac belt replaced and it is still jerking. Any information would be so helpful, as her mother I worry especially with two small children and no family near her. Thanks, Jan.
13th Sep 2005, 07:52
If the airbag light is blinking or constantly on, the dealer must repair it free of charge. There is no limit on warranty for a safety device malfunction.
8th Sep 2007, 07:15
I bought a 1999 Sonata GLS not long ago. Yes, it does appear there is a bit of a malfunction in the air bag warning indicator... but that is a matter of cleaning the contacts.
Service engine light is on... but the computer diagnostic shows nothing wrong.
That doesn't bother me in the least.
Having owned a number of cars from GM and Nissan, I think it is a great little car. 28-29 mpg with the air on in combined city/highway driving. Great driving car... recently drove a friend's 2006 Accord on a 4 hour trip... and the Sonata drives better and is just as comfortable. It is easier to maneuver in parallel parking than friend's Accord.
Interstate Lane changes... just barely turn the wheel! Cruise control: never budges from set speed... better than our 2005 Nissan! Better gas mileage than similar size cars.
A friend has an 04 Acura... transmission went out at 43,000 miles...cost? $3600!
Sure makes the paltry sum I paid for the Sonata seem a great bargain!
9th Jul 2008, 18:18
I own a 1999 Hyundai Sonata V6 and it's a POS for sure!!!
Bought it used for $5,500.00 and have put over $5,000 into it to keep it running! Replaced engine mounts, 3 or 4 sensors, all the belts and hoses, 3 alternators in 2 years, and a few other things and now it has yet another fuel leak and has trouble shutting off after you turn the key off! People back away from my car when I park it at work :-) Gonna sell it for whatever I can and buy a Honda!!! Bye Bye Hyundai!!!
24th Sep 2008, 14:48
The airbag system IS NOT COVERED if your 5yr/50,000 mile warranty has expired. The airbag, or any "safety system" for that matter, is not covered outside the 5/50 warranty. Beyond that, you only get the standard power train warranty. I just verified that with Hyundai Motor, America.
22nd Nov 2008, 19:10
Well I bought my 1999 Sonata off the lot with 24 original miles on it. Kept the up-keep up on it, took it in for all recalls. After 140,000 miles I'm just now having a few wear and tear problems with it, except for the airbag light coming on every month since I bought it, which was covered under warranty most of the time.
A turn signal switch bar on the steering column breaking off while making a left turn (due to bad design, seems to have a plastic piece in column which should be metal) I've had no other real problems. I still have most of the original parts as of today, even the original battery! Where can you find a 8 year battery?
If you think you're going to buy a car and it doesn't have problems with it, you're sadly mistaken. The trick is to find one with problems you can afford to have them fixed or learn to fix them yourself. So far I have found the Sonata not too hard to do; just your back-yard mechanical repairs. Hardest thing I had to do was find a repair manual that covered the 1999... they have them up to 1998 and from 2000 on... but none for the 1999.
So, just to wrap this up, I have found this car to be one of the most reliable (even with the Mickey-Mouse problems) that I have ever had.
8th Feb 2009, 15:54
Sonata 1999 2.5 V6.
I own 15 cars in my life, but nothing as crappy as a Sonata 1999. A gift from my parents 2 years ago (Yes I still love them).. LOL
First day I own it, water pump leak... replaced... Week after, cooling oil lines from tranny in radiator rusted, had to replace the hole rad unit...Tell me the who's the genius who decide to put aluminium lines in a very exposed place to rust?...
Crank sensor... cam sensor... alternator... back wheel bearings... fuel lines, pressure and return,... fuel lines under hood, $$... Yes... hoses...And various things I've forgot...
Just noticed last week that my cross member under engine has a hole in; it's rusted. Imagine..
Can't wait for summer to come, I'll drive my bimmer again.
Advise from a car mechanic? Avoid Korean cars at any cost.
11th Aug 2002, 09:03
I am the owner of a 1999 Hyundai Sonata and for the most part have had a good experience with this vehicle. There have been a couple of drawbacks to this ownership which are listed below:
A) Both rear wheel bearings went bad within 60,000 miles.
B) CD player does not accept another CD after ejecting the present CD if the heater has been running for an extended period of time. Replacement CD player experiences the same problem.
C) Air bag light occasionally turns on - this is due to a connector under the seat. It was corrected at the dealership by mechanic by spraying of contact cleaner.
I have put over 80,000 miles on this car since I purchased in 1999. The first 65,000 were in the first 2 years of ownership.
I am now entering the maintenance phase of ownership with the vehicle and have the following comments:
A) Brake pad replacement for front pads is simple and easy.
B) On the V6 it appears that the rear bank of plugs cannot be replaced without removal of part of the intake manifold. I am still working to get these last 3 changed out without removal of manifold. Good design on the plug wires to keep dust and dirt out of the plug wells.