Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1992 Hyundai Sonata is among the quieter years of the Sonata on NHTSA's books: 43 complaints (79% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (5), visibility & wipers (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 9% | new |
| Steering | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT CAN TRAVEL SLOWLY OR CHATTER IN THE TRACK AND MAY EVENTUALLY STOP TRACKING AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence
SLOWING, CHATTERING, OR FAILURE OF THE MOTORIZED SHOULDERBELT MAY DISCOURAGE USE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE TRACK ASSEMBLY AND, IF ANY SYSTEMS ARE FOUND INOPERATIVE, THE SYSTEM WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, AS REQUIRED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED AT 30 MPH, RESULTING IN A CRASH DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“AUTO-TRANSMISSION WILL DROP OUT OF GEAR. SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED (3) TIMES WITH FOURTH EXPERIENCING SAME FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WOULD ENGAGE. HOWEVER, WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WOULD DISENGAGE. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 43 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sonata year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.