The 1996 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–19 city / 23–26 highway / 19–22 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050–$3,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 404–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 3 configurations |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1996 Hyundai Sonata. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Risk: This contamination interferes with the electrical circuit continuity and prevents the windshield wiper motor from operating. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather increasing the risk of
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 1996 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 41 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Hyundai Sonata. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog l
This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the "Tire Balance
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1996 Sonatas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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