1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,000 miles

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problem #1

Jul 312006

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles
We purchased a used 1998 Sonata gl for my daughter in May 2006. In about July 2006 she noticed that she seemed to be using more fuel than usual. Also that her and her friends noticed a strong smell of gasoline. Checking under the vehicle I notice that the fuel tank was wet on the drivers side near the rear tire and smelled of gasoline. We took the car to be repaired. The mechanic upon removing the tank noted that on the top left of the tank (if you were facing the rear of the car) had been patched previously with some kind of epoxy. We have no idea when this repair was done. He attempted again to repair it with epoxy, this was unsuccessful. He then replaced the tank with a used fuel tank from another Hyundai. This was also unsuccessful. He then welded the spot on the tank. This was also unsuccessful as the tank started leaking again from the same area. We checked with a dealer and found that the vehicle had been in and had a fuel lined or hose replace on or about March 29, 2001. According to the NHTSA campaign 00V314001 a note: This was six years ago in 2000-2001. This cracking and leaking of fuel is still an unresolved issue as noted in the note: What has been done" what is the update" it has been six years. This is a know problem of this fuel tank and Hyundai is aware of it. They have had plenty of time to research and come up with a safe resolution to this dangerous cracking of the fuel tank. This portion of the campaign should have already been resolved and must be soon. The following is the note from campaign 00314001: NHTSA campaign id number : 00V314001 make / models : model/build years: Hyundai / Sonata 1997-1998 **note: The 1997-1998 Sonata fuel tanks have also experienced cracking. However, at this time, the cause for the cracking has not been identified. This portion of the campaign will begin after Hyundai has determined the cause and corrective procedure.

- Kearns, UT, USA