One problem related to fuel pump has been reported for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Fuel tank has developed cracks and a fuel smell is present. 1) in Dec 2000 and Mar 2001 fuel tank replaced because of cracks on top of fuel tank; 2) in April 2001 service for recall 00v314001 was performed; 3) in October 2001 fuel was leaking from a seal between fuel tank and a pipe, leading to engine, resulting in fuel tank being replaced for fourth time and 4) in November 2001 fuel smell was present again and dealership was diagnosing the problem. The fuel gauge operation stays on full then drops drastically due to fuel sender/pump failure. The dealer replaced the gas tank cap. The check engine light comes on due to purge valve failure. Consumer was asking for reimbursement.