Hyundai Sonata vs Volkswagen Passat: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2022, owners filed an average of 835 complaints per model year about the Hyundai Sonata and 219 about the Volkswagen Passat.
Side by side
| Hyundai Sonata | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2022 | 2006-2022 |
| Owner complaints | 14,192 | 3,726 |
| Complaints per model year | 835 | 219 |
| Recalls | 46 | 35 |
| Years to avoid | 200620112012201320152017 | 2006201220132014 |
| Best years | 201020182020 | 201620172018 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Airbags |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 27-52 mpg combined (2022) | 28 mpg combined (2022) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Sonata | Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4,879 | 691 |
| Steering | 2,278 | 385 |
| Electrical | 1,791 | 551 |
| Airbags | 1,695 | 1,533 |
| Brakes | 1,097 | 196 |
| Lights | 973 | 130 |
| Fuel system | 949 | 501 |
| Transmission | 898 | 231 |
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata vs Volkswagen Passat
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Sonata or the Volkswagen Passat?
Between 2006 and 2022, the Hyundai Sonata has 6 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Passat 4. The Volkswagen Passat has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Volkswagen Passat drew fewer complaints per model year (219 vs 835), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Sonata or the Volkswagen Passat?
From 2006 to 2022, the Hyundai Sonata was covered by 46 recalls and the Volkswagen Passat by 35.
What years of the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat should you avoid?
Hyundai Sonata: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. Volkswagen Passat: 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
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