Hyundai Sonata years to avoid
More than twice the Sonata's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Hyundai Sonata years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Hyundai Sonata problems
All model years combined.
- Engine5,094
- Steering2,372
- Airbags2,046
- Electrical1,997
- Brakes1,247
- Fuel system1,093
- Transmission1,079
- Body1,070
- Lights1,024
- Suspension697
- Visibility664
- Acceleration627
Hyundai Sonata problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | - | 3 | Tires | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | - | 17 | Brakes | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2024 | - | 48 | Electrical | 2,000 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2023 | - | 88 | Fuel system | 18,500 | 2 | 5 | |
| 2022 | 89 | 96 | Fuel system | 31,000 | 3 | 8 | |
| 2021 | 86 | 135 | Engine | 41,000 | 4 | 7 | |
| 2020 | 84 | 183 | Fuel system | 2,855 | 4 | 5 | Fewest complaints |
| 2019 | 87 | 162 | Engine | 25,000 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2018 | 74 | 375 | Engine | 22,000 | 1 | 18 | Fewest complaints |
| 2017 | 48 | 769 | Engine | 55,000 | 3 | 28 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 47 | 730 | Engine | 63,000 | 6 | 19 | |
| 2015 | 28 | 1,156 | Engine | 56,000 | 9 | 34 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 44 | 750 | Engine | 70,000 | 7 | 29 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 9 | 1,918 | Engine | 78,000 | 9 | 93 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 18 | 1,559 | Engine | 80,000 | 8 | 51 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 5 | 3,380 | Steering | 75,000 | 14 | 116 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 76 | 345 | Body | 65,000 | 2 | 19 | Fewest complaints |
| 2009 | 67 | 460 | Brakes | 68,000 | 2 | 21 | |
| 2008 | 69 | 425 | Airbags | 62,000 | 3 | 19 | |
| 2007 | 50 | 696 | Airbags | 64,000 | 5 | 30 | |
| 2006 | 32 | 1,047 | Airbags | 70,000 | 9 | 43 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 79 | 165 | Airbags | 80,000 | 1 | 26 | |
| 2004 | 79 | 202 | Suspension | 86,000 | 1 | 22 | |
| 2003 | 73 | 199 | Airbags | 65,505 | 6 | 17 | |
| 2002 | 67 | 320 | Body | 89,727 | 7 | 31 | |
| 2001 | 79 | 205 | Body | 86,000 | 3 | 27 | |
| 2000 | - | 276 | Body | 105,000 | 4 | 20 | |
| 1999 | - | 124 | Body | 98,723 | 4 | 12 | |
| 1998 | - | 49 | Transmission | 80,000 | 1 | 3 | |
| 1997 | - | 49 | Fuel system | 72,000 | 2 | 5 | |
| 1996 | - | 22 | Engine | 1 | 0 | ||
| 1995 | - | 66 | Airbags | 2 | 13 | ||
| 1994 | - | 3 | Seats | 1 | 0 | ||
| 1993 | - | 26 | Engine | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1992 | - | 22 | Brakes | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1991 | - | 29 | Seat belts | 1 | 3 | ||
| 1990 | - | 16 | Transmission | 3 | 0 |
Recalls 66
Hyundai Sonata warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior...
- The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the...
- The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the...
- Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover...
- Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover...
- Certain 2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door...
- Certain Sonata (DN8) and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door that is difficult...
- Certain 2024-2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2024-2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent...
- Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air...
- Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels:...
- Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels:...
- Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017...
- Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior...
- Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal...
- Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may exhibit inoperative brake lights that may be caused by...
- Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may experience inoperative brake lights that may be caused by...
Compare the Sonata
Sonata vs Honda AccordSonata vs Ford FusionSonata vs Chevrolet MalibuSonata vs Toyota CamrySonata vs Nissan AltimaSonata vs Volkswagen PassatSonata vs Kia OptimaSonata vs Subaru LegacySonata vs Mazda MAZDA6
Hyundai Sonata in the news
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata
What years of the Hyundai Sonata should you avoid?
2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. Each has more than twice the Hyundai Sonata's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2011 alone has 3,380, mostly about steering and engine.
What is the best year for a used Hyundai Sonata?
2020, 2010 and 2018 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (183, 345 and 375).
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Sonata?
Engine, with 5,094 complaints across all years, followed by steering (2,372) and airbags (2,046).
How many recalls does the Hyundai Sonata have?
66 recalls between 1990 and 2026. The 2011 model year has the most, with 14.
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Buying a used Hyundai Sonata?
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