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Hyundai Sonata Problems

The Hyundai Sonata has transformed from a budget afterthought into a legitimate midsize sedan contender, but the journey has had bumps. With 43,126 complaints recorded, certain generations have experienced serious engine failures that tarnished Hyundai's improving reputation. When you pick the right year, the Sonata offers excellent value; the wrong year can mean an engine replacement.

43,126
Total Complaints
81
Total Recalls
38
Model Years
46
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2015 2013 2012
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1987 1989 1990

Common Problem Categories

Engine 8,820
Steering 4,710
Air Bags 4,090
Electrical System 3,856
Unknown Or Other 2,540

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 14 0 0 0 Good
2024 94 1 6 0 Good
2023 212 2 6 0 Good
2022 222 3 28 0 Good
2021 268 4 22 0 Good
2020 446 4 12 0 Good
2019 348 0 22 10 Good
2018 1,000 1 46 30 Average
2017 1,878 3 86 32 Below Average
2016 1,848 6 62 84 Below Average
2015 3,152 9 118 156 Avoid
2014 2,106 7 96 120 Below Average
2013 5,166 9 272 304 Avoid
2012 4,482 8 172 318 Avoid
2011 9,158 14 388 368 Avoid
2010 830 2 46 10 Average
2009 1,210 2 58 32 Average
2008 1,104 2 48 34 Average
2007 1,806 2 90 26 Below Average
2006 2,844 2 110 26 Avoid
2005 434 0 88 12 Good
2004 568 0 72 4 Average
2003 494 0 56 4 Good
2002 814 0 100 18 Average
2001 586 0 68 0 Average
2000 756 0 44 18 Average
1999 374 0 50 8 Good
1998 136 0 6 0 Good
1997 148 0 12 2 Good
1996 74 0 0 0 Good
1995 186 0 34 2 Good
1994 14 0 0 0 Good
1993 92 0 2 0 Good
1992 86 0 2 0 Good
1991 82 0 6 12 Good
1990 50 0 0 0 Good
1989 36 0 2 4 Good
1987 8 0 0 0 Good

Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid

The 2011 Sonata is the worst model year, with widespread engine failures from the Theta II 2.4L and 2.0T engines that prompted massive recalls and a class-action settlement. The 2012-2014 models continued these engine problems with connecting rod bearing failures causing sudden engine seizure, sometimes while driving. The 2015-2017 Sonatas still use variations of the problematic engine, though failure rates decreased. The 2010 model year had transmission issues in addition to engine concerns. Avoid any Sonata with the 2.4L from 2011-2019 unless you can verify the engine was replaced under recall.

Best Hyundai Sonata Years

The 1987-1998 Sonatas were simple, reliable cars that established Hyundai in the American market despite humble origins. The 2020-2022 Sonatas mark a significant improvement with the new Smartstream engines replacing the troubled Theta II units and showing far fewer complaints. The 2006-2009 generation offered good reliability before the problematic 2011 redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions