Hyundai Sonata problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 5,929 owner complaints and 42 recalls on file for the Hyundai Sonata (2005–2026). The 2013 Sonata has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 5,929
Recalls: 42
Model years: 22
Worst year: 2013

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Hyundai Sonata model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Hyundai Sonata years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2013 Hyundai Sonata — 957 complaints, 26 crashes, 67 fires; top problem: Engine
2015 Hyundai Sonata — 757 complaints, 15 crashes, 41 fires; top problem: Engine
2011 Hyundai Sonata — 635 complaints, 19 crashes, 43 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Hyundai Sonata — 608 complaints, 13 crashes, 41 fires; top problem: Engine
2016 Hyundai Sonata — 606 complaints, 14 crashes, 22 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2005 (13 complaints).

Every Hyundai Sonata model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 Sonata	3	0	0	0	1	Wheels & Tires
2025 Sonata	17	0	0	0	0	Brakes
2024 Sonata	46	1	0	1	1	Electrical System
2023 Sonata	87	5	0	0	2	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2022 Sonata	94	8	1	5	3	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2021 Sonata	134	7	0	13	4	Engine
2020 Sonata	179	5	1	4	4	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2019 Sonata	150	7	6	5	0	Engine
2018 Sonata	295	14	12	17	1	Engine
2017 Sonata	658	15	11	7	3	Engine
2016 Sonata	606	14	22	15	6	Engine
2015 Sonata	757	15	41	18	9	Engine
2014 Sonata	459	14	28	12	7	Engine
2013 Sonata	957	26	67	30	9	Engine
2012 Sonata	608	13	41	16	8	Engine
2011 Sonata	635	19	43	14	14	Engine
2010 Sonata	37	1	1	1	2	Body & Structure
2009 Sonata	56	2	2	4	2	Engine
2008 Sonata	29	1	2	1	2	Airbags
2007 Sonata	50	6	2	1	2	Airbags
2006 Sonata	59	1	3	2	2	Suspension
2005 Sonata	13	0	0	0	0	Suspension

Most common Hyundai Sonata problem areas (all years)

Engine
2,982 complaints
Electrical System
841 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
696 complaints
Steering
509 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
459 complaints
Brakes
397 complaints
Lighting
368 complaints
Airbags
335 complaints
Body & Structure
267 complaints
Acceleration & Cruise Control
199 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Hyundai Sonata received by NHTSA each month.

Hyundai Sonata recalls

Recall 26V047000Jan 26, 202641,651 vehiclesModel years 2026
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V796000Nov 17, 202585,043 vehiclesModel years 2020–2023
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 24V583000Aug 7, 202438,331 vehiclesModel years 2024
Risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 23V526000Jul 27, 202352,109 vehiclesModel years 2023
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Recall 22V746000Oct 6, 202256,148 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V312000May 6, 2022215,171 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 22V196000Mar 28, 202263,461 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 21V00M000Dec 28, 202126,413 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 21V749000Sep 24, 2021469,377 vehiclesModel years 2015–2017
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V619000Aug 6, 2021348,158 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 21V524000Jul 9, 202115,752 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 20V213000Apr 9, 202011,870 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V122000Feb 28, 20205,044 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V121000Feb 28, 2020216,799 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V934000Dec 28, 2018150,730 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V137000Feb 27, 2018580,058 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Recall 18V026000Jan 9, 201887,854 vehiclesModel years 2006
Risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Recall 17V617000Oct 4, 2017443,545 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014
Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 17V359000Jun 5, 2017161,074 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V226000Mar 31, 2017572,000 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V152000Mar 8, 2017977,778 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 16V956000Dec 30, 2016110 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Recall 16V726000Oct 11, 201662,811 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 16V615000Aug 24, 20161,031 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recall 16V232000Apr 21, 201633 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Other Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology