Hyundai Sonata reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 11,676 complaints about the Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and steering. Hyundai has filed 16 warranty extensions and 59 service campaigns for it, and there are 41 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Sonata? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sonata a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 11,676
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 16
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 59
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 41
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sonata with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | Other or unspecified (67%) | 1 | 7 |
| 2025 | 17 | Brakes (35%) | 0 | 10 |
| 2024 | 46 | Electrical system (39%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2023 | 87 | Fuel and propulsion (43%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 | 94 | Engine (27%) | 3 | 6 |
| 2021 | 134 | Engine (25%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2020 | 179 | Fuel and propulsion (26%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2019 | 162 | Engine (54%) | 0 | 11 |
| 2018 | 374 | Engine (57%) | 1 | 19 |
| 2017 | 764 | Engine (50%) | 3 | 28 |
| 2016 | 727 | Engine (62%) | 6 | 25 |
| 2015 | 1,148 | Engine (55%) | 9 | 27 |
| 2014 | 748 | Engine (40%) | 7 | 21 |
| 2013 | 1,914 | Engine (39%) | 9 | 20 |
| 2012 | 1,557 | Engine (36%) | 8 | 21 |
| 2011 | 3,377 | Steering (35%) | 14 | 22 |
| 2010 | 345 | Body and structure (48%) | 2 | 1 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sonata model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Sonata, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2026· Airbags· model years 2011–2013
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use for original & subsequent owners.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2025–2026
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover due to a loose oil level plug that could potentially lead to a total failure of the automatic transmission.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Body and structure· model years 2026
Certain 2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door that is difficult to open due to the push-type opener mechanism.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain 2024-2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2024-2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked.
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2015–2019
Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint…
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Exterior lights· model years 2011–2014
Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may experience inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps.
- Warranty extensionDec 2023· Exterior lights· model years 2011–2014
Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may experience inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps.
- Warranty extensionJun 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2019
Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a âCrank/No Startâ condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an internally leaking fuel pump filter housing.
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2011–2020
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2019· Engine· model years 2011–2018
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
- Warranty extensionDec 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2015
The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
- Warranty extensionNov 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015
Hyundai is providing extended warranty coverage to both new and used vehicle owners for engine long block assembly repairs needed due to excessive connecting rod bearing damage upon completion of Service Campaign 953.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Steering· model years 2010–2014
Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ?
- Warranty extensionMay 2016· Engine· model years 2011–2012
This bulletin provides warranty extension information regarding the engine short block assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons) on 2011-2014MY Sonata (yf) vehicles manufactured at hyundai motor manufacturing…
- Warranty extensionMay 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2014
Hyundai is providing an extended warranty for the engine short block assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons) on 20112014 Sonatas.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2011–2019
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Engine· model years 2015–2019
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Sonata (LFA) and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-087H-1 provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1302. The matter is being investigated. We will provide an update once the issue is resolved and the suspension is lifted.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may experience battery drain due to the air conditioning controller not shutting down completely while the vehicle is parked and turned off. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update for the ATCU (Air Temperature Control Unit).
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
The issue regarding the cluster speedometer software upgrade failures when attempting to update to the latest version has been resolved.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
Certain Sonata (DN8) and Sonata (DN8) N-Line trim vehicles equipped with the Super Vision instrument cluster (12.3” wide) may have speedometers that display the incorrect speed and/or an inoperative turbo boost gauge.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2016–2023
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Engine· model years 2024
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly in certain vehicles (listed below) may contain a sensor that was contaminated with solder flux during manufacturing, which could potentially result in an electrical short.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions.
- Service campaignJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain vehicles listed below may have a Bluelink malfunction or not able to have Bluelink setup. This bulletin provides instructions to reset the network in Dealer Mode to prevent the Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) modem from experiencing a "Blue Link Not Open" error.
- Service campaignJan 2025· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2020–2023
Certain 2021-2023MY Sonata (DN8) and 2020-2022MY Sonata (DN8A) vehicles may have Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0451 (also known as DTC P14EE00) stored in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
- Service campaignDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain Sonata (DN8) and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit DTC C2A274B due to the rear corner radar missing the outside temperature input from the ADAS sensor.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2020–2023
Certain 2021-2023MY Sonata (DN8) and 2020-2022MY Sonata (DN8A) vehicles may have Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0451 stored in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sonata model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine4,486 (38%)
- Steering2,174 (19%)
- Electrical system1,586 (14%)
- Other or unspecified1,156 (10%)
- Exterior lights790 (7%)
- Airbags744 (6%)
- Transmission and drivetrain642 (5%)
- Fuel and propulsion594 (5%)
Safety recalls
41 recalls cover at least one Sonata model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays.
A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly.
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver…
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.
The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size.
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
And 26 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA25005Engineering analysis· opened Oct 2025, still open· Airbags· model years 2017
DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2010–2021
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2016
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- DP21003Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2015
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2013–2019
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- PE19003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V061000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
- PE18003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019· Airbags· model years 2011–2013
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Led to recall 18E043000.
- RQ17004Recall query· opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021· Engine· model years 2011–2014
Scope and Timeliness
Led to recall 17V226000.
- PE16018Preliminary evaluation· opened Dec 2016, closed Oct 2017· Seat belts· model years 2013
Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure
Led to recall 17V152000.
- PE16010Preliminary evaluation· opened Sep 2016, closed Feb 2017· Brakes· model years 2016
Electronic Parking Brake
- PE13007Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2013, closed Aug 2013· Suspension· model years 2010
Rear Control Arm Failure
Led to recall 13V354000.
- PE10035Preliminary evaluation· opened Aug 2010, closed Feb 2011· Steering· model years 2011
Steering Shaft Separation
Led to recall 10V426000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 11,676 owner complaints, 16 warranty extensions and 59 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 41 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (3,377), 2013 (1,914), 2012 (1,557). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Sonata?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (38%), steering (19%), electrical system (14%). Hyundai has filed 16 warranty extensions covering the Sonata, listed on this page.
Which Sonata model years have the most complaints?
2011 (3,377), 2013 (1,914), 2012 (1,557). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sonata with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Sonata?
Yes: airbags (model years 2011–2013); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2025–2026); body and structure (model years 2026), and 13 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sonata?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 41 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.