Which Avalon and Sonata years should be avoided?

For the Avalon, avoid 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2019. For the Sonata, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. Both vehicles show better complaint records in their most recent model years.

How do total complaints compare between the two models?

NHTSA lists 624 total complaints for the Avalon (2010-2022, 48 per model year) versus 11,653 for the Sonata (2010-2025, 728 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

Which model has more recalls?

The Sonata has 40 total recall campaigns versus 23 for the Avalon over the years covered.

What is the worst single year for each model by complaint index?

The 2013 Avalon has the highest complaint index at 100 among Avalon years, and the 2011 Sonata has the highest complaint index at 100 among Sonata years.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The Sonata averages 28.2 mpg combined across its model years versus 24.2 mpg combined for the Avalon.

Toyota Avalon vs Hyundai Sonata: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota Avalon owners should be cautious with 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2019; Hyundai Sonata owners should watch 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. The Avalon logs 624 total complaints across 13 model years (48/year) versus the Sonata's 11,653 across 16 years (728/year), but totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Toyota Avalon

Model years: 2010–2022 (13)
NHTSA complaints: 624
Per model year: 48
Recall campaigns: 23
Years to avoid: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019
Best years: 2020, 2021, 2022
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.2
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

Hyundai Sonata

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 11,653
Per model year: 728
Recall campaigns: 40
Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
Best years: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 28.2
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Avalon				Sonata
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Caution	44	6	23	Good	345	2	25
2011	Avoid	106	1	23	Avoid	3,376	14	26
2012	Caution	30	4	22	Avoid	1,556	8	27
2013	Avoid	137	4	24.5	Avoid	1,910	9	27
2014	Avoid	96	4	24.5	Caution	746	7	25.5
2015	Good	41	2	24	Avoid	1,144	9	27
2016	Good	23	3	24	Caution	725	6	28
2017	Caution	14	2	24	Caution	764	3	28
2018	Good	24	2	24	Caution	373	1	28.5
2019	Avoid	70	4	25.5	Good	161	0	28.5
2020	Best	10	3	25.5	Good	178	4	31
2021	Best	21	2	25.5	Good	133	4	30.5
2022	Best	8	0	25.5	Best	93	3	31
2023	—	—	—	—	Best	87	2	31
2024	—	—	—	—	Best	46	1	28
2025	—	—	—	—	Best	16	0	28.5

Complaint Index by year

Toyota Avalon

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Hyundai Sonata

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Avalon and Sonata years should be avoided?: For the Avalon, avoid 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2019. For the Sonata, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. Both vehicles show better complaint records in their most recent model years.
How do total complaints compare between the two models?: NHTSA lists 624 total complaints for the Avalon (2010-2022, 48 per model year) versus 11,653 for the Sonata (2010-2025, 728 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
Which model has more recalls?: The Sonata has 40 total recall campaigns versus 23 for the Avalon over the years covered.
What is the worst single year for each model by complaint index?: The 2013 Avalon has the highest complaint index at 100 among Avalon years, and the 2011 Sonata has the highest complaint index at 100 among Sonata years.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The Sonata averages 28.2 mpg combined across its model years versus 24.2 mpg combined for the Avalon.