Hyundai Sonata Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The worst Hyundai Sonata years based on NHTSA data are 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015, led by 2011 with a complaint index of 100 and 3,376 complaints. The best years are 2022 through 2025, with complaint indexes of 20 or lower. Engine problems dominate across the model, making up 42% of all complaints.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2015Best 2022Best 2023Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 11,653
- Recall campaigns
- 40
- Crashes reported
- 441
- Fires reported
- 455
- Top problem area
- Engine
Sonata Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Sonata problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Good | 47 | 345 | 19 | 3 | 2 | Structure & Body | 25 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 100 | 3,376 | 116 | 112 | 14 | Steering | 26 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 87 | 1,556 | 51 | 95 | 8 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 93 | 1,910 | 93 | 97 | 9 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 746 | 29 | 40 | 7 | Engine | 25.5 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 80 | 1,144 | 34 | 48 | 9 ! | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 67 | 725 | 19 | 28 | 6 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 60 | 764 | 28 | 11 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 53 | 373 | 18 | 13 | 1 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 27 | 161 | 8 | 6 | 0 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 33 | 178 | 5 | 1 | 4 | Fuel System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 40 | 133 | 7 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 30.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 20 | 93 | 8 | 1 | 3 | Engine | 31 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 13 | 87 | 5 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 7 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 28 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 28.5 | 5★ |
Sonata years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Hyundai Sonata Index 100 · 3,376 complaints · 14 recalls
The 2011 Sonata has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 3,376 complaints and 14 recalls. Steering issues lead at 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000, followed by engine problems at 32% and a median mileage of 93,000. Owners reported sudden loss of steering control and engine stalling or fires while driving. NHTSA recalls covered engine fuel pipe replacement, an airbag wiring filter kit, and seat belt linkage reconnection. This year also recorded 116 crashes, 112 fires, and 3 deaths, the worst safety outcomes among all Sonata years listed.
2011 steering problems →2011 engine problems →2011 electrical system problems →
2013 Hyundai Sonata Index 93 · 1,910 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2013 Sonata shows a complaint index of 93, with 1,910 complaints and 9 recalls, making it the second-worst year. Engine complaints make up 44% of the total with a median failure mileage of 90,000, and electrical system issues follow at 20% with a median mileage of 84,000. Owners reported vehicles rolling away after shutting off without being placed in park, and one report described a fire following a bucking sensation while driving. Recalls covered a low-pressure fuel hose that could crack from heat and the same fuel pipe issue as 2011-2012. This year recorded 97 fires and 93 crashes.
2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 steering problems →
2012 Hyundai Sonata Index 87 · 1,556 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2012 Sonata carries a complaint index of 87 with 1,556 complaints and 8 recalls. Engine problems account for 41% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 89,898, and electrical system issues follow at 21% with a median mileage of 90,000. Owners described sudden acceleration, power steering failure at very low mileage, and electrical shutdowns that affected power steering and brakes together. Recalls addressed the same fuel pipe, airbag wiring, and seat belt linkage issues carried over from 2011. This year recorded 95 fires and 51 crashes.
2012 engine problems →2012 electrical system problems →2012 steering problems →
2015 Hyundai Sonata Index 80 · 1,144 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2015 Sonata has a complaint index of 80 with 1,144 complaints, 9 recalls, and 2 do-not-drive recalls, the only avoid year with recalls of that severity. Engine issues dominate at 58% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 63,000, and electrical system problems follow at 17% with a median mileage of 57,321. Owners described brake failure with the pedal going to the floor and unexpected brake lock-up while turning in snow. Recalls addressed a Smart Junction Box software error, a parking brake warning light malfunction, and a wind deflector anchor plate repair. This year recorded 34 crashes and 48 fires.
2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Hyundai Sonata problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine4,940 (42%)
- Steering2,201 (19%)
- Electrical System2,165 (19%)
- Other1,194 (10%)
- Brakes931 (8%)
- Fuel System926 (8%)
- Airbags834 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain832 (7%)
- Structure & Body632 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires423 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years should I avoid when buying a used Hyundai Sonata?
- NHTSA data flags 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 as the years to avoid, with 2011 having the highest complaint index of 100 out of all 16 model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata?
- 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 20, 13, 7, and 0 respectively, the lowest in the model's history.
- What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Sonata?
- Engine problems are the top issue overall, accounting for 4,940 complaints, or 42% of all complaints filed across every model year.
- Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have steering problems?
- Yes, steering is the top complaint area for the 2011 Sonata, making up 35% of its complaints with a median failure mileage of 65,000, and it was covered by one of the year's 14 recalls.
- How many recalls does the Hyundai Sonata have in total?
- Across all covered years, the Hyundai Sonata has 40 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, with 2011 alone accounting for 14 of them.