Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Hyundai Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Hyundai model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Hyundai scores 69/100 across all models and years. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the most reliable Hyundai with a score of 87/100.
Hyundai Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 Hyundai Elantra | 2025 | 87/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.5 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 2 | 2024 Hyundai Elantra | 2024 | 85/100 | Excellent | 1 | 3.7 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 3 | 2019 Hyundai Elantra | 2019 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 11.1 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 4 | 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 2021 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 4.1 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 5 | 2024 Hyundai Tucson | 2024 | 77/100 | Good | 4 | 4.2 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 6 | 2025 Hyundai Sonata | 2025 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | 2.9 | 3 | |
| 7 | 2018 Hyundai Elantra | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 1 | 15.4 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 8 | 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2025 | 75/100 | Good | 6 | 8.5 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 9 | 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 2021 | 75/100 | Good | 10 | 11.5 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 10 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 2023 | 75/100 | Good | 4 | 10.9 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 2023 | 75/100 | Good | 2 | 6.8 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 12 | 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 | 75/100 | Good | 6 | 10.7 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 13 | 2022 Hyundai Elantra | 2022 | 74/100 | Good | 13 | 11.9 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 14 | 2024 Hyundai Sonata | 2024 | 73/100 | Good | 1 | 6.6 | 3 | |
| 15 | 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 2020 | 73/100 | Good | 1 | 12.4 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 16 | 2024 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2024 | 73/100 | Good | 9 | 9.6 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 17 | 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 2020 | 72/100 | Good | 3 | 20.1 | 4.5 | $452/yr |
| 18 | 2019 Hyundai Sonata | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 16.5 | 3 | |
| 19 | 2023 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2023 | 70/100 | Good | 4 | 18.5 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 20 | 2020 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2020 | 70/100 | Good | 2 | 16.3 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 21 | 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 | 70/100 | Good | 3 | 12.2 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 22 | 2021 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2021 | 69/100 | Good | 10 | 14.6 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 23 | 2019 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2019 | 69/100 | Good | 3 | 15.8 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 24 | 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 2018 | 68/100 | Good | 1 | 23.5 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 25 | 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 2019 | 68/100 | Good | 1 | 25.4 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 26 | 2022 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2022 | 66/100 | Good | 14 | 19.4 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 27 | 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 2022 | 66/100 | Good | 3 | 24.7 | 4 | $426/yr |
| 28 | 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 2022 | 65/100 | Good | 5 | 29.1 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 29 | 2022 Hyundai Sonata | 2022 | 65/100 | Good | 3 | 18.2 | 3 | |
| 30 | 2021 Hyundai Sonata | 2021 | 64/100 | Good | 4 | 18.1 | 3 | |
| 31 | 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 | 63/100 | Good | 5 | 27.6 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 32 | 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE | 2018 | 63/100 | Good | 7 | 41.8 | 4 | $515/yr |
| 33 | 2020 Hyundai Sonata | 2020 | 62/100 | Good | 5 | 21.2 | 3 | |
| 34 | 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 2023 | 62/100 | Good | 5 | 36.4 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 35 | 2023 Hyundai Sonata | 2023 | 62/100 | Good | 2 | 21.4 | 3 | |
| 36 | 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 2021 | 61/100 | Good | 6 | 41.0 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 37 | 2018 Hyundai Sonata | 2018 | 61/100 | Good | 3 | 33.6 | 3 | |
| 38 | 2020 Hyundai Palisade | 2020 | 59/100 | Mixed | 7 | 63.6 | 3.5 | $573/yr |
| 39 | 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2024 | 58/100 | Mixed | 2 | 30.2 | 2 | |
| 40 | 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2025 | 53/100 | Mixed | 8 | 33.6 | 2 | |
| 41 | 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2023 | 50/100 | Mixed | 3 | 91.7 | 2 | |
| 42 | 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2022 | 46/100 | Mixed | 3 | 151.9 | 2 |
Model Summaries
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a good reliability score of 78/100, with a notable improvement in recent years, particularly in 2025 with a score of 89/100. Common issues reported by owners include engine and electrical system problems, especially in earlier models, while later models see fewer complaints, with significant reductions in complaint rates by 2025. The Elantra's estimated annual repair cost of $452 is below the compact car average, suggesting it may appeal to budget-conscious drivers seeking a reliable and cost-effective option.
Average score: 78/100. Best year: 2025 (87/100). 9 years tracked.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Data for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 indicates mixed reliability, with scores ranging from 28/100 in 2022 to 92/100 in 2026. Common issues reported by owners include failures of the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), leading to electrical system and power train problems, particularly in earlier model years. The vehicle sees improved reliability in later years, with fewer complaints and higher scores, suggesting potential suitability for those prioritizing recent models.
Average score: 52/100. Best year: 2024 (58/100). 5 years tracked.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, covering model years 2020 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 71 out of 100, categorized as "Good" by Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the service brakes, seat belts, and visibility wipers, with an estimated annual repair cost of $573 and a medium reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. The Palisade's complaint rates decrease significantly over the years, suggesting improvements in later models, making it suitable for those prioritizing safety features but mindful of potential repair needs.
Average score: 63/100. Best year: 2025 (70/100). 7 years tracked.
Hyundai Santa-FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 80/100, with specific years ranging from 74 to 84. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, and electrical system concerns, with a complaint rate peaking in 2018 at 41.8 per 10,000 sold. The vehicle has an estimated annual repair cost of $515, which is below the midsize SUV average, indicating a moderate maintenance burden.
Average score: 69/100. Best year: 2025 (75/100). 9 years tracked.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 69 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Data shows that common issues across various years include engine and electrical system problems, with notable concerns about excessive oil consumption and powertrain malfunctions. Repair costs are rated at 3 out of 5, and the vehicle's reliability is best suited for buyers who prioritize thorough maintenance history and warranty coverage, particularly for earlier model years.
Average score: 67/100. Best year: 2025 (76/100). 9 years tracked.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, categorized as "Good" by Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, while later years show improvements with fewer complaints per 10,000 sold. With an estimated annual repair cost of $426, which is below the compact SUV average, the Tucson may appeal to those seeking a vehicle with moderate repair costs and evolving reliability over recent years.
Average score: 73/100. Best year: 2021 (78/100). 9 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Hyundai?
- Based on our data, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the most reliable Hyundai with a score of 87/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints.
- Are Hyundai vehicles reliable?
- Hyundai vehicles have an average reliability score of 69/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
- Which Hyundai models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Hyundai model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2020 Elantra (72/100), 2022 Tucson (66/100), 2018 Santa-FE (63/100), 2018 Sonata (61/100), 2022 Ioniq 5 (46/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
- How do Hyundai repair costs compare?
- Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Hyundai model year.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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