Last updated: 2026-03-04
Hyundai Sonata Reliability by Year
The Hyundai Sonata averages 67/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Overview
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.
Current generation: 8th gen (2020–2023), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Hyundai Sonata Years
Best Hyundai Sonata Years to Buy
The best Hyundai Sonata year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2019 (71/100).
Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Sonata year is 2018 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to engine (116) issues.
See full Hyundai Sonata years-to-avoid analysis →Hyundai Sonata Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Sonata reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Hyundai Sonata
2 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
0 recalls · 16 complaints
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Vehicle Speed Control (3), Unknown Or Other (3), Fuel Propulsion System (2).
2024 Hyundai Sonata
1 recalls · 41 complaints
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 41 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Power Train (6), Structure (6).
2023 Hyundai Sonata
2 recalls · 87 complaints
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 87 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (18), Engine (16), Power Train (15).
2022 Hyundai Sonata
3 recalls · 95 complaints
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (24), Electrical System (19), Fuel Propulsion System (11).
2021 Hyundai Sonata
4 recalls · 151 complaints
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 151 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (29), Engine (26).
2020 Hyundai Sonata
5 recalls · 163 complaints
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 163 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (29), Power Train (21), Fuel Propulsion System (18).
2019 Hyundai Sonata
0 recalls · 144 complaints
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 144 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (58), Exterior Lighting (18), Unknown Or Other (17).
2018 Hyundai Sonata
3 recalls · 353 complaints
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 353 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 12 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (116), Electrical System (52), Unknown Or Other (44).
Hyundai Sonata Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Hyundai Models
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Compare Hyundai Sonata With Similar Sedans
The Hyundai Sonata competes with other midsize sedans such as Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
Kia K5 reliability
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Nissan Altima reliability
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Honda Accord reliability
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Chevrolet Malibu reliability
8 years tracked · 1193 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- The Hyundai Sonata has good reliability with an average score of 67/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata?
- The best year for the Hyundai Sonata is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Hyundai Sonata analysis →
- What are the Hyundai Sonata years to avoid?
- The Hyundai Sonata years to avoid include 2018 (61/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Sonata?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Hyundai Sonata. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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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