Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Hyundai Sonata Reliability Report
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 144 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
144
Complaint Rate
16.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (58)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 2 years after the facelift 2017 refresh.
- Year 5 in the Seventh generation (LF) (2015–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 7th generation Sonata (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2015: Seventh generation (LF) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 2 years after the facelift 2017 refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
At 71/100, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 2 years after the facelift 2017 refresh.
Owners log 144 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (58). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, which scored 9 points lower. See also the 2018 Hyundai Sonata for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (58 complaints)
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING issues reported (18 complaints)
Compare 2019 Hyundai Sonata With

2019 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Honda Accord
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 72/100

2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Chrysler 300
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (58)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
16.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
4
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2019 Hyundai Sonata? Check its history first
Every 2019 Hyundai Sonata has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Hyundai Sonata NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.5%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.5%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai SonataRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Hyundai Sonata Resale Value
The Hyundai Sonata is estimated to retain about 56% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Hyundai Sonata model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 56%
- Depreciation
- 44%
- Listings Analyzed
- 359
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Hyundai Sonata depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–31 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,950–$2,300/yr
Fuel only
23–28 city / 32–37 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
39–42 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,400–$1,550/yr
Fuel only
37–40 city / 42–46 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 28 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Sonata SE 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Sonata 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Sonata 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,300 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 37 | 42 | 39 | $1,550 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Hyundai Sonata.
Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for oil leaks
Test the electrical system for starting issues and unexpected shutdowns
Inspect the seat belts for proper retraction and secure latching
Verify the transmission for unusual noises or metal fragments in the fluid
Test the headlights for visibility issues and dark spots in the beam
Check for any open recalls related to engine and electrical systems
2019 Hyundai Sonata Common Problems by Component
144 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
58 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report excessive oil consumption as a prevalent issue with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, often leading to low or no oil levels without warning lights. Complaints frequently mention engine misfires, stalling, and reduced compression in cylinders, with some requiring engine replacement. Many owners experience these problems around 32,000 to 150,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including engine fires and one reported injury, highlighting the potential risk of engine failure while driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues, especially regarding the vehicle's maintenance history and warranty status.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with the vehicle's low-beam headlights, describing them as dim and insufficient for safe nighttime driving. Many complaints highlight the presence of dark shadows or black voids in the headlight beam, creating blind spots that distract drivers and obscure pedestrians or obstacles. These issues often appear around 23,000 to 26,200 miles, with some experiencing them immediately after purchase. One reported crash and several near-miss incidents indicate potential safety hazards associated with these lighting problems. Used car buyers should be aware of these headlight concerns, as they may impact nighttime visibility and overall driving safety.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with paint peeling, particularly on white vehicles, with several complaints noting peeling on metal panels such as the hood and roof. Many describe problems with the vehicle's acceleration, including hesitation and loss of power, sometimes accompanied by unintended braking sensations. Some owners mention excessive oil consumption and oil entering the spark plug area. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of two crashes, both resulting in injuries, with one incident involving unintended acceleration while backing out of a parking space. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some mechanical problems occurring around 56,000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly concerning the hybrid power system and starting mechanism. Symptoms include unexpected shutdowns of the hybrid power system while driving, often without warning, and starting failures where the vehicle does not start despite multiple attempts. These issues appear at various mileages, with some occurring under 50,000 miles. One report describes a fire occurring immediately after attempting to start the vehicle, highlighting a significant safety risk. Additionally, there are complaints about the blind-spot warning system malfunctioning, which can lead to an inability to remove the key from the ignition. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers, especially those considering vehicles with higher mileage.
AIR BAGS (8 complaints)
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes, as evidenced by four complaints involving crashes where air bags did not activate, resulting in three reported injuries. Typical symptoms include severe front-end damage without air bag deployment, with incidents occurring at varying mileages, including as low as 3,500 miles. Additionally, some owners report air bag warning lights illuminating inconsistently, sometimes linked to the use of cushions or seat belt adjustments. In one instance, air bags deployed unexpectedly without a crash, suggesting potential sensor issues. These patterns highlight significant safety implications, particularly in crash scenarios where air bags are expected to deploy.
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles consuming up to 3.5 quarts of oil within a short time frame, often under 1000 miles. This issue is linked to symptoms such as engine hesitation, stalling, violent shaking, and a significant risk of engine failure, which can occur during driving and lead to loss of power or control. Additionally, some complaints mention transmission issues, including a persistent whining noise and the presence of metal fragments in the transmission fluid, despite multiple replacements. The reported problems often begin within the first year of ownership or shortly after purchase, affecting vehicles with varying mileage. Safety implications are significant, as engine and power loss can occur unexpectedly, posing a risk during highway driving or in traffic.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption, often requiring oil to be added multiple times between scheduled changes. Common symptoms include abnormal rattling or knocking sounds and the illumination of the check engine light. These problems are typically reported around 23,000 to 89,000 miles. Some complaints also highlight engine gasket faults leading to oil leaks. A significant safety concern is noted in one report where an engine issue resulted in a vehicle fire after smoke and a burning oil odor were detected, leading to the vehicle being destroyed. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding engine maintenance and safety.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata report several steering-related issues. A common problem involves the steering wheel becoming stuck in a turned position and requiring forceful correction to re-center, often accompanied by excessive tire wear and occurring more frequently in hot weather. Another frequent issue includes grinding noises when turning the wheel. Additionally, some owners experience sudden loss of power steering at highway speeds, necessitating replacement of multiple components like the power steering ECU and sensors. Safety implications are noted, with one report detailing a loss of control due to power steering failure and another involving a crash following vehicle theft facilitated by the absence of an engine immobilizer. These issues are reported across various timelines, with repeat occurrences suggesting a persistent problem.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the seat belts in the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, primarily concerning the driver's side belt not retracting properly and failing to latch securely. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belt strap does not retract after being removed and that the latch sometimes pops out, with one incident involving a crash where the seat belt did not retract, resulting in injuries. The problems are noted at mileage as low as 12,246 and beyond 60,000 miles, indicating no specific mileage threshold for the onset of these issues. The safety implications are significant, as one report includes a crash with injuries due to seat belt failure. Buyers should be aware of these potential seat belt malfunctions and consider inspecting this component when evaluating the vehicle.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata report issues related to vehicle speed control, with symptoms including unexpected acceleration and deceleration. Complaints frequently mention the activation of warning lights such as the HEV, engine, and battery lights, and describe instances where the car does not brake properly and may shut off while driving, particularly on highways. These issues often result in the car entering a "temporary engine protection mode," leading to a significant loss of power and speed, which owners find unsafe. The timeline for these problems ranges from shortly after leasing the vehicle, indicating potential early onset. The described symptoms suggest a safety risk, as they can lead to a loss of control and near-miss situations on the road.
When Do 2019 Hyundai Sonata Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Hyundai Sonata Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Hyundai Sonata Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Hyundai Sonata year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2026 (75/100) and 2024 (73/100).
Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Sonata year is 2018 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to engine (116) issues. Also avoid 2023 (62/100).
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Sonata reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 75/100 | Good |
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Hyundai Sonata Reliability by Powertrain
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 137 | 0 | 12 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 4 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 144 | 0 | 13 |
NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?
Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Hyundai Sonata without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Hyundai Sonata.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra
Score: 94/100

Hyundai Ioniq 5
Score: 63/100

Hyundai Ioniq 6
Score: 82/100

Hyundai Kona
Score: 67/100

Hyundai Palisade
Score: 72/100

Hyundai Santa-Cruz
Score: 74/100
Browse More 2019 Vehicles

2019 Lexus RX
Score: 82/100

2019 KIA Sedona
Score: 80/100

2019 Nissan Frontier
Score: 80/100

2019 Lexus IS
Score: 79/100

2019 Mazda 3
Score: 78/100

2019 Lexus ES
Score: 78/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue