Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Hyundai Sonata
RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity56/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (58)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (58)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 18.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Hyundai Sonata NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai SonataRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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%

after 5 years

Depreciation
44%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
359

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.com

MPG & 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Sonata 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM7)283731$1,950
Sonata SE 2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)263529$2,050
Sonata 2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)253328$2,150
Sonata 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)233226$2,300
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)374239$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.

58
18
17
ENGINE (58)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)AIR BAGS (8)POWER TRAIN (7)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)STRUCTURE (6)Other (14)

ENGINE

58 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

58 complaints total2 fires1 injury

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

18 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

17 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

10 complaints total1 fire
AIR BAGS (8 complaints)

AIR BAGS

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total4 crashes3 injuries
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

4 complaints total1 crash
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Hyundai Sonata Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

70,000–90,000 milesEngine oil consumption
under 50,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Hyundai Sonata Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

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 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.

Hyundai Sonata reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201861/100Good
201971/100Good
202062/100Good
202164/100Good
202265/100Good
202362/100Good
202473/100Good
202576/100Good
202675/100Good

Hyundai Sonata Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100-1Good20
202576/100+3Good016
202473/100+11Good141
202362/100-3Good287
202265/100+1Good395
202164/100+2Good4151
202062/100-9Good5163
2019(selected)71/100+10Good0144
201861/100Good3353

2019 Hyundai Sonata Reliability by Powertrain

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas1370125 out of 5
HEV3015 out of 5
PHEV400N/T
Total144013

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?
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 0 recalls and 144 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata include: ENGINE (58 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (18 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints), AIR BAGS (8 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Hyundai Sonata without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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