Last updated: 2026-04-20
2025 Hyundai Sonata Reliability Report
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
16
Complaint Rate
2.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$2,200
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
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Hyundai Sonata?
At 76/100, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Its complaint rate of 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 1.9. The most common reports involve vehicle speed control (3).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to vehicle speed control (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2026 Hyundai Sonata. See also the 2024 Hyundai Sonata for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Inaccurate speedometer readings (3 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata report issues with the vehicle's speedometer... (3 complaints)
Compare 2025 Hyundai Sonata With
2025 KIA K5
Reliability: 79/100
2025 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 76/100
2025 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 78/100
2025 Honda Accord
Reliability: 84/100
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 80/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 1.9
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
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 2025 Hyundai Sonata? Check its history first
Every 2025 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
2025 Hyundai Sonata NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–32 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,850–$2,200/yr
Fuel only
23–28 city / 32–38 hwy MPG
Hybrid
47 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,250/yr
Fuel only
44 city / 51 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 28 | 38 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Sonata FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Sonata AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Sonata FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S8) | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 44 | 51 | 47 | $1,250 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Hyundai Sonata.
Verify speedometer accuracy against GPS
Test gear shifter to ensure familiarity with operation
Check for gasoline odor inside cabin after refueling
Inspect for loose gas tank during refueling
Test infotainment and driver assistance alerts for excessive warnings
Check battery health and monitor for unexpected drainage
2025 Hyundai Sonata Common Problems by Component
16 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata report issues related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving inaccurate speedometer readings. Complaints frequently mention discrepancies where the speedometer displays speeds 1-8 mph higher than the actual speed, verified against other vehicles' sonar systems, street speed limit signs, and personal GPS devices. Additionally, there are reports of confusion with the gear shifter design, which differs from industry norms and has led to near-accidents, such as nearly driving off a cliff when the driver mistakenly selected reverse instead of drive. These issues appear to be present from early ownership, with no specific mileage range identified. Safety implications are noted, particularly with the gear shifter design, which could lead to dangerous situations if drivers are not familiar with Hyundai's configuration.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata report issues with the vehicle's speedometer and driver assistance alerts. One complaint describes a speedometer discrepancy, where the indicated speed does not match the actual speed measured over a mile. Additionally, multiple owners express frustration with the "Take a Break" and "Inattentive Driving Warning" alerts, which activate frequently and inaccurately, causing distraction. These alerts reportedly activate every 90 seconds to 30 minutes, even under normal driving conditions, and cannot be disabled. No specific mileage range is mentioned, and while no crashes or loss of control are reported, the frequent alerts are noted as distracting, particularly at highway speeds.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata report issues with the fuel/propulsion system, specifically noting two distinct problems. One complaint describes a loose gas tank discovered during refueling, suggesting a potential installation or maintenance issue. Another report highlights a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin after refueling, which could indicate a sealing or venting problem. These complaints do not specify mileage or timelines, and there are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these issues. Potential buyers should be aware of these symptoms as they may indicate underlying maintenance requirements or the necessity for further inspection.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata report issues with the vehicle's back over prevention systems. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward when transitioning from electric to gasoline mode, resulting in a collision with a refrigerator and table in a garage. The driver mentions no warnings or emergency braking activation prior to the impact. Another owner describes the rear collision detection system automatically reactivating upon starting the car, which prevented reversing when necessary, leading to a situation perceived as dangerous. Both complaints highlight concerns with the vehicle's electronic systems affecting control, with one incident resulting in an injury.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintMy engine light come on. Air flow notification come on. I had a brake cleaner notification come on.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintI recently purchased a 2025 Hyundai Sonata. I’m writing to raise a concern regarding the height of the brake pedal in this vehicle. Both my wife and I have observed that the brake pedal seems noticeably higher than the gas pedal. This positioning requires extra effort to lift the foot during normal driving, and we are concerned that it may delay reaction time when moving from the accelerator to the brake — especially in emergency situations. I contacted the service department at the dealership to inquire if this pedal height is standard and whether any adjustment is possible. However, I have not received a response. I would appreciate it if you could confirm: Is the brake pedal height in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata within your design standards? If any manufacturer-recommended adjustments or modifications could improve pedal accessibility and response time. This is a significant safety concern for my family, and I would be grateful for your prompt attention and guidance.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintVehicle is shaky at highway speeds
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintLump on driver seat, under right buttocks. Feels like hard steel poking up on right side of seat , predominantly under right side.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe dash warning "Consider Taking A Break" fires off randomly. This is a distraction as when I'm in traffic, driving well within my lane, no sudden changes, it will alert and I look down as I assume there may be a more serious problem. It takes my attention from the road often. This feature cannot be disabled. I've contacted the manufacturer and the local dealership. The local dealership suggested that there is a way to do it but they cannot tell me as it could be a liability. I don't see how it would be a liability as it is me doing the disabling. If anything that could be corrected with a statement I'd need to click stating I know the added risk of disabling this or something. It's annoying and at worst, may cause an accident as it pulls the driver's attention from the road. I'm hesitant to let anyone else drive the vehicle as they may be less prepared for the warning and may cause confusion as they try to determine what it is.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe 12 v battery drains repeatedly causing the car to be without power . Requires opening the car with a manual key . Happens within as little of 3 days of not being driven . Dealer stated battery was without issues has continued to occur . Loses potential safety risk as entry into car becomes compromised especially if cold outside
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 2024 (73/100) and 2019 (71/100).
2025
(Current Model)
2024
2019
Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Sonata year is 2018 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to engine (116) issues.
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Sonata reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
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 |
Hyundai Sonata Reliability Compared to Other Years
2025 Hyundai Sonata Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 8 | 0 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 16 | 0 | 1 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Sonata?
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Sonata have?
Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Hyundai Sonata without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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