Last updated: 2026-05-15
Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan Versa: Reliability Compared
Hyundai Sonata
Nissan Versa
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the Nissan Versa? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Versa currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Versa Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Nissan Versa is more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata, scoring 76/100 vs 67/100.
The Nissan Versa edges out the Hyundai Sonata in reliability with an average score of 76/100 compared to the Sonata's 67/100. The Versa also has fewer recalls, with 11 over five years, and a lower owner complaint rate of 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold, compared to the Sonata's 3.7. While the Sonata's common issues are more diverse, the Versa's estimated annual repair cost of $456 further solidifies its position as the more dependable choice. Overall, the Versa stands as a more reliable option in this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Nissan Versa scores 9 points higher in reliability
- 2Nissan Versa has 9 fewer total recalls
- 3Nissan Versa has 2.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan Versa: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Hyundai Sonata | Nissan Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 76/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 5 |
| Total Recalls | 20 | 11 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.7 | 1.5 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 0 (1 tied) | 4 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Versa?
The Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Versa exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Sonata presenting a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the engine and electrical system categories, totaling 239 and 161 complaints respectively. Notably, the Sonata's power train and vehicle speed control issues are more frequently crash-linked, with 7 and 9 incidents, respectively. Conversely, the Nissan Versa has fewer total complaints but a significant concern with its air bags, which account for 19 complaints, 12 of which are crash-linked, highlighting a potential safety vulnerability. Both vehicles experience issues with unknown or other components, though the Sonata's broader range of problematic areas suggests a more diverse set of reliability challenges.
| Component | Hyundai Sonata | Nissan Versa |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.8Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.4Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Sonata or Nissan Versa?
How Does Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan Versa Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Hyundai Sonata | Nissan Versa | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 76/1000R / 16C | 81/1000R / 9C | Nissan Versa |
| 2024 | 73/1001R / 41C | 73/1001R / 91C | Tie |
| 2021 | 64/1004R / 151C | 77/1003R / 29C | Nissan Versa |
| 2020 | 62/1005R / 163C | 74/1002R / 60C | Nissan Versa |
| 2018 | 61/1003R / 353C | 76/1005R / 55C | Nissan Versa |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Sonata scored 76/100 and the 2025 Nissan Versa scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Sonata vs the Nissan Versa?
Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan Versa: Common Questions
- Is the Hyundai Sonata more reliable than the Nissan Versa?
- Based on our data, the Nissan Versa is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Sonata or the Nissan Versa?
- The Hyundai Sonata has more recalls (20) compared to the Nissan Versa (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Sonata or the Nissan Versa?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Versa has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Sonata. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Hyundai Sonata or Nissan Versa safer?
- Both the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Versa received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Versa? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue