Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Sonata

1 Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Sonata average of 67/100

The Hyundai Sonata years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 61/100. The best Hyundai Sonata year to buy is 2025 76/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata scores significantly below the model average of 67/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 61/100 due to engine (116) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 71/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Sonata average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201861/100Good3353Engine (116)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Hyundai Sonata

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).

3 recalls353 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (116), Electrical System (52), Unknown Or Other (44), Power Train (30), Exterior Lighting (20), Engine And Engine Cooling (14)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Sonata Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Sonata model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

239 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

161 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

125 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

125 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

55 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Hyundai Sonata Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Hyundai Sonata

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).

Score: 71/100 (Good)0 recalls144 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Hyundai Sonata Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Sonata Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Sonata years: 2018 (score: 61/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Sonata average of 67/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Sonata have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Sonata has a total of 20 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Sonata worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 67/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Sonata problems?
The most common Hyundai Sonata problems are engine (239 complaints), electrical system (161 complaints), unknown or other (125 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Sonata has an average reliability score of 67/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Hyundai Sonata generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Hyundai Sonata generation is the Seventh generation (LF) with an average score of 65/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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