The best Sonata years to buy are 2019 and 2021. Avoid the 2012 and 2013: engine failures, steering couplers and fires give them the highest complaint rates.
Best years: 20192021 Years to avoid: 20122013
Every Sonata year compared
2012743Watch out2013994Watch out2014359Average2015567Average2016445Average2017669Watch out2018365Average2019197Good year2020258Average2021204Good year2022221Good year2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Sonata problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 57 | - | 1 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 103 | - | 2 | Fuel System | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 115 | 221 | 3 | Fuel System | Good year |
| 2021 | 190 | 204 | 4 | Engine | Good buy |
| 2020 | 199 | 258 | 4 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2019 | 172 | 197 | 0 | Engine | Good buy |
| 2018 | 384 | 365 | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 882 | 669 | 4 | Engine | Watch out |
| 2016 | 887 | 445 | 8 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 1,210 | 567 | 12 | Engine | Average |
| 2014 | 779 | 359 | 8 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 2,025 | 994 | 11 | Engine | Skip this year |
| 2012 | 1,714 | 743 | 11 | Engine | Skip this year |
About the Sonata
The Sonata is Hyundai's midsize sedan. The 2011-2014 cars with the 2.4L and 2.0T Theta II engines are among the most recalled cars of the decade for engine seizure, and many also catch fire or have worn steering couplers. Hyundai extended engine warranties on many of them. The 2015-2019 cars improve, and the 2018-2021 cars are the best buys.
- 2011-2014: Sixth generation. Engine seizure recalls, steering coupler and brake light faults; many fires.
- 2015-2019: Seventh generation. Fewer complaints; oil use on some 2.4L engines.
- 2020 on: Eighth generation. Low complaint rate.
Sonata warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Hyundai files with NHTSA. 651 Sonata bulletins are on file in total.
2012–2019 · bulletin 10172220
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
2012–2019 · bulletin 10227316
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
2015–2019 · bulletin 10238401
Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a Crank/No Start condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an internally leaking fuel pump filter housing.
Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a Crank/No Start condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an internally leaking fuel pump filter housing.
2015–2019 · bulletin 11018888
Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015–2019 · bulletin 11018889
Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015–2019 · bulletin 11019525
Certain 2015 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 2023 model year Palis...
Certain 2015 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 2023 model year Palis...
2015–2019 · bulletin 11019671
Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015–2019 · bulletin 11037233
Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015 · bulletin 10151890
Hyundai is providing extended warranty coverage to both new and used vehicle owners for engine long block assembly repairs needed due to excessive connecting rod bearing damage upon completion of Service Campaign 953.
Hyundai is providing extended warranty coverage to both new and used vehicle owners for engine long block assembly repairs needed due to excessive connecting rod bearing damage upon completion of Service Campaign 953.
2015 · bulletin 10152861
The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent own...
The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent own...
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Sonata
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
Engineering analysis EA25005 · 2017 · opened Oct 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has become aware of eight vehicle crashes in which a rupture of a Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd.
Engineering analysis EA25005 · 2017 · opened Oct 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has become aware of eight vehicle crashes in which a rupture of a Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires Open
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
Defect petition DP22005 · 2012–2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Defect petition DP22005 · 2012–2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Defect petition DP22003 · 2012–2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Defect petition DP22003 · 2012–2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Engine Fires Closed
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2017 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2017 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities Closed
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Electrical overstress Closed
Engineering analysis EA19001 · 2013–2019 · opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024 · led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.
Engineering analysis EA19001 · 2013–2019 · opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024 · led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.
Non-crash Vehicle Fires Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE19003 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 20V061000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa F...
Preliminary evaluation PE19003 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 20V061000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa F...
Non-crash Vehicle Fires Closed
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019 · led to recall 18V907000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles.
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019 · led to recall 18V907000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles.
Air bags may be disabled during crash Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE18003 · 2012, 2013 · opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019 · led to recall 18E043000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy.
Preliminary evaluation PE18003 · 2012, 2013 · opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019 · led to recall 18E043000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy.
Scope and Timeliness Closed
Recall query RQ17004 · 2012–2014 · opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 17V226000
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai's Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos.
Recall query RQ17004 · 2012–2014 · opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 17V226000
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai's Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos.
Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE16018 · 2013 · opened Dec 2016, closed Oct 2017 · led to recall 17V152000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a defe...
Preliminary evaluation PE16018 · 2013 · opened Dec 2016, closed Oct 2017 · led to recall 17V152000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a defe...
Sonata vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata?
2019 and 2021. The best Sonata years to buy are 2019 and 2021. Avoid the 2012 and 2013: engine failures, steering couplers and fires give them the highest complaint rates.
Which Hyundai Sonata years should I avoid?
2012, 2013. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Hyundai Sonata average.
Is the Hyundai Sonata engine recall still open?
Recalls 15V568, 17V226 and 18V934 cover engine bearing failures on many 2011-2014 Sonatas, and Hyundai offers a lifetime warranty extension on affected engines after a knock sensor update. Check the car's VIN at a Hyundai dealer.
Based on 8,717 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.