2019
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Hyundai Sonata Change Vehicle

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Revised for 2018, the Hyundai Sonata keeps much of what makes it a strong competitor against such big dogs as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while making some notable enhancements. Look beyond the freshened skin, and you'll find a Sonata with sharper handling and better braking than before, but the ride has become considerably firmer.
2019
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Hyundai Sonata

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Research Years * Redesign year
Worse Better
00
01
02
03
04
05
06*
07
08
09
10
11*
12
13
14
15*
16
17
18
19
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Transmission shifts too early. At 1300 rpm in 5th and 6th gear at 36 and 47 mph respectively. At those speeds and rpms the engine shakes mildly, indicating the need to downshift. Not a major problem but I never had a car with auto trans that was this unrefined."

Anonymous, IL (2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint Chipping became apparent in the first 2 weeks of ownership, only on the hood. Since that time the problem has become very bad and there are 40 noticeable chips on the hood. Usually paint chips will occur on the leading edge of the hood from hard rock strikes, and the plastic fascia and grille area will show significant markings too. However they were occurring over the entire hood panel and there are almost none on the front fascia. The dealership noted that this was usual wear and tear and not covered under warranty. I work as a seat engineer for a major OEM and have a background in materials science. I spoke with the paint quality engineer at my company and when they looked at my car they immediately noted the problem was not wear and tear but due to poor adhesion between the primer and base coat (color). This was likely a processing issue at the plant where the paint chemistry was not managed properly for my specific vehicle. I have since contacted Hyundai Quality directly and they have acknowledged the problem! The thought that there could be many more vehicles like mine from Hyundai on the road with dissatisfied customers and dealerships that won't give the problems a second thought really disturbs me."

Anonymous, MI (2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Compare 2019 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
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