Hyundai Elantra vs Hyundai Sonata
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 51.6 for the Hyundai Sonata. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Hyundai Elantra
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
57% fewer than the Hyundai Sonata
- Complaints
- 6,396
- Sold
- 2,877,054
- Recall campaigns
- 29
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2010, 2012–2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2005, 2015 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 78,500 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 59,850 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 77,000 mi
Hyundai Sonata
51.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.3× the Hyundai Elantra’s rate
- Complaints
- 13,856
- Sold
- 2,686,273
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2011–2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2005, 2010 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 81,377 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 97,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 74,750 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 71,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 80,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Elantra or the Hyundai Sonata?
For 2005–2022 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Hyundai Sonata has 51.6, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Elantra is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 78,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Sonata is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 81,377 miles.
Which Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Elantra: 2010, 2012–2013 and 2017; Hyundai Sonata: 2011–2013 and 2017.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.