The best and worst Hyundai Sonata years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Hyundai Sonatas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2005, 2010 and 2021–2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2011–2013 and 2017 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2011 Hyundai Sonata · 149.4 per 10,000 sold (4.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 69,000 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2012 Hyundai Sonata · 67.5 per 10,000 sold (1.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 90,565 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2013 Hyundai Sonata · 93.6 per 10,000 sold (2.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles; then wiring harness, grounds and connectors.
2017 Hyundai Sonata · 57.8 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 79,946 miles; then electric power steering motor and module.
Years with the fewest complaints
2005 Hyundai Sonata · 10.0 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion, typically around 121,017 miles.
2010 Hyundai Sonata · 17.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 66,000 miles.
2021 Hyundai Sonata · 15.6 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Tank, lines and filler, typically around 62,500 miles.
2022 Hyundai Sonata · 17.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Injectors and high-pressure fuel system.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Hyundai Sonata year: 35.8 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Hyundai Sonata?
Among Hyundai Sonatas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2011 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 149.4, about 4.2× a typical Hyundai Sonata year. The 2012–2013 and 2017 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata?
The 2005 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Hyundai Sonatas from 2005–2022: 10.0, against 35.8 for a typical year. The 2010 and 2021–2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported problem on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 69,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Hyundai Sonata years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.