Car Yearsto Avoid

Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid

Every Sonata model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.

Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Which Sonata years should you avoid?

The 2011, 2013 and 2012 Sonata have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2022, 2019 and 2010 models have the fewest problems.

Complaints by model year

Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.

2011 Sonata 3,377
2013 Sonata 1,915
2012 Sonata 1,557
2015 Sonata 1,153
2017 Sonata 765
2014 Sonata 749
2016 Sonata 727
2009 Sonata 460
2008 Sonata 425
2018 Sonata 374
2010 Sonata 345
2020 Sonata 179
2019 Sonata 162
2021 Sonata 134
2022 Sonata 94
2023 Sonata 87
2024 Sonata 46

Every year at a glance

YearComplaintsPer yearRecallsTop problem
2024 46 15 1 Electrical
2023 87 22 2 Fuel System
2022 94 19 3 Fuel System
2021 134 22 4 Engine
2020 179 26 4 Fuel System
2019 162 20 0 Engine
2018 374 42 1 Engine
2017 765 77 3 Engine
2016 727 66 6 Engine
2015 1,153 96 9 Engine
2014 749 58 7 Engine
2013 1,915 137 9 Engine
2012 1,557 104 8 Engine
2011 3,377 211 14 Steering
2010 345 20 2 Body
2009 460 26 2 Brakes
2008 425 22 5 Airbags

"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.

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Common questions

What is the worst year for the Hyundai Sonata?

The 2011 Sonata, with 3,377 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the steering.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata?

Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2022 Sonata has the fewest complaints per year on the road.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should I avoid?

Be most careful with the 2011, 2013 and 2012 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.