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Free public service · Official NHTSA & EPA data

Hyundai Sonata common problems

Owners of 2015–2025 Hyundai Sonata vehicles have filed 3,637 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (86% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.

3,637
Owner complaints
33
Recall campaigns
132
Crash-related reports
111
Injury reports

Most reported problem areas

By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.

105 fire-related reports 5 reports involving a death

How to read this before buying

Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.

The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.

Recent safety events

Full timeline
  1. Recall2020 sonata

    Recall 25V796000

    A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  2. Recall2021 sonata

    Recall 25V796000

    A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  3. Recall2022 sonata

    Recall 25V796000

    A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  4. Recall2023 sonata

    Recall 25V796000

    A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  5. Investigation opened2017 sonata

    NHTSA opened investigation EA25005

    DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  6. Investigation closed2015 sonata

    NHTSA closed investigation EA19001

    Electrical overstress

Frequently asked

What are the most common Hyundai Sonata problems?
Across 3,637 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (86%), steering (10%), body & structure (2%).
Which Hyundai Sonata model year has the most complaints?
In our index, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata has the most owner complaints, with 1,128 filed.
Are Hyundai Sonata problems dangerous?
Of the 3,637 complaints on record, 132 mention a crash, 105 mention a fire and 111 mention an injury, and 5 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.

Problems by model year

The 2015 accounts for the most complaints (1,128). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.

Where this comes from

Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.