Are Hyundais Reliable? Reasons for Their Reliability
Time has been kind to Hyundai, as the Korean automaker has come a long way since its origin as an obscure car manufacturer from the East. These days, you’ll be hard-pressed to avoid bumping into a Hyundai car and SUV on the road. If you want to buy a used Hyundai, you’re likely wondering how reliable they are.
Are Hyundais reliable? Past Hyundai models have questionable quality and reliability, but these days, they’re some of the most reliable vehicles available.
We’ll tackle the Hyundai brand and its general reliability for today’s post. How reliable are they? What are their common issues? We’ll answer those questions and more.
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How Reliable is the Hyundai Brand?
Early generation Hyundais aren’t known for their reliability. Hyundai was barely an impactful car brand before. However, Hyundai has turned it around over the last decade by releasing high-quality but budget-friendly vehicles. Moreover, Hyundai continues to shake up the industry with top safety ratings.
According to RepairPal, Hyundai boasts a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 4th out of all 32 car brands. In addition, Hyundai ownership is on the inexpensive side, with only $468 annual repair costs of scheduled and unscheduled repairs. That’s way below the $652 average across all vehicle models.
Hyundai owners visit the repair shop about 0.3 times per year for unscheduled repairs. This is in contrast with 0.4 times across all models. Out of all repairs on Hyundai vehicles, only 10% are considered severe – compared to 12% for critical issues across all models.
In CarComplaints.com, three of the most problematic Hyundai models: Elantra, Santa Fe, and Sonata. All three models have more than a thousand NHTSA complaints. However, this could also mean that these are popular Hyundai models.
Another strong point for Hyundai is its warranty which the brand refers to as “America’s Best Warranty.” For instance, as part of its warranty called “Hyundai Assurance,” the South Korean manufacturer offers a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty covering most vehicle parts; the coverage term is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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What are the Common Hyundai Problems?
Are Hyundais reliable? Here are some of the most common problems of Hyundai vehicles:
Engine Seize
Nothing triggers buyer’s remorse than buying a used car and finding out it has engine problems. Engine problems are relatively widespread across Hyundai models, but the worst culprit by far is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.
Earning the Avoid Like the Plague seal by Car Complaints, the 2011 Sonata had a seriously defective engine that seized without warning. A class-action lawsuit was filed in May 2015, claiming that the Sonata engine was faulty. Users from CarComplaints have written about 185 reviews about this particular problem – that’s how bad it is.
Air Bag Issues
Hyundai Elantra owners have reported that their vehicle has faulty airbags. Specifically, the airbag light would come on and off repeatedly, which can be unnerving while you’re on the road. Other issues surrounding Hyundai airbags are non-deployment, sensor breakdowns, and inflator issues.
Airbag issues are a huge safety risk. Not surprisingly, Hyundai airbags were a common target for class-action lawsuits and company recalls.
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Steering Issues
Another prominent issue with the Hyundai Elantra is problems with the steering.
Some of the worst reports detailed how the Elantra’s power steering would briefly stop working and only activate at the most unexpected moments. Other owners complained about popping noises while steering or the wheel locking in a straight position.
Inflated MPG Numbers
Hyundai vehicles are known for their competitive fuel economy numbers. However, owners of the 2013 Elantra were gobsmacked that their car registered lower mileage numbers than the advertised EPA estimates.
In this case, it’s not your typical reliability woe but more of misleading advertising by Hyundai. Back in 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposed Hyundai for inflating the mpg numbers of their vehicles. Thus, if you’re buying Hyundai models from 2011 to 2013, ensure you’re looking at the correct mpg numbers.
Rodent-Friendly Soy Wiring Coating
In an attempt to cut costs and be more eco-friendly, Hyundai used soy-based electrical wire coating for various 2013-2016 models including the Accent, Azera, Veloster, Sonata, Santa Fe, and Tucson. While this idea makes sense for the company, the soy-based wire coating also attracted rodents such as rabbits, mice, squirrels, which would chew on the wires and use them as materials for building nests. When owners take their vehicles for repair, the wires will only be replaced by the same soy-based components, meaning it’s just another vicious cycle. This issue eventually led to a lawsuit
Self-Peeling Paint
Hyundai marketed a new “self-healing” paint variant as a more durable option than a standard which can remove small, minor scratches. However, instead of eliminating minor blemishes as advertised, the paint self-peels in giant sheets. Well, technically the peeling paint removed the scratch marks, but we doubt this is what customers wanted. Once again, Hyundai faced another lawsuit with the plaintiff claiming that Hyundai’s paint has failed to meet industry standards. This issue affected many Hyundai models including the 3rd-gen Elantras, 3rd-gen Santa Fes, and 5th and 6th generation Sonatas.
What are the Most Reliable Hyundais?
Are Hyundais reliable? Below are Hyundai models that should get you the best bang for your buck:
2020 Hyundai Palisade
This three-row SUV earned top marks in practicality, value, comfort, and reliability. The Palisade is an entry-level luxury SUV packed with features, performance enhancements, and excellent creature comforts.
The 2020 Palisade has a few complaints in terms of reliability, including cabin wind noise, easily cracked windshield, and defective blind-spot monitoring. However, none of these problems are a cause for concern. The 2020 Palisade is an excellent introduction to the Hyundai brand, and it feels like it should cost more than it does.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Again, Hyundai manages to give a knockout value proposition with the 2019 Santa Fe. Considered an underdog during its release, the Santa Fe is one of the least expensive midsize SUVs money can buy. What made Santa Fe a great SUV is the overall quality it offers.
Reliability-wise, J.D. Power gave the 2019 Santa Fe a reliability score of 89⁄100 and rated as Great. It had a few complaints about engine stalls but nothing too major.
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What are the Least Reliable Hyundais?
Below are the certified Hyundai models that are likely not worth your time and money:
2011 Hyundai Sonata
The 2011 Sonata might be the worst car Hyundai has made based on consumer complaints, class-action lawsuits, and recalls. According to Car Complaints, the 2011 Sonata has over four thousand NHTSA complaints and 14 recall orders. Its worst mechanical issue was the seizing engine which had over 180 worded complaints and cost owners $5,150 in repairs.
Thankfully, newer Sonatas are better with minimal complaints. Save yourself from potential headaches and road mishaps by staying far away from this car.
2013 Elantra
If you’ve been shopping for used Hyundai cars, you’re likely wondering why the 2013 Elantra has a low price. Car Complaints has over a thousand NHTSA complaints and three recalls and has earned the site’s “Beware of the Clunker” seal.
From engine failures to ticking noises, most of the complaints were about its engine. Numerous owners also lodged reports about steering issues and premature tire wear.
Hyundai Reliability: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Have Hyundai vehicles always been known for their reliability?
A: Early generation Hyundais had a reputation for questionable quality and reliability. However, over the last decade, Hyundai has made significant strides in producing high-quality, budget-friendly vehicles with top safety ratings, dramatically improving their reliability.
Q: Are there common issues reported by Hyundai owners?
A: Yes, Hyundai owners have reported problems such as excessive oil consumption, engine seizure or failure, rodent-friendly soy wire coatings, inflated mpg numbers, and issues with the catalytic converter.
Q: Is it expensive to maintain a Hyundai?
A: Hyundai vehicles are generally not expensive to maintain. Their cost of maintenance is considered average compared to other brands. RepairPal says the Hyundai has an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which is considered above average.
Q: Does Hyundai offer a good warranty?
A: Hyundai is known for offering one of the best warranties in the industry, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile standard warranty.
Q: How does Hyundai rank in terms of reliability compared to other car brands?
A: According to RepairPal, Hyundai boasts an impressive reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, securing the 4th position out of all 32 car brands evaluated.
Q: How often do Hyundai owners visit repair shops for unscheduled maintenance?
A: On average, Hyundai owners visit repair shops approximately 0.3 times per year for unscheduled repairs, which is less frequent than the 0.4 times average across all models. Additionally, only 10% of all repairs on Hyundai vehicles are considered severe, compared to 12% for critical issues across all models.
Q: Are there any standout Hyundai models known for their reliability?
A: Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade and 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe are notable models praised for their reliability. The Palisade, a three-row SUV, has earned top marks in practicality, value, comfort, and reliability. At the same time, the Santa Fe offers exceptional value and overall quality in the midsize SUV segment.
Q: Where can I find more information about Hyundai’s reliability?
A: For detailed information, consider checking consumer reports, automotive reliability surveys, and owner forums specific to the Hyundai model you’re interested in. Our CoPilot team has also published several guides regarding Hyundai reliability and whether they’re good cars.
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