Which Years Of Used Hyundai Sonatas Are Most Reliable?
We explore the multiple generations of the Hyundai Sonata to identify its most reliable years. See which ones — and which Sonata years you should steer clear of.
The midsize sedan segment is one of the more competitive automotive markets. Manufacturers like Honda and Toyota have contributed excellent midsize sedans with top-notch driving dynamics, stylish exteriors, excellent fuel economy, and competitive pricing. Over the years, the Hyundai Sonata has fought tooth and nail to keep up with the likes of the Accord and Camry – we say it’s all worth it because the Sonata is now a worthy competitor in the segment.
If you plan to buy a used midsize sedan that offers tremendous value, it’s hard to go wrong with the Sonata. Debuted in 1985, buyers have so many options when it comes to a used Hyundai Sonata, But which is the most reliable year of the Hyundai Sonata?
THE HYUNDAI SONATA YEARS TO AVOID
To help you out, we’ll walk you through the worst Hyundai Sonata years to avoid and which used model years are actually worth your purchase.
Today, we’ll walk you through the recent generations of this midsize sedan and determine the most reliable year of the Hyundai Sonata and which ones are worth avoiding. Let’s take a look!
1999-2005 Hyundai Sonata (4th Generation)
Unless you really want an older Sonata which passes for a vintage car, you should start looking at the Sonata’s fourth generation. While this generation had some good-looking models (for its time), it’s not the best generation of the lot. In this era, Hyundais earned the reputation as “cheap imports.” However, if you can find a well-maintained model with good mileage, it will be a great daily driver.
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Buy: 2003-2004 Hyundai Sonata
When well-maintained, the Hyundai Sonata can easily hit 200k miles, which is valid for the 2003-2004 Sonata models. For instance, the 2003 Sonata is an excellent daily commuter and the first car for younger drivers. Many reviews say it’s a very reliable car with little to no issues. And with a price tag of $586-$3,132, you’re looking at an excellent value proposition.
Meanwhile, the 2004 Sonata also received plenty of positive feedback from customers. Most owner accounts claim that their Sonata has clocked in 200k miles with ease – provided that regular maintenance is done. In addition, the 2004 Sonata received the “Awesome” seal from CarComplaints.com.
Buy: 2005 Hyundai Sonata
Out of all the 4th generation models, the 2005 model is perhaps the most reliable year of the Hyundai Sonata. For starters, it’s a very stylish midsize sedan with a relatively upscale interior. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2005 Sonata deserves the “Pretty Good” seal of approval with only 200+ complaints and one recall. This is a highly desirable 4th-gen Sonata, especially if you can find a well-maintained unit.
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2006-2010 Hyundai Sonata (5th Generation)
The 5th generation Sonata added stability control and side curtain airbags as standard features, but don’t expect this lineup to offer the same level of crash protection as recent Sonatas.
Avoid: 2006 Hyundai Sonata
Generally, the debut model of a new generation is worth skipping because it tends to be problematic. That’s certainly the case with the 2006 Sonata. The 2006 Sonata received over 1,000 complaints and a staggering 11 recalls, as per CarComplaints. In terms of issues, the main mechanical woe of this Sonata is the broken piston or connecting rod. Owners complained about grinding or ticking noises from the engine, which was traced to the breakage of the connecting rod or piston.
Buy: 2009 Hyundai Sonata
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is one of the better fifth-gen models. It’s a highly-practical midsize sedan that offers good safety scores, a spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. CarComplaints awarded the 2009 Sonata the “Pretty Good” badge with 600+ complaints and two recalls. Its most common issue is abnormal rear brake wear, but it’s hardly widespread and far from a dealbreaker.
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2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata (6th Generation)
While the 6th gen Sonata was a significant leap in performance and styling, it’s not a very reliable generation.
Avoid: 2011 Hyundai Sonata
If we’re going to designate the most unreliable Sonata year to avoid, it has to be the 2011 model. For starters, this Sonata has accumulated over 5,000 complaints (so far) and 14 recalls in CarComplaints. Plus, it was also declared by the website as the worst Sonata model of all time and rightfully deserved the “Avoid Like the Plague” badge. The 2011 Sonata received a whopping 188 written complaints just for the engine seizure issue. It’s no surprise that people just decided to junk this car.
Avoid: 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata
Unfortunately, the reliability woes just kept coming with the 2012 and 2013 Sonata years. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata gathered over 2,000 complaints and eight recalls, so while it’s better than the 2011 Sonata, its issues don’t inspire much confidence.
Meanwhile, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is also another stinker for this generation. CarComplaints say this car should be avoided like the plague and has racked up more than 2,000 complaints and nine recalls. Avoid these two model years, even with a good deal.
2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata (7th Generation)
The 7th generation Sonata may not be as stylish as its contemporaries, but it’s still a highly practical sedan.
Avoid: 2015 Hyundai Sonata
With the new generation, the Sonata was a significantly improved product from the previous generation. However, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata has numerous issues that we can’t afford to overlook. The primary pain point for 2015 Sonata owners is excessive oil consumption. With over 30 written complaints at CarComplaints, owners have lamented the car’s tendency to consume abnormally high amounts of oil. Moreover, the most common fix was to replace the engine altogether, which may cost upwards of $5,000 – hardly worth the expense.
Buy: 2019 Hyundai Sonata
If you don’t mind getting a reasonably new sedan, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata is a solid option with plenty of modern bells and whistles for the whole family. This Sonata has received only 60+ complaints and no recalls so far, which are great signs. Furthermore, it offers handsome styling, a comfortable ride, and a quiet cabin. Safety-wise, the 2019 Hyundai provides plenty of modern safety features and has earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It’s not exactly the best midsize sedan, but it certainly can compete with the best of them and not to mention its excellent price tag.
Common Hyundai Sonata Problems
If you’re buying a used Sonata, it’s best to familiarize yourself with its many reliability concerns across all model years. Below are the most prevalent problems with the Sonata:
- Safety concerns: Certain Sonata models were recalled due to improperly connected seatbelt linkages and disabled airbags, posing a risk of injury during accidents.
- Engine failure: 2011-2013 Sonatas with 2.0- or 2.4-liter Theta II engines experienced seized engines, often accompanied by knocking noises and a loss of power, brakes, and steering.
- Shifting difficulties: Some 2012 Sonata owners reported problems shifting gears caused by a faulty speed sensor, leading to grinding, shuddering, and clunking noises.
- Audio system glitches: Defective speakers in 2011-2016 models required a hard reset to fix software issues affecting the CD player, radio, navigation, and other audio functions.
- Lighting troubles: Parking lights remaining illuminated even when the engine was off, drained batteries, and frequently burnt-out brake lights were among the lighting problems faced by Sonata owners.
- Steering woes: 2011 Sonatas were prone to steering issues, including clicking and wobbling due to faulty steering wheel column couplings and excessive play caused by steering knuckle failure.
- Timing component failures: Premature timing chain tensioner and timing belt failures were common across various Sonata model years, causing rattling noises and damaging the crankshaft position sensor.
- Sensor and valve malfunctions: Some older Sonatas experienced rough idling due to defective EGR switching valves. In contrast, others faced issues with the accelerator pedal position sensor, causing limited acceleration and ESC button deactivation.
Regardless of these issues, regular servicing and prompt attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or performance changes can go a long way in maintaining your Sonata.
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