Here Are The Hyundai Sonata Years To Avoid
The midsize sedan class is one of the most competitive segments – one that’s full of cars with excellent driving dynamics, striking styles, and competitive prices. Over the years, the Hyundai Sonata has fought its way into the midsize sedan segment and is now considered a worthy competitor. Thanks to Hyundai’s focus on bringing premium-level feel and features into the Sonata.
So you’re probably asking, is a used Hyundai Sonata a good purchase?
The Sonata sedan has been in production since 1985, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for a pre-owned unit. 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.
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Which Hyundai Sonata Years to Avoid?
Below is a quick list of the Sonata years you should avoid due to reliability issues:
- 2006 Hyundai Sonata
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata
- 2012 Hyundai Sonata
- 2013 Hyundai Sonata
- 2015 Hyundai Sonata
2006 Hyundai Sonata
With more than 1,000 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls, the 2006 Elantra is a model year that should be an automatic skip. The main reason is that the Elantra’s reliability woes are pretty severe and expensive to fix.
The 2006 Sonata’s main issue is the broken piston or connecting rod. At first, owners heard a clicking or grinding sound coming from the engine. Apparently, the connecting rod or piston was prone to breakage, leading to engine failure. The standard fix is replacing or rebuilding the engine, and it’s a costly repair.
Numerous owners also complained about the Sonata’s airbag light coming on for no apparent reason. This is a severe problem because it’s about vehicular safety. If you’re under an extended warranty, you might be covered. Otherwise, you may spend up to $1,300 to replace the sedan’s seat and sensors.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE HYUNDAI 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?
2011 Hyundai Sonata
Easily the worst model year for the Sonata, the 2011 model year is one you should absolutely avoid. The 2011 Sonata earned the “Avoid Like the Plague” seal by CarComplaints.com with a dizzying 4,000+ NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls. This was just a massive fail by Hyundai.
At the top of the ever-growing list of complaints is Sonata’s seizing engine issue. Over 180 written complaints detailed how their engine simply stalled or seized without warning whatsoever. The worst thing is that it mostly happened while the car was running at high speeds. This issue reared its ugly head at around 96,550 miles and cost $5,150 to fix. It’s no wonder some folks chose to junk the car.
Excessive engine noise is another common complaint about the 2011 Sonata. Frustrated owners reported how the engine made horrible knocking noises that would make anyone stop and think. Again, the typical fix is to replace the engine to the tune of $5,000+.
2012 Hyundai Sonata
Unfortunately, the following year wasn’t too kind to Sonata either. As per CarComplaints, the 2012 Sonata has received over 1,000 complaints, 8 recalls, and the “Beware of the Clunker” badge. It’s one of the worst Sonata years to avoid.
The 2012’s biggest problem was inherited from the 2011 Sonata, the failure-prone engine. Once again, the main symptom, according to the complaints, is the metallic, cyclic knocking noise coming from the engine. Hyundai sent a recall notice for the 2011 and 2012 model years because of metallic debris that wasn’t removed from the crankshaft. Another sore spot is the loud clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. According to some reports, they also heard rattling whenever they drove through a bump. Hyundai released service bulletin #17-ST-002v to fix this problem, apparently due to a worn flexible rubber coupler.
2013 Hyundai Sonata
And the hits keep coming! The 2013 Sonata is yet another “Avoid Like the Plague” model year with more than 2,000 complaints and 8 recalls, as per CarComplaints. It’s another year filled with awful engine problems.
At around 80,000+ miles, many reported that the Sonata engine seized or died without any indication, even with proper maintenance. The check engine, oil, and EPS lights all came on in one report, and the engine lost power. Many owners got a replacement engine under an extended warranty, while some weren’t so lucky.
If the engine doesn’t outright fail, it runs roughly according to several complaints. In addition, drivers can hear knocking noises coming from the engine.
2015 Hyundai Sonata
The 2015 Sonata was a better product than the last two years but still plagued with major mechanical problems. CarComplaints gave it the “Beware of the Clunker” badge with over 1,000 complaints and 9 recalls on its belt.
2015’s top complaint is excessive oil consumption. Unhappy owners bemoaned how the car consumed abnormal amounts of oil between oil changes. Some particularly bad cases have had to replace their engines which isn’t a cheap fix.
Many owners also reported that their Sonata engine stalled or died while driving. Again, the scary part is that the engine failed while driving at high speeds. There are several fixes to solve this issue, including replacing the engine, manifold, or fuel injectors.
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Which Hyundai Sonata Years are Safe to Buy Used?
That wraps up our list of the worst Sonata years to avoid. Let’s move on to the used model years you can buy confidently.
2005 Hyundai Sonata
The 2005 Sonata is a safe and reliable car without major mechanical problems. It’s not the most stylish sedan, but it will take you places. The majority of the feedback from used car buyers is that this car keeps going.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
The 2009 Sonata is perfect for those looking for a practical sedan with good fuel economy, high safety scores, and a spacious upscale interior. If you can get past the bland styling, you’re in for a used car treat.
2018 Hyundai Sonata
For a newer Sonata, the 2018 model year is a well-rounded sedan that received plenty of significant updates, such as refreshed exterior, retuned suspension, and more standard features. It doesn’t have an energetic engine like its competitors. Still, you get reasonable fuel estimates, excellent safety scores, and a solid infotainment system.
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