Used Hyundai Sonata: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,050 complaints across these 8 years; the 2018 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Sonata from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Electrical	52	10	29	34	19	8	9		161
Transmission	30	7	21	22	24	15	6		125
Engine	130	64	13	26	10	16			259
Fuel system			25	11	14	23		2	75

Sonata generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Eighth generation
2020–2023
2023 update: Updated design language; New tech features
Seventh generation
2015–2020
2017 update: New interior and exterior design features; Updated infotainment options

Mileages where Sonata problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
500–20,000 miles	Low-speed unintended acceleration	2018
2,983–16,000 miles	Sudden highway deceleration	2020
4,100–4,500 miles	Early fuel injector failure	2022
8,000–15,000 miles	Fuel injector failure, early	2023
9,500–15,000 miles	Steering column rubbing noise	2020
19,639–40,000 miles	ABS module warning lights	2018
20,000–33,808 miles	12-volt battery no-start	2022
27,000–38,000 miles	Repeat fuel injector failure	2022
30,000–32,000 miles	Fuel injector misfire and stall	2023
31,000–82,931 miles	Front window regulator failure	2020
35,000–44,000 miles	Transmission loss of power	2021
35,683–50,000 miles	Early starter failure	2018
57,000–118,000 miles	Excessive oil consumption	2018
70,000–90,000 miles	Excessive engine oil consumption	2019

Every Sonata recall to confirm

11 recalls cover the Sonatayears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 3 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.