When it comes to choosing a reliable car, the Hyundai Sonata is often the first choice. It’s renowned for its dependability, comfort, and great value. But like any car, it’s not perfect, and there have been some year models that have had a few issues. So, if you’re considering buying a Hyundai Sonata, you should know which year models to avoid.
The Hyundai Sonata has been around since 1985 and has been through seven generations of redesigns. One of the major issues that cropped up during the second generation of the Sonata, which ran from 1993 to 1998, was an unreliable transmission. Many Sonata owners reported issues with harsh or slipping transmission shifts, as well as a tendency for the transmission to overheat.
The transmission issues weren’t limited to the second generation of the Sonata. Some owners of the sixth generation Sonata, which ran from 2006-2010, reported similar problems. This generation of Sonata was also reported to have issues with its braking system. Owners reported grinding and pulsating sensations when braking, as well as premature wear on the brake pads.
In addition to the transmission and braking system issues, the first generation of the Sonata, which ran from 1985-1993, was noted to have some corrosion issues. Over time, certain components of the body, such as the doors, trunk, and fenders, were prone to rust and corrosion.
The good news is, Hyundai addressed many of these issues with subsequent generations of the Sonata. The third through eighth generations of the vehicle were noted by owners to have fewer issues. The fifth generation of the Sonata, which ran from 2004-2009, received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the seventh and eighth generations of the Sonata were praised for their performance and handling.
If you’re looking to buy a reliable Hyundai Sonata, it’s best to avoid used models from the first and second generations, as well as from the sixth generation. Instead, you should look for a later model that has had the issues with the transmission, braking system, and corrosion addressed.
The Worst Years For The Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a popular mid-size car that has been on the market for many years. This car has a long history of reliability and performance, but there are still some years that stand out as being worse than others.
The worst years for the Hyundai Sonata are generally the years between 1998 and 2004. During this period, the Sonata had many mechanical problems, including transmission issues, poor fuel economy, and reliability issues. In addition, these models had a high rate of recalls and unsatisfactory customer service ratings. The reliability of the Sonata during this time was particularly poor, as many owners reported having to replace major components frequently.
The cost of these years was also quite high, with the base model costing around $17,000. This was much more expensive than other competing cars in the same class. In addition, the features offered in these model years were not as advanced as other cars of the same class, such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
The following table provides a comparison of the features and pricing for the worst years of the Hyundai Sonata:
| Year | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | $17,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player. |
| 1999 | $18,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control. |
| 2000 | $19,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, power sunroof. |
| 2001 | $20,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, power sunroof, alloy wheels. |
| 2002 | $21,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, power sunroof, alloy wheels, heated seats. |
| 2003 | $22,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, power sunroof, alloy wheels, heated seats, navigation system. |
| 2004 | $23,000 | Automatic transmission, power windows and locks, AM/FM radio, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, power sunroof, alloy wheels, heated seats, navigation system, leather interior. |
Overall, the worst years for the Hyundai Sonata are the years between 1998 and 2004. These models had many mechanical issues, a high rate of recalls, and unsatisfactory customer service ratings. In addition, they were more expensive than other cars in the same class and had fewer features.
Common Complaints About Hyundai Sonata Models
Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company, a South Korean car manufacturer. It is one of the best-selling models of Hyundai and has been around since 1985. Despite its popularity, there have been some common complaints about certain models of Hyundai Sonata.
One of the most common complaints is that the dashboard of some models of Hyundai Sonata can be hard to reach. The dashboard is located behind the driver’s seat and can be difficult to access for taller people. Some drivers have also complained of difficulty in adjusting the dashboard to suit their needs.
Another common complaint about Hyundai Sonata models is their limited storage space. The trunk space is limited and it can be difficult to fit large items in it. This can be an issue for drivers who need to transport large items on a regular basis.
The third common complaint about Hyundai Sonata models is that the engine can be hard to access. The engine is located in the front of the vehicle and can be difficult to reach for smaller people. Some drivers have also complained of difficulty in accessing engine components such as the spark plugs.
The fourth common complaint about Hyundai Sonata models is that it can be noisy when driving. The car can be quite loud at higher speeds and some drivers may find this to be an issue. The noise can also be an issue for those who prefer a quieter ride.
The fifth common complaint about Hyundai Sonata models is that the brakes can be unreliable. Some drivers have complained of brakes that don’t work properly or are slow to respond. This can be an issue if the brakes need to be used in emergency situations.
Despite these common complaints, Hyundai Sonata models remain a popular choice among car buyers. The cars are reliable, comfortable, and affordable, making them a great choice for those who are looking for a mid-size car. Prices for Hyundai Sonata models vary depending on the model and year, but the average price is around $20,000.
Overall, Hyundai Sonata models have some common complaints that may be an issue for some drivers. However, the cars remain a popular choice among car buyers due to their reliability and affordability.
The Hyundai Sonata was first released in 1985.
The Hyundai Sonata had problems in 2010 due to faulty brakes.
The 2010 Hyundai Sonata had issues due to faulty brakes, suspension, and transmission.
Hyundai issued a recall for 2010 Sonatas and offered to repair or replace parts at no cost.
No, Hyundai Sonatas from 2011-2014 had issues with the brakes, suspension, and transmission as well.
Hyundai issued a recall for all Hyundai Sonatas from 2011-2014 and offered to repair or replace parts at no cost.
Yes, Hyundai fixed the issues with the 2011-2014 Sonata models.
Yes, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is still a good car, as long as it has been properly maintained and/or repaired.
Yes, there have been several class-action lawsuits filed against Hyundai regarding the problems with the 2010 Sonata.
Hyundai settled for $395 million in a 2010 class-action lawsuit.
