MYRModel Year Report

2005 Hyundai Sonata

▲ Better than typical
2005 Hyundai Sonata
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:55.847Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Sonata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 1987: 1 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 68 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1999: 124 complaints 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2005: 165 complaints 2005 2006: 1047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2007 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2011: 3376 complaints 2012: 1556 complaints 2012 2013: 1908 complaints 2014: 744 complaints 2015: 1144 complaints 2016: 722 complaints 2017: 762 complaints 2017 2018: 372 complaints 2019: 161 complaints 2020: 177 complaints 2021: 129 complaints 2022: 91 complaints 2022 2023: 85 complaints 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 16 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
2005: 165 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19871
19880
198911
199016
199129
199222
199326
19943
199568
199623
199749
199849
1999124
2000276
2001205
2002319
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113376
20121556
20131908
2014744
20151144
2016722
2017762
2018372
2019161
2020177
2021129
202291
202385
202446
202516
20262

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 35%

35% of complaints: air bags — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BEFORE IMPACT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050628

Also filed under SUSPENSION and STEERING

STRUCTURE 18%

18% of complaints: structure — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

RUST UNDERNEATH ENGINE PART OF BODY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE I THINK THIS METAL SUPPORT BREAK ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN

NHTSA ODI report, 20181012

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, AS I PRESSED ON ACCELERATOR, I FELT IT GO DOWN UNDER MY FOOT, THUS HITING THE RIGHT REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME. THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED IN JANUARY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140429

ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES STARTED TO PEEL OFF, RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS SHARP EDGES BEING FORMED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140303

SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My car's engine cradle, cross member or subframe is rusted out and the OEM replacement for my VIN number won't fit it correctly I'm getting really upset because this could be dangerous for me and my two young kids.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231219

Also filed under ENGINE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10%

10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and headlights.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090902 — exterior lighting

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE P

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.

Campaign 09V280000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (30 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09V280000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1998 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2013 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2005 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Hyundai Sonata?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Hyundai Sonata have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.