Is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Sonata?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Hyundai Sonata have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Hyundai Sonata

◆ Worse than typical

2009 Hyundai Sonata
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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: 460
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2009: 460 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	0
1987	1
1988	0
1989	11
1990	16
1991	29
1992	22
1993	26
1994	3
1995	68
1996	23
1997	49
1998	49
1999	124
2000	276
2001	205
2002	319
2003	199
2004	202
2005	165
2006	1,047
2007	696
2008	425
2009	460
2010	345
2011	3,377
2012	1,557
2013	1,912
2014	746
2015	1,148
2016	726
2017	764
2018	374
2019	162
2020	178
2021	133
2022	93
2023	87
2024	46
2025	17
2026	3

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

22% · 100 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

Electrical system

13% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIREINJURY

Engine

12% · 56 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle sat in driveway for one week while on cruise. The day of return the sonata caught on fire without any person touching the car for one week. Brother whoâs house it was at was woken by neighbors at 7sm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-21

Also filed under Air bags and structure

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 60 MPH, the engine compartment spontaneously caught on fire without warning. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-10

Electronic stability control (esc)

11% · 51 reports

Power train

9% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2009Complaint volume 460 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2013-03-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-08-20 Rear Control Arm Failure
R

2013-04-22Exterior lighting13V113000 Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra…

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-10-10Suspension13V354000 Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or...

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 100 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 62 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 56 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V113000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 13V354000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Sonata?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Hyundai Sonata have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.