2010 Hyundai Sonata
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 66 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3368 |
| 2012 | 1551 |
| 2013 | 1895 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 1123 |
| 2016 | 717 |
| 2017 | 758 |
| 2018 | 364 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 165 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: structure — 135 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. THE CAR IS A 2010 SONATA. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE DEALER COVERED THE FIRST ON BUT I HAD TO PAY THE OTHER 2.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130605
8% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Subject: Non-Collision Engine Compartment Fire - 2010 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) â"On dec 19 2025, my 2010 Hyundai Sonata suffered a sudden, non-collision fire that originated in the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251220
8% of complaints: structure — 28 distinct reports on file.
INJURY8% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR HAD UNSOLICITED ACCELERATION WHEN BACKING UP. CAR WENT FLYING BACK IN FULL ACCELERATION. HIT RAILING/STAIRS.I PUT CAR IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180827
5% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS BACKING UP SLOWLY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE GAS. I WAS ABOUT TO PUT IT INTO FORWARD GEAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100221
SAFETY TIMELINE
Rear Control Arm Failure
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, 2008-2
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 recall
Campaign 13V113000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 13V354000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (135 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V113000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V354000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.