The Lemon Index2023 Hyundai Sonata.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 103 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 188, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel or ev drive system, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 27 to 52 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Sonata year is 2004.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 103 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Sonata year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 68K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 59 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a Check Engine light on and one or more of the…
- If you are servicing an 8-speed DCT front-wheel-drive vehicle with the DTC or symptoms listed…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hyundai Sonata HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1250–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Failed fuel injector caused 3rd cylinder misfire car only has 30,000 miles I'm the second owner I've only had it 2 weeks and this issue happened.
2023 Hyundai Sonata owner · NHTSA complaint 11672238
More owner reports
Car stalls and shuts down while shifting to park or reverse and when slowing to turn or stopping. Also the media screen will black out and not work at times.
NHTSA complaint 11700089
At 82,000 miles car started to consume coolant. Had EHRS TBS performed coolant no longer leaking. Thi is the 2nd car that had this coolant issue.
NHTSA complaint 11609732
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.9× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 188; 100 is average). The best Hyundai Sonata year by this measure since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Sonata problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel or ev drive system (39%), engine (34%) and transmission & drivetrain (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata get?
27 to 52 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Hyundai Sonata safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata cost in fuel a year?
About $1250 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Sonata year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works