The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2023 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.
- 2022 2022
The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- 2015 2014
The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft separating from the transaxle differential.
- 2014 2014
In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
2011 hyundai sonata was on 2nd recall for transmission. The air bag light came on and would not turn off...updated 02/12/15
2011 Hyundai Sonata owner · NHTSA complaint
The key will not come out of the ignition. Replaced shifter assembly then replaced lock cylinder. Today, 7/21/13 I have the same problem.
2011 Hyundai Sonata owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Hyundai Sonata years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Hyundai Sonata years are 2011, 2000, 2012.
What are common Hyundai Sonata transmission problems?
Owners most often describe hard or jerky shifting, lost power while driving, delay or hesitation.
Which Hyundai Sonata years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Hyundai Sonata years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2025, 2019, 2024.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Hyundai Sonata reliability by year. How we count