2010 Hyundai Sonata

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 345 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Hyundai Sonata years to avoid. Which Hyundai Sonata years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

279 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2010 Hyundai Sonata problems

158 of the 345 complaints (46%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body · body and frame132
110
Engine25
020
Unknown or Other24
101
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame24
001
Service Brakes · brakes24
201
Air Bags · airbags17
8011
Steering14
000
Electrical System13
000
Power Train · transmission12
100
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control11
000

2010 Hyundai Sonata body and frame problems

46% of all complaints

158 of the 345 complaints are about the body and frame.

Share of the 158 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
68,000 mi
median of 134 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
43 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 1 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“In the last three months, both driver's side door handles have fallen off/broken. In the first incident (sept 2020), the driver's side rear door handle broke off the car when I tried to open the door. In the second incident (nov 2020), the driver's side front door handle remained on the car but broke so that it no longer functions. Both incidences occurred when the vehicle was stationary.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 1, 2020
“Last month, the door handle to the door behind the driver seat was broken. When I tried to open my door, it did not open. That is in the picture attached. On saturday, I opened my driver's door and the door handle broke in my hand. Now I have only tow doors that I can open. I looked online and many people are having issues with the hyundai sonata.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 14, 2020 at 170,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 19 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'102011: 10 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2012: 4 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'122013: 47 complaints, 21 about the body and frame2014: 66 complaints, 43 about the body and frame'142015: 45 complaints, 26 about the body and frame2016: 43 complaints, 22 about the body and frame'162017: 27 complaints, 12 about the body and frame2018: 23 complaints, 14 about the body and frame'182019: 24 complaints, 11 about the body and frame2020: 16 complaints, 8 about the body and frame'202021: 4 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2022: 4 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'222023: 5 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2024: 3 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'242025: 5 complaints, 1 about the body and frameRecall 13V113000 (headlights)Recall 13V354000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation DP22003NHTSA investigation DP21003
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2010 Sonata peaked in 2014, with 66 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 46% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 5 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear13V354000
Filed Aug 12, 2013364,502 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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 currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.

Risk. Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V113000
Filed Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

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 number is 110.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2010 Sonata.

Loss of Motive PowerDefect petition DP22003Closed
Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional …

Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesDefect petition DP21003Closed
Opened Nov 12, 2021Closed Jun 20, 2023throttle and acceleration

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can …

Rear Control Arm FailurePreliminary evaluation PE13007Closed
Opened Mar 25, 2013Closed Aug 20, 2013Led to recall 13V354000suspension

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the …

Technical service bulletins

53 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2010 Sonata. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 11transmission 9equipment 6body and frame 3brakes 3electrical system 3fuel system 3airbags 2
5NP-F8M5G-03Warranty extensionFeb 27, 2017equipment

Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 Elantra Touring (FD) The MDPS been extended to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, …

23-BD-007HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 24, 2023body and frame

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.

15-01-005Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2015body and frame

HYUNDAI MODELS :SONATA, ELANTRA , GENESIS & GENESIS COUPE: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES THE INTERIOR CHROME PLATED DOOR HANDLES MAY WEAR DUE TO CONSISTENT USE. *LJ

TSB-10-01-022Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2010body and frame

HYUNDAI: ALARM SELF ACTIVATES; HOOD SWITCH PAD REPLACEMENT. VEHICLE ALARM SYSTEM MAY INTERMITTENTLY SOUND DUE TO LIGHT CONTACT OF THE HOOD SWITCH PAD WITH THE HOOD SWITCH. PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS TO REPLACE THE HOOD SWITCH PAD WITH A REVISED PART. *PE

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Dec 20, 2025MS

Subject: Non-Collision Engine Compartment Fire - 2010 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) ​"On dec 19 2025, my 2010 Hyundai Sonata suffered a sudden, non-collision fire that originated in the engine compartment. While there are currently no 'open' recalls on this VIN, I am formally reporting this incident as it matches the failure patterns documented in NHTSA Defect Petition DP18-003 regarding non-crash fires in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. ​Preliminary inspection of the damage shows characteristic signs of a manufacturer defect, specifically potentially related to a connecting rod bearing failure leading to an engine block puncture and oil ignition, or an electrical short in the ABS module—both of which have been subjects of major Hyundai fire investigations and class-action settlements (e.g., Engine II settlement) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 17, 2025MD

External Handles made of plastic continue to break and do not allow access to open car doors

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 12, 2025IL

I have had 3 door handles fall off in the last couple months I think this is safety concern i do not see any recalls.I do see that there is a lot of people complaining about this matter door handles should not be fallen off

Steering
Filed Sep 11, 2025CO

Car has had check engine light on for 3 + years. Have taken it to several mechanics including a Hyundai dealership and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Have replaced water pump, belts x2 in a year (same belt) and thermostat x 3 again (all within 2 years). Dash fuel gage and Dash heating/cooling gage are completely erratic. Cruise control does not work. Due to chronic check engine light and mechanics unable to pin point the problem, car has become hazardous to drive. With that in mind, today (9/10/2025) while exiting the high way, car stalled and behaved like it was in neutral. Steering wheel also locked up at this time. Luckily was able to stop. Had to restart car and then it occurred again while driving on a side street at 35mph. The codes that are still popping up are ones that I have spent thousands trying to fix and find the root cause of the problem. What could the issue be if no mechanic can seem to diagnose and fix the issue?

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2025CA

While driving 60–70 mph on [XXX] just north of Sylmar, I suddenly heard a loud, deep “pop” from the lower part of the car. Within seconds, the engine began steaming heavily and leaking oil everywhere. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began maneuvering toward the right shoulder, crossing multiple lanes with semis and fast-moving traffic approaching behind me. I felt unsafe and feared the car could catch fire or explode, especially with smoke and oil present. After safely exiting the vehicle, a mechanic later told me the rod bearing blew and punched a hole through the bottom of the engine block, calling it a total engine failure. He said it would require a full replacement and matched known issues with this model. There was no warning before the failure. I’m having it inspected at Hyundai of Downtown Los Angeles on July 28. I believe this event posed a serious safety hazard to me and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed May 30, 2024GA

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon attempting to turn the ignition key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, the ignition switch failed to turn, and the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the ignition switch was replaced; however, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the manufacturer for parts and was informed that the unknown part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 29, 2024MD

Fuel pump failure, causing car to stop immediately on highway.

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 202470,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was constantly pulling to the right. The contact had to steer to the left to keep the vehicle centered. The failure persisted even after wheel adjustments had been made. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an alignment was needed. The wheels were aligned. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2023TX

The plastic housing of the brake lights have turned black. I'm on my second set that I got at wrecking yard. The plastic doesn't hold up to the heat of the tail/brake light. I saw other cars like mine with same problem at the wrecking yard. And my ground wire to my radiator fan burned out as well during COVID. I think Hyundai used cheap plastic that can't hold up to the heat. My dash cracked really bad as well. All over. I saw the same cracked dashes of other car in wrecking yards. They know they had a plastic defect and they changed body styles the next year. My door handles brake off in my hands and the a/c vent broke twice. They have hazzard car because all of this happened early when I purchased the car. And my car has Hyundai and Kia parts old body style 2010 bought end of 2009. Theta 2 engine. All of the recalls but they leave my car out. And that stop brake switch light has broken so many times. Replaced free only 1 time by dealership. Other times I had to pay for. Cheap plastic. If I need repair by dealership , I have to leave car on their lot for 6weeks for them to look at. Not appointment. Leave my car on lot until it's my cars turn. And my car just quit running once while driving in my apartment complex. It also quit running driving down the highway.. everything shutting off and lights turned on dash. The battery light was on first, then the check engine , abs, and all lights coming on. I tried to turn on my hazards but everything was failing. I was lucky I wasn't

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2023NY

I purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sonata in February 2022 from the original owner. In July of this year, my engine failed due to the oil consumption defect found in many of Hyundai's engines produced at the Alabama factory. My oil and check engine light came on before it was time for my following oil change, despite making on-time synthetic oil changes during ownership. The vehicle hesitated and jerked on my commute to work, potentially causing harm to myself and other motorists. I went to take my vehicle to the mechanic on my lunch break. The car failed to turn over and has been inoperable ever since. I need my engine replaced at no charge. It's unconscionable that corporate would turn me away because the engine has 146k miles, which is nowhere near the industry standard 200k. Hyundai has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that an engine replacement is needed.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 7, 2023MN

The alternator failed and after being tested, had to be replaced.

Suspension
Filed May 30, 2023CA

I have several recalls on my vehicle and the dealership only scrub and they did not replace the crossmember and other parts. I need help to see if this is OK

Service Brakes
Filed May 19, 2023NY

I am contacting the NHTSA regarding a manufacturer's failure to comply with a NHTSA recall campaign. The campaign in question is #13V113000 for a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The certified Hyundai service center claimed, verbally and on the customer invoice, to have replaced the stop lamp switch with a new OEM part, number 93810-4DR0A-QQH, per the recall's order. After supposedly replacing the defective part, the vehicle is still able to be shifted out of Park without first depressing the brake pedal. This happens with the key in the 'ON' position, 'Accessory' position, and even without the key in the ignition at all. No depression of the brake pedal is currently required to shift the vehicle, in any form, violating the recall's correction order. After contacting Hyundai Motor Company, they informed me via phone and email that because the car is "so old" and "out of warranty", I would remain financially liable for diagnosing and repair of any problems related to NHTSA Campaign #13V113000. Based on the fact my vehicle's current and ongoing issue is EXPLICITLY clarified in the details of Campaign #13V113000, I believe it remains Hyundai's responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. Furthermore, Hyundai has seemingly, knowingly and willfully threatened my safety, safety of passengers, and that of the general public by refusing to thoroughly comply with a NHTSA Campaign. This subsequently places the person(s) listed above at risk of injury or even death due to Hyundai Motor

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2022FL

Recently at the Hyundai Dealership in Plantation,Florida I had them repair 2 RECALLS which were the LAMPLIGHT SWITCH & CROSSMEMBER. These RECALLS were not done correctly and caused my ESC Light to come on and my car shakes while driving. I never had these items before until they worked on my RECALLS. Now the Hyundai Dealer service is refusing to fix the damage they caused. I need help right away. The RECALL repair appointment was on June 12, 2022 and had them check the RECALLS again on August 29, 2022. My car is still at the Hyundai Service in Plantation, Florida.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 20, 2022VA

Junction box failure. No functioning marker lights.

Suspension
Filed May 8, 2022NY

Front subframe corrosion, cross member is rusted through at the weld line for the front sub frame. Discovered during annual safety inspection

Power Train
Filed Feb 26, 2022NY

Rough jerking downshift transmission when stopping or slow down.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 16, 2021OH

My car check engine light is on for a while.it’s yellow solid light seen on my car dashboard.I went repair center and he advice and changed my car vent valve and light goes out for some days and again appear. I change my car gas cap too but it didn’t work. I spent a lot of money to fix that.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Jun 23, 2021NY

We were hit on the right front passenger side by a driver on a Suzuki motorcycle. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle, went thru the right passenger window, traveled across the passenger compartment. He came to rest head down on my lap. Accident was fatal for the motorcyclist who died at the site. My adult autistic son was seated in the rear seat behind the passenger seat. The side front passenger window was completely shattered and the rear right passenger window was shattered also. My son hit his head on the interior right side of the vehicle and had a TBI and serious cuts requiring surgery and ICU stay. No airbags in the car deployed including side airbags and no curtainwalls deployed on the right side or anywhere in the vehicle. Car was supposedly equipped with such. Police inspected vehicle, insurance people inspected vehicle; vehicle is available for inspection at salvage lot. Pictures have been taken by insurance company. Right side of vehicle was severely smashed. I had no previous warning of problems with safety features.

Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2021116,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE THREW A ROD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE THREW A ROD WHICH LED TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO HYUNDAI OF GREELEY (4533 W 29TH ST, GREELEY, CO 80634) AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE ENGINE BLEW AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *DT *JB *DT

Power Train
Filed Jan 3, 2021AZ

SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION FAULTY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2020136,000 milesMN

ALL BUT ONE DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN. THE DRIVER SIDE JUST BROKE AND ITS A SAFETY HAZARD.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 1, 2020NY

IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE FALLEN OFF/BROKEN. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT (SEPT 2020), THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF THE CAR WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR. IN THE SECOND INCIDENT (NOV 2020), THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR HANDLE REMAINED ON THE CAR BUT BROKE SO THAT IT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. BOTH INCIDENCES OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. IT IS UNKNOWN WHY THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE; I DID NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE NOR WAS THERE ANY INDICATION OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO THESE INCIDENCES.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 14, 2020170,000 milesTX

LAST MONTH, THE DOOR HANDLE TO THE DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT WAS BROKEN. WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN MY DOOR, IT DID NOT OPEN. THAT IS IN THE PICTURE ATTACHED. ON SATURDAY, I OPENED MY DRIVER'S DOOR AND THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE IN MY HAND. NOW I HAVE ONLY TOW DOORS THAT I CAN OPEN. I LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATA. I FEEL LIKE CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT PAY FOR THIS BECAUSE THIS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR WAS PARKED. I AM GOING TO HYUNDAI TO GET THIS REPAIRED BECAUSE I AM SCARED THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN MY CAR IF ALL THE HANDLES GETS LIKE THIS.

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 202077,000 milesLA

CAR HAS ONLY 77,000 MILES AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED. ON AUGUST 27, I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR LATE AFTERNOON, PARKED. LATER AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS WHEN I WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD NOT START, JUMP START DID NOT WORK. MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER AND STILL WOULD NOT START. HE CHECKED THE ENGINE AND TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT ENGINE HAS SEIZED. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AS THE COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR TO OTHER CAR ENGINES THAT SEIZED WHEN DRIVEN BETWEEN 60,000 AND 90,000 MILES. HYUNDAI MOTORS IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THIS MAJOR ISSUE.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 202057,482 milesWA

DRIVER'S EXTERIOR DOOR LATCH BROKE INTO TWO WHEN DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR WITH HAND TO ENTER THE CAR. THE DOOR HAD BEEN UNLOCKED VIA REMOTE CONTROL.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2020135,000 milesGA

WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD, WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN TO 20 MHP THE CARD JERKS, HARD DOWNSHIFT FROM 3RD TO 2ND, AND RPM INCREASE BY SEVERAL HUNDRED RPS. ONCE THE TRANSMISSION WARMS UP, ISSUE MOSTLY GOES AWAY. ISSUE STARTED THIS YEAR. SECOND ISSUE IS THE WHITE PAINT EASILY COMES OFF ALL OVER THE CAR, EVEN JUST FROM HOSING THE CAR WITH WATER. ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. ITS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE CAR PAYMENT. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE NOT SEEN THE ISSUE BEFORE, HOWEVER I SEE ALOT OF OWNERS WITH WHITE COLOR HAVE THIS ISSUE. SUSPENSION SEEMS TO BE VERY HARD WHILE GOING OVER ANY BUMPS. FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO SUSPENSIONS MECHANISMS AT ALL.

Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2020126,454 milesWA

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR WHICH WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR WENT FROM 60-50-40-30 WITHIN 30 SECONDS WHILE IT STILL SAID CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND THE GAS AND BRAKES DIDNT WORK. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ELECTRONICS STILL WORK BUT THE CAR NO LONGER WORK AND DID NOT TURN ON. IT SEIZED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO GAS LIGHT, ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING BEFORE THE CAR SEIZED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 11, 202065,000 milesOH

REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE (EXTERIOR) BROKEN - FEBRUARY 2020. ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN ON THIS CAR BETWEEN 2015-2020! HYUNDAI PAID FOR THE FIRST 1 BUT FOR THE 2ND AND 3RD TOLD ME, ESSENTIALLY, "TOO BAD, DOOR HANDLES BREAK." APPARENTLY THEY DO ON 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA'S AS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES BROKE ON MY CAR. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. I EXPECT HYUNDAI TO COVER THIS ONE. THE CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT. IT DOES NOT GET HEAVY USE. THE FIRST 5 YEARS, I TOOK PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO WORK, THEN STARTED WORKING FROM HOME. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE HANDLES TO BREAK. THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE GOT NORMAL USE; NOTHING EXCESSIVE OR UNUSUAL.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 25, 2020120,000 milesMS

I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2016 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY 1 DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF, SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD 1 MORE TO COME OFF AND 1 IS JUST HANGING ON SO I DO NOT TOUCH IT. UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. I AM CONSTANTLY CLIMBING OVER MY SEATS OR ATTEMPTING TO OPEN FROM ANOTHER DOOR JUST TO GET INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND ESPECIALLY FRUSTRATING WHEN I HAVE MY GRANDCHILDREN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING DOOR HANDLES AND THE ONLY ONES AVAILABLE DO NOT MATCH CAR COLOR. AFTER SEARCHING I SEE THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM BEFORE I PURCHASED MY CAR. I CAN NOT HONESTLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE FOR THE FACT THAT YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET INSIDE JUST TO TEST DRIVE AND THE DOOR HANDLE MIGHT POSSIBLY COME OFF. THE CAR RUNS FINE BUT I WOULD LIKE IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENTS FOR DOOR HANDLES SO THAT I CAN GET INSIDE THE CAR CORRECTLY AND WITHOUT HAVING TO CLIMB OVER OTHER SEATS ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 5, 2020111,232 milesFL

DOOR HANDLES FALL OFF. THEY'VE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED 8 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. I HAVE NOW LOST TWO MORE HANDLES WHICH AT 58$ A PIECE, I AM BECOMING FRUSTRATED THAT I CANNOT GET IN MY CAR QUICKLY GOD FORBID SOMETHING HAPPENS, NOR GET TO MY BABY IN THE BACK SEAT QUICKLY AS I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS, RUN AROUND THE VEHICLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I HAVE SEEN 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS RECALL THE HANDLES, HOWEVER MINE IS A 2010 AND THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY HYUNDAI AS IT HAS BECOME A NUISANCE. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 9, 2020120,000 milesTX

ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING. SOMETIMES, THE CAR LOSES ITS POWER WHEN THAT HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. ACTING AS IF THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 29, 20205 milesFL

ON FRIDAY MORNING FEBRUARY 21, 2020 WHILE TRAVELING NORTH ON I75 THE GLASS SUNROOF ON MY 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA FLEW OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT AROUND 65 MILES PER HOUR. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE AND FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY WIFE'S 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, VIN [XXX]. I WILL FILE A SEPARATE VEHICLE SAFETY REPORT ON THE SANTA FE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 26, 202039,000 milesFL

THE DOOR HANDLES ARE BREAKING

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 18, 2020125,000 milesIL

THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF THE CAR DURING THE WINTER

Engine
Filed Feb 14, 202070,000 milesNE

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR, IT SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A SIDE STREET. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE ENGINE IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS HAD ALL OF ITS MAINTENANCE/OIL CHANGES. IT HAS HAD NO ACCIDENTS. IT HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 8, 202017,000 milesOR

CAR PURCHASED JUNE 2016. 17,000 MI. THREE MONTHS LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF. WITHIN SIX MONTHS THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE HANDLE FELL OFF THEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. HYUNDAI WANTS $350.00 FOR EACH HANDLE. I CAN NO LONGER HAVE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR IT IS UNSAFE. MY FEAR IS MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE WILL FALL OFF. I AM 70 AND TOO OLD TO CLIMB THRU THE TRUNK. IF THIS ISN'T A RECALL IT SHOULD BE. I CAN FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB IF NECESSARY. THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN THE HANDLES FELL OFF.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 24, 201991,000 milesIL

CARS FUEL TANK HAS RUSTED THRU CAUSING EMISSIONS FAILURES. REMEDY IS TO REPLACE FUEL TANK! $800-1200.00

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 5, 2019MI

DOOR HANDLES EASILY SNAPPED OFF AND SENSOR WENT OUT FUEL TANK. THIS HAPPENING ON ALL CARS I HAVE 5 CO WORKERS SAME VEHICLES ALL HAVE SAME PROMBLEM THIS SHOULD BE FIXED WE CANT ENTER IN REAR OF CAR WITHOUT GETTING IN FRONT TO OPEN BOTH BACK DOORS

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 12, 201986,000 milesSD

THE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM IS ERRATIC. IN ADDITION THE WINDOW UP AND DOWN MECHANISM WORKS INCONSISTENTLY.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 12, 201986,000 milesSD

DOOR HANDLES CCS ME RIGHT OFF. HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM

Air Bags
Filed Sep 24, 2019150,000 milesVA

TWO VERTICAL CRACKS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS SHOWED UP THIS MORNING. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. DUE THESE CRACKS I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY WITHOUT CAUSE WHEN MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, OR DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING. PLEASE ADVISE ON THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. CINDY L.

Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2019163,500 milesMD

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON FOR A WHILE NOW AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, IT HAS BEEN PUT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE TO SEE WHAT CAME UP ON THE REPORT. THIS HAS BEEN DONE A NUMBER OF TIMES AND WHATEVER REPORT SHOWS UP I HAVE HAD IT FIXED BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL WOULD COME ON AND IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FIXED, I WOULD LIKE SOME HELP IN FINDING OUT WHY THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES THIS BECOMING COSTLY AND STILL NOT FIXED COULD I PLEASE GET SOME HELP WITH THIS. WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE [XXX] 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 1 YEAR AND 3 MONTHS WITHOUT ANY KIND OF SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2019162,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED AND SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2010 FOR A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 24, 2019115,000 milesMO

I HAVE HAD THREE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BRAKE OFF THE DOOR ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.. THE ENTIRE HANDLE BROKE OFF UPON GETTING TO GET INTO THE CAR. ONE HANDLE BROKE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, THE OTHER TWO BROKE ON MAY 5, 2019. AND JUNE 22, 2019.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 10, 201942,000 milesNJ

TWO BROKEN DOOR HANDLE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WAS GOING TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THE HANDLES FALL OFF FRONT AND BACK DOORS HOW TO YOU THINK I CAN GET INTO THE CAR TO GET MY CHILDREN OUT. I AM 58 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HAD A DOOR HANDLE FALL OFF

Air Bags
Filed Jun 6, 2019100,338 milesFL

DASHBOARD ABOVE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEVELOPED (2) VERTICAL CRACKS WITHIN (24) HOURS WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN NO CONTACT OR INCIDENT OF THE VEHICLE OR DASH AREA AT ISSUE. NOT SURE IF AIRBAG IS TRYING TO DEPLOY, OR HAS DEPLOYED INTERNALLY. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE SAID DAMAGE OCCURRED.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2019MD

ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON TOOK CAR TO SHOP THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON CODE PO449 EVAP SYSTEM FAULT FAILURE IN VAPOR CANISTER HOUSING PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC AND PINPOINT TESTING FOUND SAID IT NEEDED CANISTER CLOSE VALVE AND CANISTER EASY THE WORK WAS DONE BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON.

Structure › Body
Filed May 23, 201945,000 milesSC

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE 3 DOOR HANDLES, TRANSMISSION, LICK SEAT BELT, SUNROOF MOTOR, SINCE BUYING THIS CAR. IT IS 9 YEARS OLD AND THE SEALS ON THE DOORS ARE GOING BAD. AIR AND PESTS ARE GETTING IN THE CAR. AND THE NOISE LEVEL IS HORRIBLE. I WAS TOLD 2 WEEKS AGO THAT THE RATTLING I KEEP HEARING IS THE UNIVERSAL JOINTS AND FRAME AND WILL COST ABOUT $1000 TO FIX. CAR WAS OK UNTIL IT JUST HOT 100000 MILE MARK.

Steering
Filed May 22, 201968,000 milesKY

THE STEERING WILL RANDOMLY STICK. ITS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAS ME TERRIFIED OF CURVES. IT CAUSES OVER CORRECTING BECAUSE THE STEERING STICKS AND THEN TURNS LOOSE. I'VE SAW NUMEROUS OVER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE. IT MAKES THE CAR WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. IT MAKES TURNING AT LOWER SPEEDS VERY DIFFICULT. AND TURNING AT HIGHER SPEEDS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. THEY RECALLED THE LATER SONATAS, THE 2010 SONATAS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED AS WELL.

Complaints 1-50 of 345, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202517000Routine
202447100Routine
202388200Routine
202295310Routine
2021135400Routine
2020182410Routine
2019162060Routine
20183751131Fatalities reported
20177683111Fatalities reported
20167296281Fatalities reported
20151,1549482Do not drive
20147507400High concern
20131,9179981Fatalities reported
20121,5598951Fatalities reported
20113,380141123Fatalities reported
2010 — this page345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002320740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

2010 Hyundai Sonata: questions buyers ask

Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

It is not among the Sonata years to avoid. Owners filed 345 complaints, against about 205 for a typical Sonata year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (46%).

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Hyundai Sonata?

The body and frame: 158 of the 345 complaints (46%) are about it. The typical report comes at 68,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 12, 2013. The largest, 13V113000, covered 1,712,336 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2010 Hyundai Sonata problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 65,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 68,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2010 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, DP22003 ("Loss of Motive Power"), was opened Sep 12, 2022 and closed Dec 12, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata?

The manufacturer filed 53 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (11), the transmission (9) and the body and frame (3). They include a warranty extension, 5NP-F8M5G-03, filed Feb 27, 2017. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.