Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Tucson
How the Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Tucson compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Tucson: The Sonata has 1,858 complaints over 10 years (186/year) and 19 recalls, while the Tucson has 3,112 complaints (311/year) and 27 recalls. Both suffer engine stalling, but the Tucson also has many brake and power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Tucson more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan that has averaged about 186 complaints per year over the past decade, with 19 recalls. The most common owner-reported problem is engine failure, often involving stalling or sudden shutdown while driving, which can be alarming. Electrical and fuel/propulsion issues also appear frequently, and there are 82 crash-related complaints, 63 injuries, and 2 deaths reported. Living with this car means being aware of potential stalling and electrical glitches that could affect safety.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with a higher complaint rate—about 311 per year—and 27 recalls over the same period. Engine problems dominate, with reports of stalling, knocking, and loss of power, and there are also many power train and brake complaints. The Tucson has 147 crash-related complaints, 137 injuries, and 1 death, indicating a pattern of serious issues. Owners should be prepared for more frequent visits to the shop compared to the Sonata.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,858 Better | 3,112 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 27 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 147 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.8 Better | 311.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 137 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Hyundai Sonata
- 01ENGINE804
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER274
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM241
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM204
- 05POWER TRAIN202
Owners report the engine shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with headlights and power steering failing. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash, and it's the most common complaint for the Sonata.
The electrical system can cut out for seconds, causing the dashboard, radio, and lights to go dark and then reset. This is dangerous at night or in traffic and points to a recurring glitch that may be hard to diagnose.
Some owners experience sudden loss of acceleration, such as when turning across traffic, and the car may not respond to the gas pedal. Others have found the gas tank loose. These issues can leave you in a vulnerable position on the road.
The panoramic sunroof can shatter spontaneously while driving, and there are reports of the entire car's electrical system briefly shutting off. These unpredictable failures add to ownership anxiety and potential safety risks.
“I purchased this vehicle brand new off of the lot February 2024. Since then, I have had two incidents where in the middle of driving my vehicle has completely shut off. The first experience, I was driving 50+ mph. First my headlights went out, my engine shut…”
“the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to st…”
Hyundai Tucson
- 01ENGINE1,315
- 02POWER TRAIN549
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER430
- 04SERVICE BRAKES387
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM367
Tucson owners frequently report stalling while driving, often preceded by a flashing check engine light, and some experience severe engine knocking that requires towing. This can happen with low mileage and puts you and your passengers at risk.
Complaints include the steering column remaining locked after starting, making the car undrivable, and catalytic converter failures that are not always repaired promptly. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and safety hazards.
Owners describe a hissing or buzzing noise when braking at low speeds and a soft or spongy brake pedal. This can reduce braking effectiveness and is a critical safety concern that should be checked immediately.
The air conditioning system may fail entirely, with some owners needing to replace the compressor, condenser, and lines without success. There are also reports of rear windshields shattering spontaneously, which is both startling and costly.
“My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashi…”
“I was driving down [XXX] from my house.My engine light started to flash.I tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.I got Home 2 minutes later.There was major knocking.I had the car towed to [XXX], Hyundai, the only code that is showing up on th…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Hyundai Sonata — 19 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
The risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear brake light software, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will release the software update over-the-air (OTA). Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer se…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
The risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. 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 l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
Hyundai Tucson — 27 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson vehicles. The tire and loading information label may incorrectly indicate information about a spare tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selectio…
The risk: A label that incorrectly states spare tire pressure when there is no spare tire on-board may cause confusion during an emergency tire replacement, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tire and loading information label, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause…
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to par…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Tucson: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata has fewer complaints per year (about 186) compared to the Tucson (about 311), and fewer recalls (19 vs. 27). In practice, this means you're likely to encounter fewer reported problems with the Sonata, but both models have serious engine and safety-related complaints. The Tucson's higher rate of crashes and injuries suggests it may be involved in more severe incidents.
Key differences
- The Tucson has a higher annual complaint rate (311 vs. 186) and more recalls (27 vs. 19), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Engine issues are the top complaint for both, but the Tucson also has many power train and brake complaints, while the Sonata has more electrical and fuel/propulsion complaints.
- The Tucson has more crash-related complaints (147 vs. 82) and injuries (137 vs. 63), suggesting a higher rate of severe incidents.
- Sonata owners report spontaneous sunroof shattering and electrical shutdowns, while Tucson owners report steering column lockups and brake pedal issues.
- During a test drive, watch for any hesitation, stalling, or sudden loss of power, especially when accelerating or turning—this could indicate the engine or fuel system issues reported by owners.
- Check all electrical functions, including lights, dashboard displays, and infotainment, for flickering or cutting out, as electrical shutdowns are a common complaint.
- Listen for engine knocking or a flashing check engine light during a test drive, and ask for a diagnostic scan to check for stored codes related to engine misfires or catalytic converter efficiency.
- Test the brakes at low speeds for any hissing, buzzing, or spongy pedal feel, and inspect the steering column for any lock-up after starting the car.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine health, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, unusual noises, or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- For the Tucson, specifically test the air conditioning and inspect the rear windshield for any signs of stress or previous shattering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 90 |
| 2025 | 16 | 287 |
| 2024 | 46 | 97 |
| 2023 | 87 | 134 |
| 2022 | 93 | 383 |
| 2021 | 134 | 79 |
| 2020 | 178 | 178 |
| 2019 | 161 | 380 |
| 2018 | 373 | 396 |
| 2017 | 764 | 1088 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Tucson in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Sonata total complaints
- 1,858
- Hyundai Tucson total complaints
- 3,112
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- Hyundai Tucson total recalls
- 27
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 185.8
- Hyundai Tucson avg complaints/year
- 311.2
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai Tucson top complaint area
- ENGINE