Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 345 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Hyundai Sonata, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 148 | 43% |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 7% |
| Engine | 19 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 18 | 5% |
| Air bags | 15 | 4% |
| Power train | 14 | 4% |
| Steering | 11 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 ar
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
External Handles made of plastic continue to break and do not allow access to open car doors
NHTSA complaint: Structure
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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) a
NHTSA complaint: Steering
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 turne
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Fuel pump failure, causing car to stop immediately on highway.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
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 f
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 Tiburo
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 trans
Fix: 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
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,
Risk: Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Hyun
| Reliability raw | 58 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 345 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 148 of them (43%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 58/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.