The Worst Problems for Every Hyundai Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Hyundai problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Elantra Nu Engine Tick

    The 1.8L Nu engine has been ticking owners off with its constant ticks, connecting rod knocks, predispostion to engine bearing failure and problems with oil sludge. These problems all happen within Hyundai's 10-year / 100,000 mile warranty,…

    Continue A Nu engine with the pistons, cam shaft, and timing chain covered in oil.

  2. ABS Fire

    There are a disturbing number of fires starting in the antilock braking system (ABS) of Hyundai vehicles. The fires start from short-circuits within the ABS due to liquid contamination and corrosion. At first the problem was li…

    Continue An isolated dual-clutch transmission on display.

  3. Hyundai Theta II Engine Knocking, Seizing, and Sludge

    The Theta II is a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that is well known for a lot of things and none of them are good. Bearing failure, metal debris riding on contaminated oil, piston ring defects, siezing, knocking, crying.

    Continue The Theta II engine with a more appropriate logo

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues (see all)

What Breaks (see all)

Years to Avoid (see all)

The Least Reliable Hyundai Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

  1. Hyundai Sonata

    Reliability
    25th of 25
    PainRank™
    74.27
    Complaints
    2100
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  2. Hyundai Elantra

    Reliability
    24th of 25
    PainRank™
    61.02
    Complaints
    1327
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  3. Hyundai Tucson

    Reliability
    23rd of 25
    PainRank™
    26.92
    Complaints
    598
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  4. Hyundai Santa Fe

    Reliability
    22nd of 25
    PainRank™
    22.36
    Complaints
    988
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

Key Numbers

  1. 30 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 57 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 30 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 6,274 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 3,269 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 242 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

  1. 6th Generation Sonata

    Years
    2011–2014
    Reliability
    50th of 50
    PainRank™
    68.11
    Complaints
    1312
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Sonata

  2. 5th Generation Elantra

    Years
    2011–2016
    Reliability
    49th of 50
    PainRank™
    45.43
    Complaints
    937
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Elantra

  3. 2nd Generation Santa Fe

    Years
    2007–2012
    Reliability
    48th of 50
    PainRank™
    21.52
    Complaints
    559
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Santa Fe

  4. 5th Generation Sonata

    Years
    2006–2010
    Reliability
    47th of 50
    PainRank™
    19.96
    Complaints
    384
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Sonata

Recent Hyundai News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Hyundai is recalling 187,000 vehicles but says the "root cause" of five 2.0L Nu MPI engine fires is still undetermined.

    Just a hunch, but it might have something to do with connecting rods blasting holes in the engine block allowing oil to leak out onto hot surfaces where it smolders into a flame.…

    keep reading

  3. Looks like last year's recall to stop Santa Fe ABS fires didn't stop all the ABS fires.

    A total of 18 SUVs have now caught on fire after internal brake fluid leaks shorted out the ABS module. Hyundai hopes swapping out internal valve seals and lowering the system's amperage can finally put an end to this issue.…

    keep reading

  5. Another owner has sued Hyundai and Kia for knowingly equipping vehicles with defective Theta II engines.

    Proving once again that when it comes to engines that catch on fire, people generally aren't fans. The automakers have settled similar lawsuits and issued recalls for these clunkers, but the plaintiff suggests not all affected vehicles were included.

    About the lawsuit ∞

    • These gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are plagued with problems. From bearing failure, to connecting rod knocks, to oil consumption, and yes – engine infernos.
    • The plaintiff bought their car used and shortly after learned that the car needed a new short block to the tune of $7,000. The work also took 6 months because there're a backorder on parts.
    • In December Hyundai recalled 128,000 vehicles over concerns they could catch on fire. But the lawsuit wants more coverage for the 2012 Santa Fe
      2011-2013, 2016 Sonata Hybrid, and 2015-2016 Veloster.
    keep reading

  6. Hyundai thought it could manage EV battery fires with some software updates, but then one of the "repaired" vehicles caught on fire.

    So now the company finds itself staring down the barrel of an all-out battery replacement program for 76,000 Kona EVs worldwide (that's a $900 million dollar barrel, FWIW).

    Also included are some Ioniq EVs and Electric City buses that have also run the risk of being torched. The recall will begin in South Korea before expanding to other countries. There is no official word on a North American recall, but it's only a matter of time.…

    keep reading

See More News

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Hyundai

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

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