NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 345 owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata. Most complaints involve structure (164) and engine (29). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
164 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Nov 1, 2020·StructureODI 11372556
Engine
29 reports2 fires
“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)”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Dec 20, 2025·Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11706241
Service brakes
28 reports3 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed May 19, 2023·Power train, Service brakesODI 11522962
How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2010 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners filed 345 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (164), engine (29), service brakes (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Hyundai Sonata at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).