Problems · NHTSA complaints
2010 Hyundai Sonata problems
Owners filed 345 complaints about the 2010 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA between Feb 2010 and Dec 2025. The most-cited component is structure (164).
Complaints
345
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
19
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure164
- Engine29
- Service brakes28
- Power train21
- Air bags20
- Electrical system16
- Steering15
- Electronic stability control (esc)13
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Vehicle speed control11
- Latches/locks/linkages11
- Exterior lighting10
- Suspension8
- Tires5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
19
10
4
47
66
45
43
27
23
24
16
4
4
5
3
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 66 |
| 2015 | 45 |
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2017 | 27 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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)”
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…”
Power train
21 reports1 crash
“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.”
Air bags
20 reports10 crashes
“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.”
Electrical system
16 reports1 fire
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.