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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Structure164
  2. Engine29
  3. Service brakes28
  4. Power train21
  5. Air bags20
  6. Electrical system16
  7. Steering15
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)13
  9. Fuel/propulsion system11
  10. Vehicle speed control11
  11. Latches/locks/linkages11
  12. Exterior lighting10
  13. Suspension8
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201019
201110
20124
201347
201466
201545
201643
201727
201823
201924
202016
20214
20224
20235
20243
20255

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.

03 —Owner reports

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2020StructureODI 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 NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2025Electrical 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 NHTSAFiled May 19, 2023Power train, Service brakesODI 11522962

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2020Suspension, Power train, StructureODI 11348953

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2019Air bagsODI 11257609

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 30, 2024Electrical systemODI 11591509
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.