Research · Large Cars

2019 Hyundai SonataRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 162 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. Most complaints involve engine (87) and exterior lighting (18). The EPA rates it 26–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
26–31mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
162
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

162 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine87
  2. Exterior lighting18
  3. Fuel/propulsion system12
  4. Electrical system12
  5. Air bags9
  6. Engine and engine cooling8
  7. Power train8
  8. Structure7
  9. Steering6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sonata model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199624
199752
199850
1999170
2000278
2001219
2002326
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061,047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113,380
20121,559
20131,917
2014751
20151,156
2016728
2017769
2018375
2019162
2020183
2021134
202296
202388
202448
202517
20263
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

87 reports2 crashes4 fires
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 58 MPH. The contact retrieved DTC: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) at O'Reilly Auto Parts and stated that the knock sensor had previously been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026EngineODI 11763290

Exterior lighting

18 reports1 crash
“The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2024Exterior lighting, EngineCrash reportedODI 11585952

Fuel/propulsion system

12 reports1 fire
“The low-pressure fuel pump module assembly, located directly beneath the rear passenger seat cushion, experienced a plastic housing failure. A stress fracture on the upper plastic fuel outlet nipple caused raw liquid gasoline to actively weep and pool on top of the module inside the passenger cabin. This component is retained and available for inspection upon request. RISK TO SAFETY: Raw liquid gasoline pooling inside the interior passenger compartment creates an severe, immediate fire and explosion hazard. Additionally, vehicle occupants were exposed to toxic fuel vapors while driving. INSPECTION & DEALER CONFIRMATION: An authorized Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed raw fuel leaking at the top of the fuel pump module assembly. This exact module had previously been removed and disassembled during a 2024 manufacturer recall service to replace the internal fuel filter and tank seal. Stress applied to the plastic fittings during that recall service appears to have caused the plastic top-hat to fracture over time under line pressure. Hyundai Corporate was notified of the safety hazard and prior recall history, but refused assistance. WARNING…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762354
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM7) · Automatic (S6) · Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata
Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
283731$2,000284
Sonata SE
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263529$2,150306
Sonata
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,200319
Sonata
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$2,400342
  • Sonata
    Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    28 city · 37 hwy · $2,000/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata SE
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 32 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 13639
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 Sonata questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (87), exterior lighting (18), fuel/propulsion system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Sonata at 26–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026