VehicleVerdict

2010 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 415 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Sonata year — the 2010 model ranks #13 of 41 Sonata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 20 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 40% of all reports (166 of 415), far ahead of other at 38.

415

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

20

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Sonata years?

Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted4,608 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 46 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 37 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 187 complaints2000: 378 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 407 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 288 complaints2005: 217 complaints2006: 1,422 complaints2007: 906 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 415 complaints2011: 4,608 complaints2012: 2,272 complaints2013: 2,635 complaints2014: 1,077 complaints2015: 1,636 complaints2016: 991 complaints2017: 991 complaints2018: 540 complaints2019: 205 complaints2020: 254 complaints2021: 169 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 136 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure16640%
Other389%
Brakes307%
Electrical System297%
Engine297%
Transmission225%
Airbags205%
Steering154%
Fuel System123%
Latches & Locks123%
Lighting113%
Speed Control113%
Suspension82%
Tires & Wheels82%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V354000SuspensionAugust 12, 2013 · 364,502 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. THE CAR IS A 2010 SONATA. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE DEALER COVERED THE FIRST ON BUT I HAD TO PAY THE OTHER 2. BECAUSE I DRIVE LONG DISTANCES AND MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WHAT DOES HIGH MILEAGE HAVE TO DO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 25, 2009 · crash · fire

“We were hit on the right front passenger side by a driver on a Suzuki motorcycle. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle, went thru the right passenger window, traveled across the passenger compartment. He came to rest head down on my lap. Accident was fatal for the motorcyclist who died at the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 14, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A HILL AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 19, 2015 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2025 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 19, 2025 · fire

2010 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 415 complaints put the 2010 model at #13 of 41 Sonata years. It is one of the Sonata years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (166 complaints), other (38 complaints), brakes (30 complaints).

Does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.