How Long Do Hyundai Sonatas Last?

Catrina C
Mar 6, 2021

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, then you may be asking, “How long do Hyundai Sonatas last?” It’s important for your vehicle to last a long time so that you get your money’s worth.

2015 Hyundai Sonata - Photo by Hyundai

How long do Hyundai Sonatas last?

Hyundai Sonatas are good vehicles, and many people have reported their lasting anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles before major engine issues. Others have driven their vehicles well above 350,000 miles. Maintenance is the key to longevity, though, according to Hyundai of Newbern.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you can do to make your Hyundai Sonata last longer, so it has the long life you expect of your vehicles. This can be a great investment with the right maintenance techniques.

How Can You Make Your Hyundai Sonata Last Longer?

With any vehicle, especially the Hyundai Sonata, something you’ll want to do is to keep up on its maintenance. Manufacturers have designed vehicles that should last hundreds of thousands of miles, but you need to have regular services performed. Failing to do so can shorten the life of your vehicle.

The Hyundai Sonata owner’s manual recommends that you get your vehicle serviced every 7,500 miles or six months. Sticking to that schedule will help identify problems early and prevent many that you would otherwise deal with.

You should also consider your driving habits when planning your service schedule. If you drive in the city, then you may need to service your vehicle more often than if you drive in a rural area, for example.

Remember, any unusual changes in your vehicle should be diagnosed by a mechanic. Clicking, issues with the starter, and other problems can be addressed early to prevent further problems.

You should also keep the interior clean, because dirt, sand and residue can damage the material over time. This will limit the life of your vehicle. The same is true of the exterior, because dust and debris can impact the life of the paint job.

How Long Do Hyundai Sonatas Last?

How long your Hyundai Sonata will last depends on the factors mentioned above. However, if you take care of it and have regular maintenance and oil changes, you can expect the vehicle to last around 200,000 to 300,000 miles. An average vehicle lasts 14 years, and Hyundai is known to produce vehicles that last. You can tell this by seeing how many of these vehicles are still on the road now.

2017 Hyundai Sonata - Photo by Hyundai

When you buy a new Hyundai Sonata, you may get complimentary maintenance, too. This will help you keep the vehicle in good shape. With every new Hyundai 2021 model, the vehicle comes with Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance for up to three years or up to 36,000 miles (whichever one comes first based on your driving). This means that you’ll have a great opportunity to keep up with maintenance and repairs at no cost if you decide on that model.

Hyundai Sonatas: Reviews, Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration keeps up on recalls for Hyundai Sonatas. You can check the particular year and model of the vehicle you’re interested in on the website.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has two open recalls and 19 complaints. It also has a five-star safety rating. The two recalls are for possible unintended vehicle movement and incorrect tire information. You can take your vehicle in to the dealership to have these issues corrected.

In terms of consumer complaints, they have been made across several systems in the vehicle. Airbag complaints happened most often, stating that you can’t use the airbag with a cushion on the passenger seat.

2017 Hyundai Sonata - Photo by Hyundai

In the electrical system, one consumer made a complaint about a delayed transmission. Another reported that the emergency brake turns on by itself.

A third person complained that their vehicle lost motive power, but no diagnosis was made.

Complaints about the engine included issues with stalling at 1,000 to 1,500 miles and again at 6,000 miles, which happened to at least three different people. Another complaint was about difficulty in shifting.

Overall, there are not many complaints about the 2020 model, and it does appear that many complaints were resolved with servicing.

Interested in Purchasing a Hyundai Sonata?

A 2020 Hyundai Sonata might be the right vehicle for you. If you’re interested in buying one, remember to check its Vehicle History. You’ll see more of its specs and information to help you decide.

Photos: Sonata

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Katie J on June 15, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata is really reliable, having been driven for over 120,000 already.
We've had to replace the timing belt on the car and fix the oil gauge. The car is pretty reliable, and has over 120,000 miles on it. In its old age, the car shakes and rattles more than it used to, but still runs really well.
accountCircle Troy H on April 16, 2021
2003 Hyundai Sonata is the safest, smoothest, and simplest first car.
The car rides smooth, clean, and effortless. No real serious problems experienced in over 100,000 miles, unless you cause them yourself. The Sonata is a reliable car.
accountCircle Renee M on May 6, 2021
Lots of miles to these cars!
This is the 2nd Sonata that I have owned with over 120000 miles on it. . My first had 230000 miles before I retired it. Excellent cars with very low repairs.
accountCircle Lee L on May 11, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata after 14 years
Really good car. Only a couple minor cosmetic issues after 14 years and 190k miles. Runs well after all these years. Normal maintenance keeps it going well.
accountCircle Angela H on June 1, 2021
2001 Hyundai Sonata is very mechanically strong.
This car is very comfortable. This car is also very reliable. The car has 300, 000 miles and I still very reliable and strong in the mechanical department.
accountCircle Robert A Nishino on January 2, 2022
Nishino1904@gmail.com
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata with 217,000 and still runs great with no signs of trouble ahead. Definitely a very dependable well worth the purchase.
accountCircle Taylor W on July 18, 2021
2001 Hyundai Sonata very reliable!
It has lasted a long time. It has 226,000 miles on it now. It just doesn't want to quit. Very reliable. Not very many features besides just basics.
accountCircle Mila B on March 16, 2021
I love my 2004 Hyundai Sonata
I've had this model of the 2004 Hyundai Sonata for about 13 years, I've put about 200,000 miles on it. The body holds up strong.
accountCircle ellen B on July 13, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata LX interior is like new.
Regular maintenance is all I've done. I have replaced the wiper blades and the tires. I love this car it only has 167000 miles
accountCircle Cathy d on April 29, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata: Still running
I now have 200,800 miles on it. Think it's on its last leg though. It's burning oil not leaking it. Transmission shifts hard.
accountCircle Janet J on August 26, 2021
Loving My 2004 Hyundai Sonata
I absolutely love my 2004 Hyundai Sonata. I only have 73,000 miles on it, but I have had no problems with it whatsoever.
accountCircle laura a on July 9, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata is very good on gas considering how many miles it has on it.
I love my vehicle. It has over 200,000 miles on it and I have only replaced the starter. I do not have any dislikes.
accountCircle Beverley C on April 26, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata150,000 miles and still running.
Reliable. Has been a good car. Over 150,000 miles. Very minimum repairs over the year. Good gas mileage.
accountCircle Kimberly C on August 19, 2021
2000 Hyundai Sonata will get you where you need to be and back.
Very reliable, good gas mileage 24 to 26 miles per gallon. Recent oil change and tune up. 193000 miles.
accountCircle Kristen F on August 12, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata reliability and dependability
My vehicle is a 2002 Hyundai sonata with over 250,000 miles. I feel it has been a very reliable car.
accountCircle Victoria S on August 22, 2021
2005 Hyundai Sonata reliable for the price of the car.
I like that this car has lasted so long and had not had any major mechanical issues at 230k miles.
accountCircle Jennifer H on June 23, 2021
2005 Hyundai Sonata still runs and drives great.
It is very comfortable plus it gets good gas mileage. It has 150, 000 miles and still runs great!
accountCircle Melissa H on August 22, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata works & doesn't have too many problems
The Hyundai sonata is a great car! We've got over 200000 miles on it and it still runs great!
accountCircle Deborah M on April 13, 2021
2003 Hyundai Sonata still going strong after over 200,000 miles. With minimal maintenance.
I now have over 200,000 miles and still rolling strong with no apparent signs of stopping.
accountCircle Mark K on August 21, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata 35 miles per gallon
Needs A/C and had the timing belt replaced. It has 155,000 miles. Would buy again.
accountCircle Randy L on August 28, 2021
2001 Hyundai Sonata is old but still runs good.
Its a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. I just got it about 6 months ago it has 220000 miles.
accountCircle Tina G on June 3, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata A. C. Works great.
It has over 226000 miles. But holds up like a champ traveling at a distance.
accountCircle Deborah M on May 16, 2021
2003 Hyundai Sonata has never broken down on me.
Great vehicle with over 200, 000 miles and little repair work.
accountCircle Sarah G on July 25, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata gets good gas mileage.
It already has almost 100000 miles and is still running great.
accountCircle Carol M on May 8, 2021
2004 Hyundai Sonata is comfortable to drive
It has more than 180,000 miles on it and still runs great.
accountCircle Kent M on June 23, 2021
2002 Hyundai Sonata gas mileage is good and handles well on the road.
It is still running great at 200,000+ miles.
avatar Catrina C
Catrina C. is a former auto auction block clerk and current freelance automotive industry writer. She enjoys writing, taking long trips in her Ford and providing solid automotive advice.
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