Are you looking for a new or used vehicle but don’t know which ones are the most reliable? If so, you’re not alone. The most important issue for most people when it comes to vehicles is reliability. So let’s take a look at Hyundai reliability.
How reliable are Hyundai vehicles?
The 2020 Hyundai lineup offers incredible quality according to experts and owners. Hyundai received the J.D. Power Performance and Quality awards for all 2020 models. Those awards include the following models: Accent, Elantra, Ioniq, Sonata, Veloster, Kona, Nexo, Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Venue.
We have compiled data from the NHTSA and the massive database at VehicleHistory to provide you with the information you need all in one convenient place. You’ll be given expert reviews, owner reviews, crash ratings, and recalls.
This compiled data will help you make a more informed decision when choosing your next vehicle. But first, we are going to give you a little Hyundai history.
Looking Back at the Hyundai Brand
The Hyundai Motor Company usually referred to as Hyundai Motors, is a South Korean vehicle manufacturer that was founded in 1967 — 52 years ago. Hyundai is also a 32.8 percent subsidiary owner with Kia Motors.
Hyundai began selling cars in the U.S. in 1986. It started with just one vehicle, the Hyundai Excel, which was offered in several trim options and body styles. Hyundai set a record that year for the most selling vehicles in its first year of business when compared to all other brands.
Although well-received, Hyundai’s cost-cutting measures resulted in poor reliability which affected its reputation. That’s when Hyundai spent heavily on long-term research of its vehicles. The end result was adding its maintenance-free and long-term warranty programs which proved successful in bringing the brand’s reputation back.
Now let’s move on to some detailed reliability information about all the 2020 Hyundai models in no particular order.
2020 Hyundai Accent
Expert Reviews: 4.1 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Accent is spacious, quiet, and has exceptional gas mileage. But, it doesn’t come with navigation, the cloth seats are uncomfortable and hot, and the advanced safety features are only available on the top trim level.
Owner Reviews: 4.83 Stars
- Reliable (many people mentioned this)
- Drives smooth
- Great gas mileage (many people mentioned this)
- Easy to drive and maneuver
- Nothing bad to say about this car
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Accent has an NHTSA overall 4-Star crash rating with a safety concern comment about the rear passenger side barrier. But fortunately, there are no recalls to date.
2020 Hyundai Elantra
Expert Reviews: 4.50 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is an affordable mainstream compact sedan. It has an efficient engine, lots of technology and refinement, and a pleasing design. But, it doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive option.
Owner Reviews: 4.34 Stars
- Headlights don’t illuminate far enough and are too far to the ground (there are several comments about this)
- Reliable
- Great technology and gas mileage
- Drives nice with great acceleration
- Stylish and comfortable
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has an NHTSA overall 4-Star crash rating with a safety concern warning about the rear passenger side barrier. And, there are two recalls to date. The recalls are for the right rear wheel lug nuts may be loose and the lower control arm ball joints can detach.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq
Expert Reviews: 4.40 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq is competitively priced and is one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy (55-145-city, 54-121-hwy). But, the electric range is far short of its competitors, it doesn’t have much styling, and the electric option is only sold in 13 states.
Owner Reviews: 4.0 Stars
- Great gas mileage but that’s it
- Good on gas but expensive when having it serviced
- Too many problems in six months
- Bad blind spots at rear corners
- The most comfortable car I ever owned
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has not yet been safety tested by the NHTSA. And, there are no recalls, complaints, or investigations to date.
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Expert Reviews: 4.60 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has great styling. It also has lots of tech and safety features, some of which are class-exclusive. But, it doesn’t come with an all-wheel-drive or a manual transmission option.
Owner Reviews: 4.69 Stars
- Very reliable, good engine and technology
- Great all-around car, no complaints
- No problems
- Great on gas
- Very comfortable and handles well
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has an NHTSA overall 5-Star crash rating and two recalls to date. The recalls were for possible unintended vehicle movement and incorrect tire size information.
2020 Hyundai Veloster
Expert Reviews: 4.40 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster has great performance at an affordable price. It also has lots of high-tech features and a unique 3-door configuration. But, the rear seat is small and there are no power-seat options.
Owner Reviews: 4.58 Stars
- A sporty car that is incredibly fun to drive
- It’s very fast and the handling is amazing
- The paint scratches easily
- It’s small and lacks trunk space
- Very good reliable car
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster has not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it gets a Good rating from the IIHS crash tests. Fortunately, there are no recalls to date.
2020 Hyundai Kona
Expert Reviews: 4.50 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has a great turbo engine and an available all-wheel-drive option. And, it has plenty of active safety features. But, the all-electric Kona is only available in certain states and it doesn’t have much cargo space.
Owner Reviews: 4.56 Stars
- Love it except the dashboard is easily dinged and scratched
- There is a roaring vibration noise (can only hear with windows down) coming from the rear and the dealership says that’s normal
- Having a motor issue, weird vibrations, poor acceleration, and the dealership isn’t much help
- No problems, love this vehicle
- Comfortable, smooth, and reliable but front seats are narrow
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has an NHTSA overall 5-Star crash rating. There is one recall to date which is for an incorrect GASR on the Certification Label.
2020 Hyundai Nexo
Expert Reviews: 4.0 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Nexo is a zero-emissions vehicle and it’s the only hydrogen fuel-cell SUV on the market. You also get complimentary fuel for the first three years or $13,000. But, it’s only sold in California, there are limited refueling stations, and they are more expensive than a comparable plug-in hybrid SUV.
Owner Reviews: 5.0 Stars
- Very reliable
- No maintenance issues so far
- Good gas mileage
- Good for the environment
- Glad I made this purchase
Crash Ratings and Recalls
This vehicle has not yet been rated by the NHTSA but it gets a Good rating from the IIHS. And, there are no recalls, no investigations, and no complaints to date.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Expert Reviews: 4.70 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a highly functional SUV that is boldly styled. It has plenty of standard features and a very affordable base price. But, the styling isn’t for everyone.
Owner Reviews: 4.67 Stars
- Excellent vehicle for the value
- Has every feature I needed and then some
- Plenty of room for seven people
- Really good gas mileage
- A comfortable ride from all seats
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has an NHTSA overall 5-Star crash rating and one recall to date. The recall was for the side curtain airbags may be damaged by bolts.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Expert Reviews: 4.60 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has a quiet interior, a turbocharged engine, bold styling, and plenty of features. But, the gas mileage is only so-so, it has a weak standard engine, and the interior has some hard plastics.
Owner Reviews: 4.51 Stars
- Drives sloppy after 1,000 miles and the gurgling engine is loud
- Climate control is horrible and the passenger seat isn’t adjustable
- Only a year old and has tarnish on the chrome
- Gets good gas mileage, safe, comfortable, reliable, has amazing safety features
- Quick, quiet ride, and no problems so far
Crash Ratings and Recalls
The Hyundai Santa Fe has an NHTSA overall 5-Star crash rating and no recalls to date.
2020 Hyundai Tucson
Expert Reviews: 4.20 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has great styling, generous standard features, and strong safety scores. But, it’s not off-road capable, not very quick, it has a small interior, and some of the best equipment is only available on the upper trim levels.
Owner Reviews: 4.62 Stars
- A complete disappointment because the remote start is only available on a phone app and doesn’t have a key fob
- Rides very smoothly and the gas mileage is pretty good
- Loaded with safety features
- Great value for the money
- Not reliable
Crash Ratings and Reviews
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has an NHTSA overall 5-Star crash rating and one recall to date. The recall was for the ABS unit may cause engine compartment fire.
2020 Hyundai Venue
Expert Reviews: 3.8 Stars
The 2020 Hyundai Venue has a great starting price and you get an impressive number of features for the money. It’s spacious for its size and has great styling and gas mileage. But, it doesn’t come with an all-wheel-drive option, it’s one of the smallest SUVs in its class, and the engine feels and sounds rough at higher speeds.
Owner Reviews: 4.8 Stars
- Best Hyundai I’ve ever owned
- It’s fast and affordable
- Plenty of room and standard features
- The seats are comfortable
- The ride quality is just ok but good considering the price point
This vehicle has not yet been NHTSA crash tested and there are no recalls to date.
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