The 2009 Sonata lasts around 200,000 miles but has serious engine and fuel delivery problems. At $5,163 – 8,993, it’s not worth the money when the engine can fail at any point.
Is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata a Good Used Car?
- No, 2009 is not a good year. Owner reviews complain about mechanical issues, failed transmissions, and poor build quality.
- Reliability ratings are below average. There are fewer mechanical problems on the 2010 model, then a surge in issues for 2011.
- Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, and the V6 offers average performance.
- The Sonata is a very safe sedan, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 25 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Sonata?
- Consumer Reports says the Sonata is very boring to drive, and has below average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Sonata a 4.6/5 liking the smooth suspension, but disliking the numb steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sonata 4.6/5 and enjoy the comfortable cabin, but dislike the mechanical issues.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Hyundai Sonata Have?
Common problems with the 2009 Sonata include fuel pump issues, engine failures, and chipped paint.
Fuel pump failures are very common in the first 100,000 miles. A loss of power and the engine stalling is usually a sign of an issue with the pump. Replacing the fuel sending unit assembly costs about $1,300.
Engine knock is another problem mentioned by owners at around 100,000 miles. Usually the engine knock is a sign of internal damage which leads to an engine failure, costing over $5,000 to replace.
Paint flaking off is another issue that shows up in the first 90,000 miles. When paint is not properly cared for, it will fail and start to fall off. Repainting affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.
There are 2 recalls, one for the stop lamp switch and the other is for crossmember corrosion which can cause the vehicle to lose control.
How Long Will the 2009 Hyundai Sonata Last?
A properly maintained 2009 Hyundai Sonata can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than top rated competitors like the Mazda6. The regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, according to Repair Pal, at $410 per year.
Since most used Sonatas will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the brake booster for $700, blower motor costing $275, and the fuel pressure sensor which costs $400.
I have not had any problems with my '09 sonata except for the heat sensor on the driver's side of the car. It does not heat.
Yes it's reliable. I stay up to date with regular maintenance and have no big problems. I live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter and my car and held up well in the bad weather.
It has been very reliable. I have not had any major problems with the vehicle. Only minor maintenance has been required.
Yes it is reliable. I have had no significant problems with the overall run of the vehicle. Pisces like the window switch and the fuse have had to be replaced and I believe that is due to recalls.
It is very reliable haven't had any problems yet I will personally prefer this car to another buyer very good on gas and oil change cheap.
It is very reliable. No problems at all. I also like the roof with the skylight window. It never sticks and opens very smooth.
I have not run into any problems with my sonata gls. Every issue that has come about has been a fault of mine and not the car. The most extensive work that has been done was replacing the brakes because they were a little too worn out and unsafe to be driving on.
Yes it's a reliable car. I said previously that in the five years that I've had it I haven't had many problems with it. I can only really think of having to take it to the shop and dealership twice within the last five years. And as of right now, on the Sonata doesn't have any problems.
How Much Is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,163 – 8,993, making the Sonata about $2,000 less than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. When new, the price range was $18,700 to $26,550. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sonata?
There are three models of the 2009 Sonata available. The information technology system was last updated in 2008, and there’s a complete redesign for the 2011 model year.
GLS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows
- Leather Steering Wheel
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX
SE falls in the middle of the lineup, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Sunroof
- Universal Garage Door Opener
Limited is the luxury model and features:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Leather Seating
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Heated Front Seats
- Wood Interior Trim
- Infinity Sound System
- Touchscreen Navigation
What Engines Come In the Sonata?
- The base engine is an adequately powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.3L V6 with 249 horsepower, which gets up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 7.2 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Sonata Come In?
How Big Is the Sonata?
The 2009 Sonata is an average midsize sedan, similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Passenger room is better than rivals with more legroom in the backseats to easily fit adults.
Cargo space is excellent, offering 16.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which is enough for 4 suitcases.
How Does the Sonata Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Accord is a popular competitor costing about $2,000 more. Performance is better in the Accord, but the Sonata is more luxurious. We recommend neither, since they both have engine problems for the 2009 model year.
The Ford Fusion is another rival, which costs about $1,000 more. Reliability ratings are better on the Fusion, but the Sonata has more technology available. We recommend the Fusion since there are fewer mechanical issues.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. I enjoy the touring aspect of my car. The sound system is beautiful a d the ride smooth. I also love the heated seats, sunroof, and engine power.
Yes, I have owned this car for four years and it has been very reliable. It has over 96,000 miles and I have had no problems with it.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It has been very reliable and has been relatively maintenance free. I have had little problem with it.
Yes it is a good reliable and safe vehicle. It has good gas mileage. Would love a sunroof. I have had to repair my vehicle but they are minor repairs.
Yes a great running car reliable gas saver I love how smooth it drive oil change about twenty to thirty dollars.
This is one of the best vehicles I have owned. It is just the right size for me. I love the fold down back seats.
I believe that the Hyundai sonata gls is a very good vehicle. I have had the car for almost three years and it has never caused many problems for me. Most repairs done to the car aside from oil changes were operator errors. It has been very reliable and works well day in and day out.
Yes a great vehicle. I've had my Sonata for about five years now and have had very little problems with it. Hyundai has the best warranty around and from what I know it's the best out of all warranties. My Sonata though, runs perfectly, great on gas and very roomy.
