
2023 Hyundai SONATA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2023 Hyundai SONATA has 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 540. The most common issue is fuel system problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: while on the highway, my car suddenly started shaking violently and losing power. i lost steering and was unable to accelerate. i pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle would not start again. i took it in and a fuel injector was stuck open and it had flooded my engine. this was the seco. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.
136
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
FUEL SYSTEM
42 complaints- • While on the highway, my car suddenly started shaking violently and losing power. I lost steering and was unable to accelerate. I pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle would not start again. I took it in and a fuel injector was stuck open and it had flooded my engine. This was the seco
- • I was driving on the freeway, at the speed limit, cruising along. Then all of a sudden, my vehicle starts to decelerate from 65 MPH and I push the gas, thinking I must have let up too much on the pedal. However, that only causes the RPM to drastically rise with NO change in my speed. I thankfully ma
- • I want to say through this message exactly a month ago that I bought my Hyundai sonata sel 2023 and today driving the car it completely lost power when accelerating so I had to stop immediately I put my turn signals after that I turned off the car! I opened the hood and I didn't see any smoke coming
“While on the highway, my car suddenly started shaking violently and losing power. I lost steering and was unable to accelerate. I pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle would not start again. I took it in and a fuel injector was stuck open and it had flooded my engine. This was the seco”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2023 Hyundai SONATA
Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.
Recalls (2)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Very high theft risk
The Hyundai SONATA was the #3 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 17,687 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Notes: Kia Boys challenge affected 2011-2021 keyless models
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2023 Hyundai SONATA
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Hyundai SONATA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Hyundai SONATA Service Intervals
Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 136 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: While on the highway, my car suddenly started shaking violently and losing power. I lost steering and was unable to accelerate. I pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle would not start again. I took it in and a fuel injector was stuck open and it had flooded my engine. This was the seco
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: I was driving on the freeway, at the speed limit, cruising along. Then all of a sudden, my vehicle starts to decelerate from 65 MPH and I push the gas, thinking I must have let up too much on the pedal. However, that only causes the RPM to drastically rise with NO change in my speed. I thankfully ma
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: I was driving on the freeway, at the speed limit, cruising along. Then all of a sudden, my vehicle starts to decelerate from 65 MPH and I push the gas, thinking I must have let up too much on the pedal. However, that only causes the RPM to drastically rise with NO change in my speed. I thankfully ma
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: When I approach an intersection to stop my car auto shut off engages. When trying to hit the gas to release my car from auto shut off the emergency auto shut off engages and I must put my car in park. Turn the ignition to off and then crank my car back all the way on. Release the park and drive. Thi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Hyundai SONATA — Year Comparison
How does 2023 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 136
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 11
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 540
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2023 Hyundai SONATA