BestCarRank
Hyundai

2023 Hyundai SONATA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

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.

11 crash reports

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
31%
  • 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
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

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.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
8
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP27/07/2023

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

#3 most stolen in 2025

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

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

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 prices
Per year
$1,600
Per month
$133
Per mile
13.3¢
MPG
30
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,263/yr

Based 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 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Hyundai SONATA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,030
Full coverage / month
$169
Liability only / year
$574
vs US avg
+21%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.28x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age1.05x
= Full coverage estimate$2030

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SONATA Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
90K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
5 yr / 60K mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
7 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500

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)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

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