CarOutlay

2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.

Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
4,602
rank #5 of 4,194
Recalls
14
campaigns on record
Top component
Steering
1,162 complaints (25%)
Reported harm
194 crashes / 150 injuries
3 deaths; 184 fires

2013 Hyundai Sonata

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
2,631
rank #36 of 4,194
Recalls
9
campaigns on record
Top component
Engine
720 complaints (27%)
Reported harm
141 crashes / 119 injuries
2 deaths; 159 fires

Largest differences in this pair

Complaint gap

1,971

2013 Hyundai Sonata has the lower raw complaint count

Recall gap

5

2013 Hyundai Sonata vs 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Top component overlap

Different families

Steering vs Engine

2011 Hyundai Sonata problem mix

  • STEERING 1,162
  • ENGINE 962
  • AIR BAGS 413
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 404
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING 222

2013 Hyundai Sonata problem mix

  • ENGINE 720
  • STEERING 338
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 250
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING 177
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 173

Frequently asked questions

Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata or 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

2013 Hyundai Sonata has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (2,631 vs 4,602). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Does this mean the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is more reliable?

No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.

These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).