The Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967 as a small automaker in South Korea. Since then, it has grown into a global powerhouse renowned for offering affordable and stylish cars worldwide.
Its reliability is one of the key reasons for Hyundai’s success. As a brand with a reputation for quality and reliability in an industry marked by dependability, Hyundai has been successful in establishing itself as a reliable and quality brand.
What are the reliability ratings of Hyundai vehicles? In what ways does it differ from its competitors?
The purpose of this article is to present a fair and objective comparison of Hyundai’s reliability record to that of other car manufacturers.
Hyundai’s Journey Towards Reliability
As Hyundai was still making its mark on the global automotive market in its early days, it faced quality and reliability challenges.
Although the company emphasized these factors as essential for customer loyalty and trust, addressing them head-on was a concerted effort.
It was in 1998 that Hyundai launched its 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty that marked one of the turning points in its reliability journey. The announcement gives Hyundai’s customers confidence in the quality and durability of their vehicles and changed the brand’s perception among the public.
The Hyundai Motor Company has invested heavily in research and development to further improve the reliability of its vehicles.
Together with many other Asian manufacturers, Hyundai provides reliable automobiles with state-of-the-art research and development centers worldwide, including South Korea, the United States, Europe, and India.
Hyundai Extensive Warranty Coverage
“Hyundai Assurance” is the foundation of Hyundai’s warranty program. Among the coverages are a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty covering the powertrain, chassis, and electrical systems of the vehicle.
Those who sell their vehicle before the warranty period expires can feel confident that their warranty will be transferable to subsequent owners, which adds value and confidence to their transaction.
Powertrain Warranty
In addition to the basic warranty on new vehicles, Hyundai offers an industry-leading powertrain warranty for a period of ten years and one hundred thousand miles. As some of the most critical and expensive parts of a vehicle, these warranties cover the engine, transmission, and related powertrain components.
It shows Hyundai’s confidence that its powertrains are durable and reliable by providing long-term coverage for these important components.
As part of the Hyundai warranty coverage, there is a seven-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty, which covers any body panels that rust through due to material or workmanship defects.
Complimentary Roadside Assistance and Maintenance
Furthermore, Hyundai offers complimentary roadside assistance for five years/unlimited miles, making it possible for customers to tow, jump-start, obtain lockout assistance, and clear their vehicles of debris 24/7.
Furthermore, Hyundai offers complimentary maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership, which includes oil changes and tire rotations.
Hyundai Reliability Rankings and Accolades
It has not gone unnoticed that Hyundai’s reliability efforts have been noteworthy.
As a result of J.D Power’s 2021 U.S Vehicle Dependability Study, Hyundai was ranked fourth overall, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to producing dependable vehicles. Based on a three-year analysis of the problem rate per 100 vehicles, this study measures the number of problems encountered per 100 vehicles.
Hyundai ranks fourth for reliability among 32 car brands according to RepairPal. According to the ranking, Hyundai has an average annual repair cost of $468, while other models have an average annual repair cost of $652. As a rule, Hyundai vehicles require fewer repairs and are less likely to require severe repairs than similar models from other manufacturers.
As a result of Hyundai’s reliability, other respected publications like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book have also endorsed the brand.
Low Repair Costs
The low maintenance costs of Hyundai cars are one of their strongest points, which contributes to their reputation for reliability.
It has been noted that Hyundai Tucson maintains low check engine repair costs among other models.
Longevity
With 200,000 miles of mileage, Hyundai automobiles are expected to last about as long as other mainstream car brands.
Many Hyundai models have been praised for their reliability, longevity, and low ownership costs, including the Santa Fe, Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Kona.
Known Problems
There are common problems across the Hyundai model lineup, like those that plague other car brands.
There have been many issues, especially between 2011 and 2016, with crankshaft position sensors, transmissions, and electrical systems.
Reliable Powertrains and Fuel Efficiency
In order to understand how Hyundai vehicles offer reliable powertrains and excellent fuel efficiency, let’s look at a few examples:
Advanced Engine Technologies
As one of the world’s leading automakers, Hyundai has earned a reputation for producing fuel-efficient and reliable powertrains across its lineup of vehicles.
With technologies such as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), the company optimizes performance, durability, and efficiency of its engines.
With their compact size, lightweight construction, and high power output relative to their size, the Gamma and Nu series engines stand out among other engines.
Efficient Diesel Powertrains
In addition to petrol engines, Hyundai also provides diesel engines with efficient powertrains. Using advanced technologies such as variable geometry turbochargers, common rail direct injection, and selective catalytic reduction, these engines achieve great performance.
In addition to meeting stringent emissions standards, they feature excellent fuel economy, reliability, and low emissions.
Advanced Transmission Technologies
With the Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Hyundai offers advanced transmission technologies to complement its efficient engines.
Hybrid and Electric Powertrains
Electric and hybrid vehicles are also manufactured by Hyundai with the same level of reliability and efficiency as gas-powered vehicles.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, for example, offers impressive fuel economy due to its combination of gasoline engines and electric motors.
Hyundai Reliability By Model
Here are some specific Hyundai models to consider for reliability:
Hyundai Tucson
Safety and reliability are two things that set the Tucson apart from other Hyundai vehicles. As a result of J.D Power’s reliability ratings, especially for 2019 and 2020 models, the 2019 and 2020 models scored 85 and 86 points, respectively.
In addition to its dependability, the 2018 model received a Quality Award.
Hyundai Sonata and Elantra
In the sedan market, Hyundai has launched the Sonata and Elantra, both of which have earned praise for their reliability. A 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating has consistently been given to the Elantra by J.D Power, while RepairPal has rated it a 4.5 out of 5.
Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty add peace of mind to the Sonata.
Hyundai Santa Fe
It has been recognized that Hyundai’s Santa Fe is one of the world’s most reliable SUVs. Its minimal complaints about engine stalling was praised by J.D Power, which gave the 2019 Santa Fe an 89 out of 100 reliability rating.
As a result of this, RepairPal rates the Hyundai Santa Fe high among midsize crossovers when it comes to reliability.
Hyundai Kona
Due to its style, space efficiency, and reliability, the Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV has become a favorite among customers.
The Kona is generally rated highly for reliability in Consumer Reports and other automotive review platforms.
Hyundai Palisade
With a spacious interior and luxurious feel at a competitive price point, Hyundai’s Palisade has been a well-received entry into the midsize SUV segment.
Hyundai Ioniq
In addition to electric and plug-in hybrid versions, the Hyundai Ioniq is available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
In the beginning, Ioniq Electric has performed well on reliability tests, especially the hybrid models. However, Ioniq Electric has faced some issues that are typical of early electric vehicles, such as battery life and range consistency.
Over the years, this has been improved, and the Ioniq has become one of the best-reliable and longest-lasting EVs on the market.
So How Reliable is a Hyundai?
Independent reviews consistently rank Hyundais in the top 10 to 15% of all manufacturers in terms of reliability.
As a dependable choice in the automobile industry, Hyundai has established itself through its robust manufacturing processes, extensive warranty coverage, and impressive reliability rankings.
The reputation for reliability of Hyundai will only improve as it continues to innovate and improve.
A reliable car is definitely a factor to consider when buying a car, so Hyundai may be the right brand for you.
What are the Common Hyundai Problems?
Do Hyundais have a good reputation? The following are some of the most common Hyundai vehicle problems:
Inflated MPG Numbers
There is no doubt that Hyundai vehicles have competitive fuel economy numbers. As a result, Elantra owners were left shocked when their cars registered lower mileage ratings than advertised by the EPA.
In this case, Hyundai’s misleading advertising rather than its typical reliability concerns are at play. Hyundai was exposed for inflating the mpg ratings of their vehicles in 2012 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should therefore ensure that the mpg numbers on Hyundai models from 2011 to 2013 are up to date if you are planning to purchase one.
Rodent-Friendly Soy Wiring Coating
The Hyundai Accent, Azera, Veloster, Sonata, Santa Fe, and Tucson, all released between 2013 and 2016, were coated with soy-based electrical wire coating to cut costs and be more eco-friendly.
This is a good idea as far as the company is concerned, however, the soy-based wire coating also attracted rodents, including rabbits, mice, and squirrels, which chewed on the wires and used them for nesting. It’s a vicious circle because owners will have to replace their wires with soy-based components each time their vehicles are repaired. An eventual lawsuit resulted from this issue
Self-Peeling Paint
As an alternative to the standard paint variant which can remove small scratches, Hyundai introduced a new “self-healing” paint variant. Although this paint was advertised to eliminate minor blemishes, the paint self-peels in large sheets instead. While the peeling paint removed scratches technically, we doubt this is what customers wanted.
Apparently, Hyundai was sued once again, this time for allegedly failing to comply with industry standards with its paint. Many Hyundai models were affected by this issue, including the third generation Elantra, third generation Santa Fe, and fifth and sixth generation Sonatas.
Engine Seize
Finding out a used car has engine problems triggers buyer’s remorse more than anything else. Hyundai Sonata 2011 is the worst culprit by far for engine problems, but other Hyundai models do have engine problems too.
In 2011, the 2011 Sonata was rated Avoid Like the Plague because of its severe engine failure without warning. It was filed in May 2015 that a class-action lawsuit was filed, alleging that the engine of the Sonata was defective. A total of 185 CarComplaints users have complained about this problem – that’s how bad it is.
Air Bag Issues
The airbags on Hyundai Elantras have been reported as defective by owners. In particular, the airbag light would flash repeatedly while you were driving, which can be unsettling. There are also issues related to non-deployment, sensor failures, and inflator failures with Hyundai airbags.
There is a great deal of safety risk associated with airbag issues. There have been numerous recalls and class action lawsuits filed over Hyundai airbags over the years.
Steering Issues
Steering problems are also a prominent issue with the Hyundai Elantra.
Among the worst reports were those detailing how the Elantra’s power steering would briefly fail to work and only activate at the most unexpected times. A few owners complained that the wheel locked straight while steering or made popping noises while steering.
Read: Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Read: Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years
Read: Why Hyundai Is Bad?
Read: Best & Worst Ford Explorer Years
Hyundai reliability FAQs
How reliable are Hyundai vehicles compared to other car brands?
As a result of various industry studies and surveys, Hyundai is consistently ranked as one of the industry’s most reliable brands.
According to the J.D Power 2021 U.S Vehicle Dependability Study, Hyundai ranked fourth out of 16 mass-market brands based on the number of vehicle problems experienced per 100 vehicles over a three-year period.
Are there any common problems that Hyundai owners should be aware of?
In spite of Hyundai’s good reputation for reliability, owners should be aware of a few potential issues.
It has been reported that some Hyundai models, specifically from older model years, can experience engine debris problems, which may result in engine failure or fire in severe cases. These concerns have led to Hyundai issuing recalls and extending warranty coverage for affected vehicles.
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors has been reported by some Hyundai owners, particularly on models with regenerative braking. Detecting and addressing these issues as early as possible with regular maintenance and inspection will help alleviate their severity.
How well do Hyundai vehicles hold their value over time?
As a result of the company’s reputation for reliability and quality, Hyundai vehicles have shown significant improvements in terms of retaining value over time.
A number of industry studies have found that Hyundai vehicles consistently rank among the top performers in their respective segments, such as the J.D Power U.S. Resale Value Awards and the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards. Hyundai Kona and Accent, for example, earned top honors in their respective categories in the 2021 J.D Power U.S Resale Value Awards, while other Hyundai models, such as the Elantra and Santa Fe, also scored highly.