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How Reliable is a Hyundai?

Founded in 1967, Hyundai has grown from a small South Korean automaker to a global powerhouse known for offering affordable and stylish vehicles.

A leading part of Hyundai’s success is its reliability. In an industry where dependability is a key factor in consumer decision-making, Hyundai has worked hard to establish itself as a brand that prioritizes quality and reliability.

But just how reliable are Hyundai vehicles? And how does it compare against competitors?

This article takes an honest and objective look at Hyundai’s reliability record and how it measures up against other car manufacturers.

Hyundai’s Journey Towards Reliability

In the early days of the company’s history, Hyundai faced challenges regarding quality and reliability as it was still establishing itself in the global automotive market.

However, the company recognized the importance of these factors in building customer trust and loyalty, and made a concerted effort to address these issues head-on.

One of the key turning points in Hyundai’s reliability journey came in 1998, when the company launched its “10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty” in the United States. This makes a bold statement of confidence in the quality and durability of Hyundai’s vehicles and helped to change public perception of the brand.

To improve the reliability of its vehicles further, Hyundai has invested heavily in research and development over the years.

The company has established state-of-the-art R&D centers worldwide, including South Korea, the United States, Europe, and India, and, alongside many other Asian manufacturers, has raised the bar for automobile reliability.

Hyundai Extensive Warranty Coverage

The cornerstone of Hyundai’s warranty program is the “Hyundai Assurance” package. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, which covers most components of the vehicle, including the powertrain, chassis, and electrical systems.

This warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners, providing added value and confidence for customers who may sell their vehicle before the warranty period expires.

Powertrain Warranty

In addition to the basic new vehicle warranty, Hyundai also offers an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This warranty specifically covers the engine, transmission, and related powertrain components, among a vehicle’s most critical and expensive parts.

By providing such long-term coverage for these key components, Hyundai demonstrates its confidence in the durability and reliability of its powertrains, and gives customers added assurance that their investment is protected.

Hyundai’s warranty coverage includes a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty, which covers rust-through of the vehicle’s body panels due to defects in materials or workmanship.

Complimentary Roadside Assistance and Maintenance

In addition to the above core warranty offerings, Hyundai provides complimentary roadside assistance for 5 years/unlimited miles, providing customers with 24/7 access to towing, jump-starts, lockout assistance, and other emergency services.

Hyundai further offers a complimentary maintenance program, which covers routine services such as oil changes and tire rotations for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership.

Hyundai Reliability Rankings and Accolades

Hyundai’s efforts to improve reliability have not gone unnoticed.

In the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Hyundai ranked fourth overall, showcasing the brand’s excellence in producing dependable vehicles. This study measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles over a three-year period.

RepairPal also ranks Hyundai 4th out of 32 car brands for reliability. This ranking is based on a combination of factors, including average annual repair costs ($468 for Hyundai compared to the $652 average across all models reviewed), the frequency of repairs, and the severity of those repairs. Hyundai vehicles, on average, require less frequent repairs and are less likely to require severe repairs than the industry average.

Other respected publications, such as Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book, have also recognized Hyundai’s reliability.

Low Repair Costs

One of the standout features of Hyundai cars is their low maintenance cost, which contributes significantly to their reliability perception.
For instance, the Hyundai Tucson, among other models, has been highlighted for its low repair costs for check engine repairs.

Longevity

In terms of longevity, Hyundais are expected to last around 200,000 miles, a lifespan comparable to other mainstream automotive manufacturers.

Hyundai models like the Santa Fe, Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Kona are often praised for their reliability, longevity, and low ownership costs.

Known Problems

Like any car brand, Hyundai faces its share of common problems across various models.

Some noted issues include engine crankshaft position sensor failures, transmission problems, and electrical issues across different model years, especially from 2011 to 2016.

Hyundai Reliability By Model

Let’s take a look at the reliability of some specific Hyundai models:

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson stands out in Hyundai’s lineup for its commitment to safety and reliability. Recent models, especially the 2019 and 2020 iterations, have enjoyed robust reliability ratings from J.D. Power, scoring 85 and 86 out of 100, respectively.

The 2018 model also earned a Quality Award for its dependability.

Hyundai Sonata and Elantra

The Sonata and Elantra represent Hyundai’s foray into the sedan market, both earning accolades for reliability. J.D. Power has consistently rated the Elantra highly, with RepairPal giving it a 4.5 out of 5 reliability score.

The Sonata, meanwhile, benefits from Hyundai’s extended warranties, offering peace of mind to owners through a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe, one of Hyundai’s flagship SUVs, has been recognized for its excellent reliability. J.D. Power gave the 2019 Santa Fe a high reliability score of 89 out of 100, praising its minimal engine stall complaints.

RepairPal echoes this sentiment, ranking the Santa Fe highly among midsize crossovers for reliability.

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona, a subcompact SUV, has gained popularity due to its stylish design, efficient use of space, and reliability.

Consumer Reports and other automotive review platforms have generally given the Kona high marks for reliability.

Hyundai Palisade

As Hyundai’s answer to the midsize SUV segment, the Palisade has been well-received for its spacious interior, luxurious feel at a competitive price point, and reliability.

Hyundai Ioniq

The Ioniq, available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions, represents Hyundai’s push into the eco-friendly market.

Initial reliability scores have been favorable, particularly for the hybrid models, with the Ioniq Electric facing some challenges typical of early electric vehicles, including battery reliability and range consistency.

This has since improved, and the Ioniq is among the most reliable and long-lived of all EVs today.

Reliable Powertrains and Fuel Efficiency

Let’s take a closer look at how Hyundai cars offer reliable powertrains and excellent fuel efficiency:

Advanced Engine Technologies

Hyundai has established a strong reputation for producing reliable and fuel-efficient powertrains across its vehicle lineup.

The company’s engine development optimizes performance, durability, and efficiency through advanced technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT).

The Gamma and Nu series engines are known for their compact size, lightweight construction, and high power output relative to their size.

Efficient Diesel Powertrains

Hyundai also offers efficient diesel powertrains for U-series engines. These engines employ advanced technologies such as common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbochargers, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.

They deliver excellent fuel economy, reliability, and low emissions while meeting stringent emissions standards.

Advanced Transmission Technologies

Hyundai has developed advanced transmission technologies to complement its efficient engines like the Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

Hyundai’s commitment to reliable and efficient powertrains extends to hybrid and electric vehicles.

The company’s hybrid systems, such as the one found in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, combine gasoline engines with electric motors and lithium-ion battery packs to achieve impressive fuel economy figures.

So How Reliable is a Hyundai?

Hyundais are undoubtedly reliable cars, rating in the top 10 to 15% of all manufacturers on independent evaluations.

From its robust manufacturing processes and extensive warranty coverage to its impressive reliability rankings and positive ownership experiences, Hyundai has established itself as a dependable choice in the automotive market.

As Hyundai continues to innovate and improve, its reputation for reliability will only grow stronger.

So, if reliability is a top priority in your car-buying decision, Hyundai is definitely a brand worth considering.

Hyundai reliability FAQ

How reliable are Hyundai vehicles compared to other car brands?

Today, Hyundai is considered one of the most reliable car brands on the market, consistently ranking among the top automakers in various industry studies and surveys.

For example, in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles over a three-year period, Hyundai ranked fourth overall among mass-market brands.

How well do Hyundai vehicles hold their value over time?

Hyundai vehicles have shown significant improvements in their ability to retain value over time, largely thanks to the brand’s strong reputation for reliability and quality.

According to recent industry studies, such as the J.D. Power U.S. Resale Value Awards and the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, Hyundai vehicles consistently rank among the top performers in their respective segments. For example, in the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Resale Value Awards, the Hyundai Kona and Accent earned top honors in their categories, while several other Hyundai models, such as the Elantra and Santa Fe, received highly competitive scores.

Are there any common issues or problems that Hyundai owners should be aware of?

While Hyundai has a strong overall reputation for reliability, like any car brand, there are a few potential issues that owners should be aware of.

Some Hyundai models, particularly from older model years, have been known to experience problems with engine debris, leading to engine failure or fire in severe cases. Hyundai has issued recalls for affected vehicles and extended warranty coverage to address these concerns.

Another issue that some Hyundai owners have reported is premature wear of brake pads and rotors, particularly on models with regenerative braking systems. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious.