Hyundai Sonata

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 896 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

896

Highest Pass Rate

2007 (75%)

Years Covered

About the Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata was MOT tested 896 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (2003 to 2010), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 75% from 174 tests. The 2008 model has the lowest at 67%. The 8 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Hyundai Sonata has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2003) averages 75,884 miles, while the newest (2010) averages 105,703 miles.

Compared to the Hyundai brand average of 83%, the Sonata is 7 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Hyundai models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1991cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2010 details

How reliable is the Hyundai Sonata?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Hyundai brand average-7% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread8 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Hyundai Sonata by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	89%	44	105,703 mi
2009	69%	98	82,721 mi
2008	67%	101	107,212 mi
2007	75%	174	100,433 mi
2006	73%	195	95,075 mi
2005	69%	188	88,254 mi
2004	83%	58	83,612 mi
2003	82%	38	75,884 mi

Questions about the Hyundai Sonata

Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Across its 8 model years in our data (2003 to 2010), the Hyundai Sonata averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 896 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2007 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 75%.

Which year Hyundai Sonata has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Hyundai Sonata has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 67%, a 8 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.