Why Hyundai Is Bad: [ Common Reasons Explained ]

As an automobile manufacturer, Hyundai has been producing millions of vehicles yearly and exports them across the world. However, a major question remains unanswered—why do so many of its cars face common problems? Based on expert analysis and owner experiences, Hyundai vehicles have reported recurring mechanical and electrical issues, affecting their long-term reliability.

 The majority of complaints involve bad engine performance, transmission failures, and premature rusting, which raises concerns about build quality. This article aims to dive into these persistent flaws, examining their cause and why Hyundai’s reputation for bad vehicles continues to grow among critics and consumers alike.

Why is Hyundai So Bad?

Here are a few of the worst things about Hyundai cars.

1. Hyundai’s Safety Failures and Faulty Crash Detection

When choosing a car, safety should be a crucial component, but Hyundai has faced serious concerns over its failing crash detection technology. Many models suffer from faulty sensor issues, causing airbags to either not deploy in an event of an accident or activate unnecessarily. Reports from NHTSA have alerted consumers about problems with Hyundai’s seatbelt pretensioners, manufactured by TRW, which were installed in millions of vehicles but have been found to fail under pressure. 

The majority of owners have also raised complaints about electrical bugs in fuel gauge readings and engine performance, leading to dangerous driving conditions. In 2018, an investigation revealed that bad quality control led to recalls, exposing cheaply made plastic molding, door handles, and mirrors that break easily due to weak connecting parts. Hyundai’s recall history, including a major one in 2009, raises serious doubts about its commitment to consumer safety, making it one of the most problematic automotive brands in terms of reliability.

2. Paint Quality

Many Hyundai owners have reported serious problems with paint quality, as their cars start peeling and fading within just a couple of years of ownership. Unlike other automakers that use high-durability coatings, Hyundai’s models suffer from weak finishes that expose metal surfaces to rust, making the issue progressively worse. Shockingly, studies show that around 6% of Hyundai cars experience this kind of defect within the first five years. 




While some warranty program policies claim to cover paint issues, many customers are left on the hook for costly repairs, as Hyundai often denies responsibility. Whether driving in harsh conditions or simply maintaining the vehicle, Hyundai’s weak paint protection raises concerns about long-term value, making it a major drawback for buyers.

3. Poor-Quality Interior

Many Hyundai cars have faced complaints about their interior quality, which is lower than rivals in the market. Owners have reported that parts tend to break, fade, or rip over time, creating a severe durability gap compared to other brands. Hyundai’s focus on eye-catching designs has led to cost-cutting on materials, particularly in automobiles manufactured around 2008, where junk materials resulted in faulty sun visors, cracked dashboards, and broken seat panels. 

While recent models have seen invested capital in improving comfort, the gap remains noticeable, and many vehicle owners still report problems. Reports also indicate that Hyundai’s interiors wear out faster than expected.

4. Hydraulic electronic control units

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in Hyundai vehicles has been identified as a major safety hazard, with investigations by NHTSA revealing its propensity to catch fire. Hyundai shares components with Kia models, and both brands have been affected by a fluid leak in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module. This defect can cause an electrical short, creating a spark that ignites a fire in the engine bay.

 Since the compartment where the HECU is placed can overheat, the risk remains even when the vehicle is parked. With increasing reports of these fires, Hyundai’s failure to implement effective solutions raises serious concerns about safety and reliability.

5. Airbag and Gearbox Failures 

Older Hyundai Accent cars have faced persistent problems with airbags and problematic gearbox systems, raising safety and reliability concerns. Many owners have reported issues with transmission, where gears start slipping, failing, or refusing to shift correctly and smoothly, directly impacting vehicle performance. These malfunctions not only reduce power but also negatively affect fuel economy ratings significantly. 

The Tucson model has been particularly associated with transmission failures, and while Hyundai has attempted to address the issue through software updates, replacing transmission lubricating fluid, and upgrading the speed sensor, many users still experience shifting failures. 

6. Electromotive Failures and Accelerator Pedal Issues

Many Hyundai owners have faced persistent problems with electrical components, leading to restless nights due to vehicle malfunctions. The 2011 Sonata model is among the worst, earning a reputation for faulty EGR switch and valve, causing rough idle and unexpected engine seizures. A critical safety concern involves failed airbag deployment, which increases accident risks.

 The accelerator pedal has also been a major problem, particularly in the Elantra, where drivers have reported issues with responsiveness. Some Hyundai cars experience overheating outlets in the cabin, adding to fire hazard risks. While Hyundai has issued recalls in the past, electrical difficulties, turning failures, and acceleration malfunctions continue to affect Hyundai sedans, making them a brand many consumers seek to avoid.

7. Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Many Hyundai models from 2011 to 2016 have been plagued by engine crankshaft position sensor failure, causing stalling problems that leave drivers and passengers stranded without warning. This issue is particularly common in the Santa Fe and Sonata, where metal debris clogs oil passages, preventing the engine from operating efficiently. 

One of the worst aspects of these failures is that consumers often remain unaware until their vehicles exhibit symptoms such as ticking noises, seizing, or sudden cutting of power. Hyundai problems related to this defect have led many car buyers to complain, as these issues pose a major risk when purchasing a new car. 

8. Inaccurate EPA Estimate

For years, customers have been complaining about Hyundai overstating EPA fuel economy ratings, leading to misleading expectations at the time of purchase. Many people rely on these ratings to calculate fuel expenses, but the inaccuracy in real-world gas mileage leaves them frustrated. 

While this problem may not seem significant initially, the lower fuel efficiency becomes noticeable over time, making long-term costs higher than expected. This issue has raised concerns among car buyers, as Hyundai’s estimated fuel economy figures do not align with actual performance, damaging trust in the brand’s transparency.

9. Steering and Handling Problems

Many Hyundai Sonata and Elantra models have been affected by steering and handling issues that significantly affect driving safety and comfort. Drivers have reported vibrations that occur when making a turn, along with clicking sounds from underneath the car. These problems become more pronounced when navigating curves, facing strong winds, or driving on uneven road surfaces, leading to wobbling and unpredictable control. 



Hyundai problems with steering have continued to plague these models, particularly those from 2011, raising concerns about potential accidents if left unchecked. Despite growing complaints, some models remain on the market with these defects, leaving consumers unaware until they experience the issues firsthand.

10. Dashboard Sensor Issues

Hyundai Motor Company has faced persistent criticism due to dashboard sensor issues, leading to inaccurate readings that misinform customers. One of the most concerning problems involves the fuel gauge, which often displays a higher fuel level than what is actually available.

 This miscalculation can leave drivers stranded while traveling, as the dashboard tells them there is enough fuel when, in reality, the car may soon run out. Despite the increasing percentage of complaints, Hyundai has yet to redesign the faulty system.

11. Exterior Components

While Hyundai has supposedly invested in improving interior and exterior components, many models continue to experience problems with external parts that compromise long-term durability. 

Owners have filed numerous complaints about door handles, mirrors, and plastic molding breaking due to weak connecting structures. These components tend to wear quickly because they are cheaply made, leading to frequent replacements and added maintenance costs. 

12. History

Many people shape their opinions about Hyundai based on past issues and personal experience with the brand. Consumer views are often influenced by direct interactions with Hyundai cars or by what they have heard from other drivers regarding reliability concerns. 

While Hyundai’s output and performance have improved over time, the company still faces challenges in rebuilding trust. Mechanical failures, recalls, and inconsistent quality continue to affect its reputation, making it difficult for some consumers to overlook past problems when considering a Hyundai vehicle.

13. Hyundai’s After-Market Depreciation 

Hyundai’s after-market value has remained a concern for buyers, as its vehicles tend to lose significantly more worth compared to other automobile companies. While Hyundai markets itself as an affordable brand, many of its used market prices drop quickly, making it less appealing for resale. Models like the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, Tucson, Elantra, Sonata, and IONIQ fall behind in resale rankings, even in segments such as PHEV SUVs, Midsize, Compact, and Subcompact SUVs. 

Although Hyundai entered the market in 2001 and gained success in perfecting an affordable yet reliable lineup, its reputation in resale markets remains weak. Even in 2023 and 2024, industry lists and highlights show that Hyundai struggles to maintain best resale values, making buyers reconsider their long-term investment in the brand.

Which Hyundai models are least reliable?

Several Hyundai models have been identified as the least reliable, particularly the 2011-2014 Sonata and the 2013-2016 Elantra, which have faced frequent mechanical failures, engine issues, and safety concerns. Buyers who put a deposit down on these cars often struggled to get their money back after discovering persistent defects. Before finalizing a deal, it is crucial to re-inspect the vehicle, ensure all necessary repairs have been completed, and request copies of all related paperwork and records to verify past maintenance. 

Some buyers have had to renegotiate their contract due to unexpected repair costs, and depending on the situation, playing your cards right may help secure a better outcome. However, these models remain risky choices for long-term ownership.

FAQS

Why do Hyundais have a bad reputation?

Hyundai has a poor reputation mainly due to past quality control issues, recalls, and negative experiences reported by consumers. The brand has faced reliability concerns in certain models, leading to doubts about its durability.

 Some believe Hyundai lacks the prestige and excitement of other automakers. These incidents contribute to the perception that the manufacturer still struggles with consistency, despite improvements in recent years.

What Are the Negatives of Hyundai?

While Hyundai cars are generally reliable, they may not be as durable as some other brands. Maintenance costs can be higher due to specialized parts and technology used in their vehicles, making repair and replacement more expensive. When compared to competitors, some models may lose value faster.

What Is the Common Problem With Hyundai?

Common issues in older models from the early 2010s often share engine problems, including failure, stalling, and transmission glitches. Many automatic transmissions have had shifting troubles, as reported by owners.

Is Hyundai Cheap Quality?

Some people assume a low price means low quality, but Hyundai has proven otherwise. The company focuses on reliable performance at a fraction of the cost, with each model designed for precision, balancing affordability with functionality.

How Long Will a Hyundai Last?

On average, Hyundai vehicles can last around 200,000 miles, but some models go beyond 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, longevity varies depending on the model and how well it is cared for.

Should I Buy a Honda or Hyundai?

If you prioritize driving dynamics and an engaging ride, Honda has the edge with better handling. It also offers strong hybrid options and superior fuel efficiency. Hyundai, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of models with competitive features.

Are Hyundais Reliable After 100K Miles?

Longevity of Hyundai’s models varies based on the level of care they receive over the years. The average life expectancy ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 miles, but a well-maintained car can exceed the 200,000-mile mark without major issues.

Should I Buy a Used Hyundai?

Many users have reported engine problems, making some jaded and hesitant to recommend a Hyundai. However, others have had positive experiences with used models. For example, one owner bought a 2008 Sonata with 160k miles, drove it up to 221k, and eventually donated it—without facing any major issues.

While 2010-2019 models had some problems, many owners still stay loyal to the brand. One person even recommended a friend to buy a new 2015 Tucson, which lasted 150k miles. When a dealership refused to repair an issue, they filed a BBB complaint, eventually getting the fix for free. The car then ran for another 100k miles without any major failures.

Are Hyundai Sonata Good Cars?

The SONATA holds a strong ranking, placing fifth in the midsize car segment out of 24 vehicles. It averages 0.3 repairs per year, with an 11% probability of a significant issue. With proper care, it can achieve between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, making it a solid long-term choice.