The 2010 Sonata lasts around 250,000 miles with only some door handles and paint issues. At $5,787 to $8,835, it’s a good value for a midsize sedan with an upscale cabin.
Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2010 is a good year for the Sonata. Owner reviews praise the low maintenance costs, efficient engines, and high quality interior.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Sonata models from 2005-2010 are all good with a spike in mechanical problems on the 2011 model.
- Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 is more exciting to drive.
- The 2010 Sonata is a very safe car, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 25 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Sonata?
- Consumer Reports says the Sonata offers a pleasant ride, but owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
- Edmunds gives the Sonata a 4.5/5 liking the nice interior, but disliking the bland styling.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sonata 4.6/5 and enjoy the roominess, but don’t like that it’s not sporty.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata Have?
The most common problems found on the 2010 Sonata include broken door handles, peeling paint, and worn-out starter motors.
Door handles falling off are the most common problems showing up at around 80,000 miles. The exterior door handle breaks where it attaches to the car, and costs about $200 to replace.
Peeling paint is another frequent issue reported by owners in the first 100,000 miles. Paint that’s improperly cared for will start to chip and peel. Repainting the affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.
Broken starter motors show up on some Sonatas at roughly 85,000 miles. The starter motor simply wears out as it ages, and replacing the entire assembly costs $400.
There are 2 recalls, covering the stop lamp switch and a suspension crossmember which can rust and increases the risk of an accident if it breaks.
How Long Will the 2010 Hyundai Sonata Last?
The 2010 Hyundai Sonata should be able to last over 250,000 miles, similar to other midsize sedans like the Mazda6. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to other sedans as well, at $446 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.
Most 2010 Sonatas will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the radiator for $400, the engine front gasket costing $500, and the strut bearings which cost $200.
Very reliable for me and my family. Have no complaints here. Haven't had no problems that couldn't be fixed.
It is a very reliable car. I have never had any problems with it and I would trust it enough to drive across the country in it.
It has always been reliable whenever I have driven it and has not had any major problems so far and hopefully never will.
This vehicle is reliable. I have had a series of issues with the car. I am the only driver of the car and am a gentle user driving about 10 miles per day. For longer trips I actually rent cars. In my Hyundai The sun visors have broken, windows work erratically, alarm broken. Also the interior fabrics are of low quality-stains easily and ripped. IN Addition I have a sensor on the dash that no one can figure out how to shut off. Last but not least, all of my door handles have broken. Yes, all of them.
All Hyundais generally have one electrical problem during the first year. It is normally a small problem and fixed by the dealer quickly with no other problems at all.
I would say it’s a reliable car to buy. I bought the car two years ago and have not had any problem at all. It also have a great gas mileage so it’s a plus
Very reliable car. I've never had any major or minor problems. Just typical maintenance issues: oil changes, battery, and tires.
Never. As I stated previously, all one needs to do is change the oil and rotate tires on a regular basis, and the car pretty much takes care of itself.
How Much Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,787 to $8,835, making the Sonata about $1,000 cheaper than a Nissan Altima or Honda Accord. When new, the price range was $18,700 to $26,550. Depreciation is similar to other midsize sedans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sonata?
There are three models of the Sonata available. The infotainment system was last updated in 2008, and there’s a full redesign for the sedan coming in 2011.
GLS is the entry-level model and has:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With USB & 3.5mm Inputs
SE is a step up and adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather & Cloth Seating
- 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Sport Suspension
- Rear Spoiler
Limited is the flagship model with:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Full Leather Seating
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Infinity Stereo System
- Navigation System With Bluetooth
What Engines Come In the Sonata?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L-4-cylinder with 175 horsepower, which gets up to 25 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the powerful 3.3L V6, which makes 249 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking 7.1 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Sonata Come In?
How Big Is the Sonata?
The 2010 Sonata is a midsize sedan, similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, and adults easily fit in the backseats with plenty of legroom.
Cargo space is generous compared to rivals, with 16.3 cubic feet of room, which can fit 4-5 suitcases.
How Does the Sonata Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Accord is a popular competitor costing $1,000 more. Performance and driving feel are better in the Accord, but the Sonata is more luxurious for the money. We recommend the Sonata for 2010 since it’s more reliable, but the competition is closer in other years.
The Hyundai Elantra is another rival costing about $700 less. Ownership costs are lower on the Elantra, but the Sonata has more room and better technology. We recommend going with the Sonata since it offers more room and technology in the same price range.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Sonata?
Yes very good and durable. Many options. Big for a family. Great for long distances. Easy to fix. Cheap to fix. Not bad to get gas.
Yes it is. It is very reliable and gets me everywhere I need to be. I have had it for about a year now and no sensors have came on.
I have had it for almost 10 years and it runs very well and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good car.
As a long time owner of this vehicle, I have a vote of no confidence for this automobile. The engine has been fine, however, the fixtures interior exterior have had a myriad of issues.
I have found that all the Hyundai's are a good buy because you get a lot for the money The Sonata is in my opinion the best of them although others will argue that the genesis is. The Genesis just cost too much.
Yes it is a good vehicle with great features. I bought it used and I have it for two years now with no problem at all.
Excellent vehicle. No problems with the car just typical maintenance: every 3000 old change, battery, tires.
Yes. It is very reliable with little maintenance required. If I change the oil on a regular basis and rotate tires at the same time then that is the limit of my operating costs, minus fuel.