NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 152 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata achieved a strong overall rating from NHTSA, a significant indicator of its crashworthiness. This performance is reinforced by a record of zero recalls for the model year. Our computed NHTSA Safety Index for the 2019 Sonata stands at 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong category. While its sub-score for avoidance technology moderated the overall Index, the Sonata presents a solidly favorable safety profile for a used sedan.
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata ranks 59 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 152 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 59 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata stands out within the MotorCaliber dataset for a combination that is less common than it might seem: a clean recall slate and a five-star NHTSA overall crash rating arriving together in the same model year. The Safety Index of 84/100 in the Strong band is driven heavily by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of a possible 70, reflecting those top-tier frontal and side results. The rollover four-star rating and 11-percent rollover risk are not alarming for a front-wheel-drive sedan, and the dynamic tip test returned No Tip. Where the Index gives ground is the avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10, a direct consequence of forward collision warning being absent as standard equipment and lane departure warning being optional rather than standard. That gap is meaningful because crash-avoidance technology has become a baseline expectation in this segment. The defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects the weight of 152 unverified complaints, particularly the 82 engine-related allegations, even though no recall has been issued. No prior-year Index is on file, so a year-over-year comparison cannot be made. The honest read: strong passive protection, a notable active-safety gap, and a complaint volume worth monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Sonata achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance earned four stars, with an 11 percent risk of rollover and a dynamic tip assessment of "No Tip." No crash-test categories for this model year were unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13639
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. There are no open recall actions, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA, as recall status can change after any publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has received 152 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The top alleged problem area is the engine, cited in 82 reports. Other frequently alleged components include Unknown Or Other, Exterior Lighting, the Electrical System, and the Fuel/Propulsion System. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
152 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
Because this Sonata is seven years old, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. Confirm that any future recall campaigns have been remedied by the selling party. Pay particular attention to the engine-complaint cluster when reviewing the vehicle's documented service history.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2019 Sonata specifically, a meaningful distinction from several surrounding model years in the broader Hyundai lineup.
- NHTSA awarded this model year five stars in both frontal and side crash protection, with the only step-down being a four-star rollover rating at an 11-percent risk level.
- Forward collision warning is absent as standard equipment on this model year, pulling the avoidance-tech sub-score to 3.5 out of 10 and limiting the Safety Index ceiling.
- Eighty-two of the 152 unverified NHTSA complaints target the engine, a concentration that used-market shoppers should note when evaluating any individual 2019 Sonata.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Hyundai Sonata places
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Hyundai Sonata safety questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Sonata crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Hyundai Sonata crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Hyundai Sonata earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 152 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sonata years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13639), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 59 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.