NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 83 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two recalls, including one advising owners to park outside due to a transmission issue, temper the 2023 Hyundai Sonata HEV's otherwise solid crash-test record. This specific defect concern requires verification of resolution from prospective buyers. On the ratings NHTSA published, the Sonata HEV achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, indicating a well-protected sedan overall.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata HEV earned a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata ranks 57 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 83 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
For the 2023 Sonata HEV, the defining characteristic is its defect record. Two recalls, including a critical "park outside" notice for the transmission, contribute to a defect score of 12.5 out of 20. This year's 83 owner complaints further highlight this vulnerability, clustering heavily around the Fuel and Propulsion System and the Engine, aligning directly with a fuel-system recall that spans model years 2020-2023. These issues temper an otherwise strong safety showing. The 2023 Sonata HEV achieved a 5-out-of-5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with perfect 5-star scores for side impact and rollover resistance. Its crash protection earned 65 out of 70 possible points. Avoidance technology is a notable strength, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard features. Despite these significant safety assets, the 4-star frontal crash rating, in conjunction with the park-outside recall, indicates specific areas where the 2023 model deviates from an unblemished record. The 2023 Sonata HEV holds a Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a one-point improvement over the 2022 model's 87 out of 100.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Sonata HEV achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching its 5-star performance in both side impact and rollover protection. The rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip registered during testing. Frontal protection, however, received 4 stars, preventing a clean sweep of 5-star ratings across all categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18644
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Two recalls cover this model year. The first involves the fuel system, specifically a damaged check valve that can allow air to enter the fuel tank, affecting 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. The second, a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign issued in 2023, targets the automatic transmission electronic control, shared across 2023-2024 Palisade, Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The park-outside designation signals a serious safety concern requiring immediate attention.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE25V796000
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu
Reported 2025-11-18
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V526000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Reported 2023-07-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners have filed 83 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System with 36 reports, the Engine with 26, and the Power Train with 15. Five complaints allege a crash. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
83 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
Prospective owners of a 2023 Sonata HEV should verify recall completion prior to purchase. Two recalls have been issued, one of which involves a park-outside advisory for the transmission. Buyers must confirm in writing that all remedy work has been completed on any individual vehicle before finalizing the transaction.
- The 2023 model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the automatic transmission electronic control, a designation NHTSA reserves for conditions posing elevated risk, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for any used purchase.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned 4 stars for this year, the only category below 5 stars in an otherwise strong sweep that included 5-star side, rollover, and overall ratings.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this specific model year total 83, with 36 alleging problems in the Fuel and Propulsion System, a concentration that maps directly onto the active fuel-system recall covering 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles.
- The Safety Index moved from 87/100 in 2022 to 88/100 in 2023, a one-point gain within the same Strong band, with the defect record sub-score of 12.5 out of 20 representing the primary constraint on a higher rating.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Sonata places
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Hyundai Sonata safety questions
Was the 2023 Hyundai Sonata crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Sonata, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Hyundai Sonata crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Hyundai Sonata earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 83 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sonata years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18644), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata 2023.
- 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 57 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.