NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, securing its position in the Strong safety band. This standing represents a decline from the prior year's Exceptional rating, primarily due to a notably low score in avoidance technology and the presence of one active recall. While NHTSA crash-test results are largely excellent, these factors collectively influence the overall safety assessment.
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata ranks 55 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata?
A nine-point drop in the Safety Index to 86 out of 100 marks the 2026 Sonata, a notable decline from the 2025 model's 95 out of 100 Exceptional rating. The primary factor in this decrease is the vehicle's avoidance technology score, which registers a mere 2 out of 10 points. This reflects the absence of critical active safety systems such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this particular configuration, though electronic stability control is standard. The avoidance tech component carries 10 points of index weight, leaving a substantial void in the 2026 Sonata's active safety profile. In terms of crash protection, the Sonata maintains a genuine strength, earning 65 out of 70 points. NHTSA testing resulted in 5-star overall, side, and rollover ratings, underscoring robust passive safety. The frontal crash test, however, yielded 4 stars, representing a minor weakness in an otherwise strong crash-test performance. The defect record remains solid, contributing 19 out of 20 points to the index, supported by only one recall campaign and a minimal number of owner complaints to date. For the 2026 model year, buyers should consider the strong crash integrity against the limited active-safety features present in this configuration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Sonata achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover tests also rated 5 stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip. The frontal crash test result was 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21161
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
One recall is on record for this model year. It covers the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel, and is shared across certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson PHEV, 2026 IONIQ 5, and Santa Cruz vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available NHTSA data for this campaign.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata?
Two unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged. The top components cited in these unverified reports are Tires and an Unknown or Other category, each with one allegation.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata?
A critical electrical recall affecting the instrument cluster warrants immediate attention for any prospective buyer of this model year. Before purchase, verifying that this recall has been fully remedied is essential; it is not automatically completed and requires confirmation through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2026 Sonata's Safety Index fell nine points from the 2025 model's 95/100 Exceptional rating to 86/100 Strong, driven almost entirely by a near-zero avoidance-technology score on this AWD configuration.
- NHTSA testing gave this model year a 5-star overall rating, but the frontal crash result came in at 4 stars, the only category below the maximum across all tested dimensions.
- The sole recall on record for this model year targets the instrument cluster and electrical panel, a campaign shared with several other 2025-2026 Hyundai models; VIN-level verification of remedy status is essential.
- Only two unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, citing Tires and an Unknown or Other component, with no crashes, injuries, or fatalities alleged in those reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Sonata places
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Sonata safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Sonata crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Sonata, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2026 Hyundai Sonata crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Sonata have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sonata years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21161), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata 2026.
- 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 55 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.