With decades of combined experience covering the latest news, reviewing the best equipment and advising you on your next car purchase, The Drive is the leading authority on everything automotive. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you buy a product through one of our links. So you want to buy a Hyundai but are not sure about the reliability of the Korean brand? Well, you've come to the right place. The excellent information team at The Drive is well versed in everything related to Hyundai's reliability, and we're here to share that information.
Although you may not be familiar with the history of Hyundai, the brand dates back to the late 1960s. After initially partnering with Ford, Hyundai has become a global powerhouse and sells more than a million vehicles worldwide every year, of which more than 700,000 are sold in the United States. Part of that success is because the company has taken advantage of affordability across its entire range. The other part comes down to the reliability and engineering of every car, crossover, and SUV.
As with all manufacturers, there are some bad apples and customers may consider them to be widespread problems that ruin the brand's reputation. To dispel those myths, The Drive team explains the Hyundai lineup. Reliability depends on a number of variables, but the two most important structural supports are the development and manufacture of a vehicle. When automakers spend time and money developing a car and its manufacturing line, a car tends to last longer.
Hastily designed, poorly manufactured and cheaply manufactured materials will reduce the longevity and reliability of the car. There is also a work ethics variable that cannot be ignored. The reliability cultures of Honda and Toyota, in general, embody that ethic and, therefore, have kept each other's legendary reliability in the minds of consumers for decades. Add in longer-than-normal warranties and good customer service, and it's easy to see why these Japanese companies have enjoyed a strong position for so long.
However, once a car leaves the dealership parking lot, external factors affect the car's durability. The longer answer is that the reliability and longevity of a car are inextricably linked to how you care for it, your maintenance program, your conservative or reckless driving habits, and whether or not you live in climates where extreme weather conditions could affect the construction of the car. Preventive maintenance, such as regular oil changes, fluid discharge, tire rotation and fuel system cleaners, in addition to keeping the exterior and bottom of the car clean, will increase the life expectancy of the car. Keeping it away from the harsh tropical or desert sun, as well as salty roads that cause winter rust, will also extend its lifespan.
Here at The Drive, we've driven almost every model in Hyundai's ever-expanding range. We've also had experiences with previous Hyundai models, some of which weren't great. Here's a brief overview of the most reliable Hyundai models from the past 10 years. As one of Hyundai's best-selling offerings, the Santa Fe is also one of the most reliable crossovers, according to RepairPal.
With a rating of four out of five, the Santa Fe ranks second among 26 other mid-size crossovers. Both the NHTSA and CarComplaints have registered almost zero complaints for Santa Fe in recent years. As with other car brands, not all Hyundai models are built to the same demanding standards as the reliable vehicles mentioned above. This is a quick summary of problematic Hyundai deals, including customer issues and complaints.
A customer complaint read: “Our Tucson moved downward when we reached an intersection and was not moving more than 5 mph. We almost got hit by a tractor trailer. This is the third serious incident related to the transmission of this vehicle. We won't drive it until Hyundai replaces the transmission.
Since the transmission failure is being removed from the market, you shouldn't lose a dollar. However, if you're considering a used Tucson, make sure the transmission has been repaired by Hyundai. Previous Hyundais weren't reliable, but it's been many years since that dark era. Today's Hyundai cars are very good cars and yet offer fantastic value propositions.
Hyundai is a valuable brand that has been on a continuous path of improvement. In recent years, it has grown to be high-end both in fit and finish, as well as in price, but overall the line is still quite affordable. If you need a new engine or you just crashed into the Prius at the idle in front of you, it will cost you a lot. If you are only going to change the oil, it will be affordable.
Toyota's legendary reliability remains intact, yet brands like Hyundai, Honda and Kia are catching up quickly. The information team at The Drive suggests that if you're buying used cars, hire a professional mechanic to inspect the car. If you are going to buy a new car and enjoy the car during the test drive, you are likely to be satisfied with your purchase. Technology, performance and design in your inbox.
The articles may contain affiliate links that allow us to share the income from any purchase made. When buying a vehicle, the main thing most consumers are looking for is its reliability and durability. Since buying a vehicle is a big investment, it makes sense for owners to want to make sure that they are buying something that will last quite a few years. On average, a Hyundai engine has a lifespan that ranges from 250,000 to 400,000 km.
Depending on how much you drive each day, your car's engine could be in perfect working condition for 15 to 20 years. However, to ensure that your car's engine can last that long, there are a few things you'll need to do on your part to keep it in good working order. The average lifespan of all vehicles is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. One of the reasons Hyundai outperforms the competition in terms of reliability is its exceptionally good warranties.
Hyundai offers 5-year warranties for unlimited mileage, much higher than the industry average, approximately 60,000 miles or 3 years. It's worth remembering that, after a purchase in 1998, Hyundai and Kia are part of the same company. Reliability plays an important role when reselling a car, as cars with a reputation for solid build quality are more likely to attract buyers looking for a safe investment. It's another SUV offering, this time in the mid-range category, from Hyundai that has a smooth ride, a well-equipped cab and a long list of standard features for that price.
The brand is known for producing cars with capable engines, sleek interiors and plenty of standard features for its price. So, do the math and the average Hyundai will last 7 to 13 years, if not longer, with proper care and maintenance. Now that Hyundai is competing with the automotive greats, they must also meet or exceed the standards they have set over the years. Hyundai is now known for producing sleek, easy to drive and affordable cars that rank high in reliability.
However, which one stands to gain? While both are quite good and take a big advantage over other contemporary brands, Toyota gives Hyundai a slight boost for maximum reliability. This shows that Hyundai believes that its build quality is high enough that repairs are not frequent. Despite the fact that Hyundai cars are considered economy cars, their prices are not much lower than those of Honda or Toyota. If you have had difficulty starting your car, consult an authorized Hyundai service center immediately.
According to CarMD, Hyundai has the lowest number of repairs per year and the second lowest average repair cost. Numerous Hyundai models are on Consumer Reports' “recommended” list, which provides good overall scores for reliability, customer satisfaction, safety features and test results. . .
