Hyundai's lineup has 759 recorded NHTSA recalls across 35 models (1986–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Hyundai's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Hyundai — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Hyundai has grown from its South Korean roots to become a globally recognized brand, known for offering exceptional value and innovative features in the automotive market. They’re increasingly popular with families and younger drivers seeking reliable transportation at competitive prices, and Hyundai continues to focus on advancements in safety and technology. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Hyundai VIN to uncover full vehicle specifications, recall history, and a wealth of detailed information about your specific car.
Decode a Hyundai VIN
Enter any 17-character Hyundai VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Hyundai models 35
Every Hyundai model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Hyundai SUVs & crossovers 8
Hyundai Cars & sedans 18
Hyundai More models 9
Hyundai recalls
Across the Hyundai lineup, ForCar tracks 759 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Hyundai recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Hyundai model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 102 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 96 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 87 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 68 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Accent | 50 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Azera | 41 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 32 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Veracruz | 30 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Tiburon | 27 | 3.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Excel | 24 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Hyundai: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Hyundai reliable?
Across rated models, Hyundai averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 29 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Hyundai competes across mainstream passenger segments against Toyota, Honda, Ford and Nissan, with the price-versus-feature value proposition central to its US positioning. Genesis is Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, sold separately. The N performance sub-brand competes with Volkswagen R, Honda Type R and Subaru WRX. Hyundai's 2024-2026 EV expansion targets a 12-model IONIQ-branded lineup by 2030.
Hyundai models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Hyundai model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 8,963 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 7,475 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 6,061 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 5,771 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 2,226 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Accent | 2,109 | 4.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Genesis | 1,415 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Veloster | 1,272 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 1,244 | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | 1,216 | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Hyundai models
The most fuel-efficient Hyundai models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 140 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Kona | 120 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 114 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 92 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Elantra | 54 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Sonata | 52 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Tucson | 50 mpg | Car |
| Hyundai Accent | 37 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Hyundai models
Hyundai models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Hyundai model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe XL | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Palisade | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Tucson | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Sonata | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Kona | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Hyundai Genesis | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Hyundai hybrids & electric models
Hyundai's electrified lineup — 5 hybrids and 5 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Hyundai hybrids 5
Hyundai electric & plug-in 5
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Hyundai window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Hyundai's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Hyundai window stickers →How to read a Hyundai VIN
Every Hyundai built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Hyundai |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Hyundai VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Hyundai
Chung Ju-yung founded Hyundai Engineering and Construction in 1947 and established Hyundai Motor Company in 1967 with technical assistance from Ford. The 1975 Pony, designed by ex-British Leyland designer George Turnbull, was Korea's first independently designed and exported car. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, introduced in 1998, restored consumer confidence after early-1990s quality complaints and remains in place today.
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| Parent company | Hyundai Motor Group |
| Slogan | "New Thinking. New Possibilities." |
| Models tracked | 35 (1986–2026) |
Hyundai — frequently asked
How do I decode a Hyundai VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Hyundai models are there?
ForCar tracks 35 Hyundai models spanning 1986–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Hyundai made?
Hyundai is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1967. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Hyundai recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Hyundai model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Hyundai is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Hyundai warranty?
New Hyundai vehicles come with a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Hyundai dealer.