Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

With the Sonata, we've had excellent participation by owners of the 2007 and especially the 2006. Very much need more participants for other years. I'd especially like to provide quick results on the 2009.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

 

Latest results just posted. The 2006 and 2007 continue to require few repairs.

No results for other years yet because too few owners have signed up to partipate. I'd like to have more years in future results.

To help make this happen for your year:

Vehicle reliability research

 

Next update in August.

200 Sonatas signed up so far. Additional participants always helpful.

Vehicle reliability research

 

That update has been posted. Both the 2006 and 2007 continue to require few repairs.

Additional participants needed to report on other model years. Additional 2006s and 2007s also helpful.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

227 now signed up. A good start, but more are needed.

Vehicle reliability research

 

And now 245. Updated results in mid-November.

To help us provide the best possible results for your year:

Vehicle reliability research

 

As promised,results for the Hyundai Sonatahave been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2006: 55, about average

2007: 28, better than average

2008: 46, about average, but very small sample size

Additional participants would enable us to provide more precise results and include more model years. We'd especially like to havea result for the new 2009.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

This month's survey is the last before the February results. Sample sizes have been marginal for the Sonata, so additional participants would be very helpful.

Help get your year into the results:

Car reliability research

 

We have updated results for the Sonata. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2006: 62, about average

2007: 51, about average

2008: 53, about average

2009: 24, better than average

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover earlier model years.

We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the Sonata:

Hyundai Sonata reliability comparisons

 

In a week or so we'll start previewing the next set of results to participants. More needed to provide results for all model years, especially those before 2006.

Car reliability research