How Much Does It Cost to Replace Struts on a Hyundai Sonata?

Replacing struts on a Hyundai Sonata typically costs about $600 to $1,400 for both front struts at most repair shops in the U.S., depending on model year, parts quality, and labor rates; replacing all four corners (front and rear) can range from roughly $1,000 to $2,200.

Why Strut Replacement Costs Vary So Widely

The price to replace struts on a Hyundai Sonata is shaped by several key factors: whether you replace front, rear, or all four; the model year and exact trim; the brand and type of replacement strut; and where you have the work performed. Understanding these drivers helps explain why estimates can differ by hundreds of dollars from one shop or city to another.

Typical Cost Ranges for Hyundai Sonata Strut Replacement

While exact prices depend on location and parts, industry labor guides, national chain pricing, and recent real-world quotes provide a realistic range of what most owners pay for Sonata strut work.

Front Struts Only

Most shops quote front struts separately, since they are the most commonly replaced and the most critical for steering and braking stability.

• Parts (both front struts): About $220–$520 for decent aftermarket up to premium/OEM-equivalent struts.
• Labor (both fronts): Typically $250–$450, representing about 2–3 hours at $100–$180 per hour in many markets.
• Total for front pair: Around $600–$1,000 at most independent shops or national chains.
• Dealer pricing: Often $800–$1,200+ using OEM Hyundai parts and higher labor rates.

These figures reflect average 2015–2022 Sonata models, though older or newer generations may see modest differences; in general, counting on somewhere in the mid-hundreds to around a thousand dollars for the front struts is realistic.

Rear Shocks/Struts Only

On many Sonata generations, the rear uses shocks or strut-like dampers that are usually a bit cheaper and quicker to replace than the fronts.

• Parts (both rear units): Roughly $160–$420, depending on brand and whether you use “quick” assemblies.
• Labor (both rears): About $180–$350, generally less time-consuming than fronts.
• Total for rear pair: Commonly $350–$750 at independent shops.
• Dealer pricing: Usually $500–$900+ for both rears.

Because rear components are often simpler to access, owners sometimes choose to delay rear replacement if wear is mild, though best practice is to keep damping balanced front to rear.

All Four Corners (Front and Rear)

Many drivers choose to replace all four dampers at once once the suspension shows age-related wear, especially on higher-mileage cars.

• Parts (complete set, 4 corners): Approximately $450–$1,000 for quality aftermarket or OE-equivalent brands.
• Labor (all four): Typically $450–$800, depending on model year and shop rates.
• Total for full set: In most areas, about $1,000–$2,200 for a complete suspension refresh.
• Wheel alignment: Add $100–$200, almost always recommended after front strut replacement.

Doing all four corners in one visit can reduce long-term labor duplication and keep the car’s handling and braking consistent, though the upfront cost is significantly higher.

How Model Year and Trim Affect the Price

Not all Sonatas are built the same, and the generation and trim level influence parts availability and labor difficulty, which then influence your final bill.

Common Generations on the Road Today

Different Sonata generations, from early 2010s sedans to the latest hybrids and turbo trims, can show noticeable pricing differences in both parts and labor.

• 2011–2014 Sonata (YF): Broad aftermarket support; parts usually on the lower end of the price range; labor is straightforward.
• 2015–2019 Sonata (LF): Very common in shops; wide range of strut options; average costs sit near the mid-range figures listed above.
• 2020–present Sonata (DN8): Newer models may carry slightly higher parts costs; some shops may steer customers toward OEM or premium brands.
• Hybrid & turbo trims: In some cases, different suspension tuning or load ratings lead to higher-priced specialty parts.

In practice, the largest influence is often whether your Sonata is old enough for plentiful budget aftermarket options, or new enough that OEM or near-OEM parts dominate the catalog.

Parts Choices: OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Quick-Struts

Choosing between different part types and brands is one of the most powerful ways to move your strut replacement bill up or down, without necessarily compromising safety.

OEM (Hyundai Genuine) Struts

Hyundai-branded components are often similar or identical to the original parts installed at the factory.

• Pros: Guaranteed fit, factory ride quality, solid compatibility, and dealer-backed warranties.
• Cons: Frequently the most expensive option; dealer labor rates add to total cost.
• Price impact: Often pushes a front strut job closer to the $800–$1,200+ range.

OEM parts are attractive for newer vehicles or owners prioritizing factory feel, but aren’t strictly necessary for many commuters.

Aftermarket Standard Struts

Aftermarket brands such as KYB, Monroe, Gabriel, Sachs, and others supply direct-fit struts for most Sonata years.

• Pros: Typically 20–40% cheaper than OEM; many offer robust warranties; wide availability.
• Cons: Ride quality and longevity can vary; ultra-cheap brands may underperform or fail early.
• Price impact: Front pair parts often $220–$400, keeping total jobs in the mid-hundreds.

Reputable mid-tier aftermarket brands are a common choice for balancing cost with reliability on daily-driver Sonatas.

Complete “Quick-Strut” Assemblies

Many shops recommend “quick-strut” assemblies, which include the strut, coil spring, mount, and related hardware preassembled in one unit.

• Pros: Less labor time, no spring compressing, and you renew worn mounts and bearings simultaneously.
• Cons: Higher upfront part cost than bare struts; quality varies widely between brands.
• Price impact: Assemblies may add $50–$150 per corner compared with bare struts, but can reduce labor slightly.

For older, higher-mileage Sonatas, quick-strut assemblies are often cost-effective because they address multiple aging suspension components in one go.

Labor, Alignment, and Added Fees

The line items beyond parts can add several hundred dollars to your final invoice, especially at higher-end shops and dealers.

Labor Time and Shop Rates

Professional repair guides list specific labor times for strut replacement, but actual billed hours vary by shop and region.

• Front struts labor time: Commonly 1.5–2.5 hours total for the pair.
• Rear struts/shocks labor time: Often 1–2 hours for both.
• Hourly rates: Around $90–$150 at independents in many U.S. areas; $140–$200+ at dealers in high-cost regions.
• Net effect: Labor frequently lands between $250–$800 depending on how many corners are replaced and where.

In cities with high labor costs, the same job can run several hundred dollars more than in suburban or rural areas, even with identical parts.

Wheel Alignment and Related Services

Because replacing front struts affects steering geometry, most reputable shops recommend an alignment immediately afterward.

• Four-wheel alignment: Commonly $100–$200.
• Additional fees: Shop supplies, environmental fees, taxes, and potential disposal charges can add $20–$60.
• Extra parts: Top mounts, bump stops, and sway bar links, if worn, might add another $50–$200 in parts and modest labor.

Although these extras increase the bill, they help ensure even tire wear, proper handling, and fewer return visits for squeaks or clunks.

When It’s Time to Replace Struts on a Sonata

Knowing the service intervals and warning signs can help you plan for the expense before the suspension deteriorates enough to compromise safety or tire life.

Typical Lifespan and Mileage

Real-world data from owners and technicians indicates a wide lifespan range, depending on road conditions and driving style.

• Normal service life: Many Sonata struts last about 70,000–120,000 miles before noticeable degradation.
• Harsh conditions: Frequent potholes, rough roads, or heavy loads can shorten that window significantly.
• Preventive replacement: Some owners proactively replace at 100,000–120,000 miles to restore original ride and handling.

Mileage is only a guideline; actual replacement needs depend heavily on how and where the car is driven.

Symptoms of Worn Struts

If you’re trying to gauge whether the expense is imminent, several driving and visual symptoms can serve as red flags.

• Excessive bouncing or “floating” after bumps, dips, or highway undulations.
• Nose-dive under braking or noticeable body roll during cornering.
• Uneven or cupped tire wear that returns even after alignment and tire rotation.
• Clunking, knocking, or rattling from the suspension over rough roads.
• Oil seepage or wetness on the strut body indicating internal fluid leakage.

Once multiple symptoms appear, delaying replacement can lead to accelerated tire wear, longer stopping distances, and a less stable driving experience.

Cost-Saving Strategies Without Sacrificing Safety

For many Hyundai Sonata owners, the challenge is balancing safety and handling against a tight repair budget; some practical steps can reduce the bill while keeping the car safe.

Getting Multiple Estimates

Prices can vary dramatically among nearby shops, so comparison shopping is often worth the time.

• Request itemized quotes that separate parts, labor, alignment, and taxes.
• Compare OEM vs. aftermarket options and confirm warranty details for both parts and labor.
• Check reviews or ask for recommendations from other Hyundai owners or local forums.
• Use national chains’ online tools (where available) for ballpark pricing before calling independents.

Transparent, written quotes with clear line items make it easier to choose a shop and avoid surprises on the final invoice.

Choosing the Right Parts and Timing

Making thoughtful choices about parts and scheduling can keep costs manageable over the life of the vehicle.

• Opt for reputable mid-tier aftermarket brands if OEM pricing is too high but you still want reliability.
• Replace in pairs (front or rear) to maintain balanced handling and avoid paying duplicated labor later.
• Align maintenance with other work (like tires or brakes) to reduce vehicle downtime and trips to the shop.
• Watch for promotions from parts manufacturers or shops, especially seasonal suspension or “ride control” specials.

Strategic decisions about timing and parts selection let owners maintain a safe, comfortable Sonata without consistently paying top-of-market prices.

Summary

For a Hyundai Sonata, replacing both front struts usually costs around $600–$1,400 at most U.S. repair shops, while a complete four-corner job can run roughly $1,000–$2,200, including parts, labor, and alignment. The final figure depends on model year, OEM versus aftermarket parts, shop labor rates, and whether you replace just the front, just the rear, or all four dampers. Getting multiple itemized quotes, choosing reputable aftermarket or quick-strut assemblies, and planning for an alignment can help you control costs while keeping your Sonata safe, stable, and comfortable on the road.