2018 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Sonata years
Typical for this model
39/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Hyundai Sonata year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 97 of its 375 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Excessive engine oil consumption and low oil warnings (130 complaints, median 64,700 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019, 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 375filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 21,250miles, 140 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints about this model year describe engine problems: sudden loss of power while driving, a shudder or jerk, an illuminated check engine light, and oil that disappears quickly between changes. Many owners also report trouble starting in cold weather and trunk latch failures. Reports appear from very low mileage up through well past 100,000 miles, with the engine-related ones tending to show up around 30,000 to 120,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine stalls or loses power, often with check engine light
- 123 complaints (33%)
- median 22,947 mi at 2.2 yrs old (51 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the car shuddering, jerking or stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with the check engine warning light on. Some say it restarts after a pause, others report it will not restart and had to be towed. Complaints mention diagnoses of knock sensor failure, engine failure requiring replacement, or misfiring cylinders, and several say the fault returned after repair. Some owners were told to keep driving and monitor oil use before any repair was approved. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 148,000 miles, with many between about 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the engine control software campaigns were completed, and whether any engine or knock sensor work was done. Have a mechanic pull stored codes and check compression before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During the drive, check engine lights on then suddenly, HEV warning lights with turn off the engine with critical alert sound. I was drove again after attempting to start several times then again & again... It freaked me out when I drove on the highway, and yet to fixed & afraid to go to the dealer becase of cost & uncertain reasons. This could be big accidents on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11514538, filed 2023-03, 111,325 miles“While driving car on an interstate highway engine power suddenly declined and vehicle had no pickup. I was unable to keep up with the highway traffic, I had to tow the car to the dealership for repairs. I was informed by the Hyundai service department that my car required a computer software upgrade to correct the condition. Apparently they are aware of this problem but there are no recalls concerning this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11387866, filed 2021-01, 20,000 miles - Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption and low oil warnings
- 130 complaints (35%)
- median 64,700 mi at 4.9 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report adding oil frequently between changes, in some cases several quarts within a couple thousand miles, and describe the low oil or oil pressure light coming on. Complaints say dealers ran oil consumption tests and sometimes found the vehicle operating normally or declined warranty coverage. Some trace the loss to a leaking gasket or a cracked oil pan rather than internal wear. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 130,000 miles, often noticed shortly after an oil change.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burning smell on the dipstick, and ask whether an oil consumption test has ever been performed. Confirm the oil pan and gaskets are dry.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car consumes TOO much oil. Even after I get an oil change I have to add more oil weeks later and the oil is always black. Several times the sensor has gone out on me on the hwy and I’m not able to accelerate or go over 35 miles which is extremely dangerous .”
NHTSA complaint #11536537, filed 2023-08, 127,961 miles“I was driving in another city and my car went into limp mode. I had it towed to nearby dealer and they said I was low in oil, after having it changed an month before. They did oil consumption test and found it to be 1 quart per 1000 miles and left there and 2 months later had another consumption test done after seeing my car was one in the class action on engine and bearings. They found this one to be 1.1 qts per 1000 miles. Dealer said no way will they send info to get a new engine under warranty. A qt a 1000 miles seems very excessive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11382856, filed 2020-12, 99,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Sudden unintended acceleration or braking concerns
- 89 complaints (24%)
- median 16,590 mi at 1.8 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- 16 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,250 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the car accelerating on its own while parking or making a low-speed maneuver, in some cases striking a wall or post despite brake application. A few complaints mention the ABS module failing, a soft or low brake pedal, or the vehicle braking by itself. Complaints say dealers could not duplicate the condition, and in some cases the vehicle was not diagnosed. Reported from under 10,000 to about 40,000 miles, mostly during low-speed parking or driveway maneuvers.
What to check: Test the brakes at low speed in an empty lot and watch for an ABS warning light on the dash. Ask whether the ABS module or any brake components have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“ABS module stopped working and the ABS module light is on. Car automatically brakes by its self sometimes or locks up at stop lights creating dangerous driving situations”
NHTSA complaint #11556945, filed 2023-11, 157,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11662272, filed 2025-05, 40,000 miles - Electrical system
Will not start in cold weather
- 34 complaints (9%)
- median 39,777 mi at 2.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe the car failing to crank or start when temperatures drop, sometimes below freezing, while starting normally in warmer weather. Complaints mention dealers being unable to reproduce or find the cause, and owners pointing to the starter or its solenoid as the fix. Some also note repeated no-start conditions with no warning. Reported from about 25,000 to 72,000 miles, typically in temperatures near or below freezing.
What to check: If you can, start the car cold on the morning of the test drive. Ask whether the starter or solenoid has been replaced and whether battery and charging system checks were done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car has a mind of it on when I turn on heat the radio station goes static very bad engine light keep coming on go to dealership they keep on reset instead of fixing it yesterday my starter burn out .just out the blue with no warning sign it was going out”
NHTSA complaint #11301284, filed 2020-01, 51,160 miles“I rent this car from tower rentals I paid 1300$ day before easter no one would come get it fix it I'm in queens I got money tolls and gas took to their repair shop in bronx yesterday after 4 hours they told me nothing wrong sent me home after they did 50 min inspection which it failed. They have caused me tons of money parts jumps travel time loss of work and do not care or reimburse me the car sits x time won't start again without jump I sent numerous emails asking my yearly receipt all I've paid still not given it to me”
NHTSA complaint #11322706, filed 2020-04, 50,000 miles - Other or unknown
Trunk latch fails or trunk will not open or close
- 18 complaints (5%)
- median 31,250 mi at 3.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report the trunk failing to open with the key fob or interior release, or failing to latch shut after opening. Some describe a broken plastic part in the latch assembly, and one owner reported being locked out of the trunk with the key fob inside. Complaints mention latch replacement, and some note the problem returned after repair or that recall parts were unavailable. Reported from roughly 17,000 to 70,000 miles, with several cases under 45,000 miles.
What to check: Open and close the trunk several times and test the interior emergency release. Ask whether recall 21V619000 was completed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was I a parking and I opened the trunk, after that it was impossible to close it. The trunck latch failed. It has a plastic part that broke. I had to purchase a new one.”
NHTSA complaint #11389160, filed 2021-01, 32,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the trunk failed to open while using the key fob and the controllers on the interior of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trunk latch had failed, and the emergency cable associated with the trunk needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,176.”
NHTSA complaint #11604434, filed 2024-07, 44,176 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a large share of engine-related complaints, so service records showing completed software campaigns and any engine work matter more than mileage alone. Check oil level and consumption history, test a cold start, and confirm the trunk latch recall was performed before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 375 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. 140 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 21,250 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 20 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 208 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Hyundai Sonata model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 39 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine212 57%
- Electrical system60 16%
- Other or unknown59 16%
- Fuel system34 9.1%
- Exterior lighting22 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control19 5.1%
- Brakes17 4.5%
- Body and structure17 4.5%
- Engine cooling14 3.7%
Also reported: Steering (9), Latches, locks and linkages (8), Seat belts (8), Forward collision avoidance (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Suspension (5), Air bags (4), Tires (4), Lane departure (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My 2018 Sonata will not start when temp drops below 20 deg f. It has happened 3 times this winter and when it warms back up to 40 to 50 degree it will start. When I turn the key on all the lights on the dash light up like normal. I can move hear selector and turn wheel. But the starter will not engage nothing is heard not a click or a shirt. Is this common problem?”
NHTSA complaint #11290767, filed 2019-12, 9,500 milesElectrical system: “On 03/23/2019, when I was leaving a parking lot my car started to hesitate and would not rev up. I just turned out the parking lot when this happened. Message came on stated it need to be serviced. At the same time the engine light came on. I was not able to press the accelerator because it would jump like crazy. I was able to get back to the parking lot safely. I have been in a rental for a month now and as of 04/23/2019 I was told the part is on back order. …”
NHTSA complaint #11203148, filed 2019-04, 11,000 milesOther or unknown: “I was traveling on the highway with no existing problems. I drove off my intended exit when suddenly my vehicle jerked really hard, check engine light started blinking and my car started slowing down almost to a complete stop. Didn't know what to do so I just kept driving as the car kept jerking and slowing down on its own! I stop by an auto zone where the guy comes out and uses his device to find out the potential problem he says the problem seems to be the knock sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #11317476, filed 2020-03, 30,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I had a recall performed on my car. 'Hyundai campaign 953 product improvement '. 10 miles after the recall was performed my car went into limp mode and is barely driveable. The recall is supposed to place the vehicle in limp mode due to rod bearing wear. My car has 5,560miles on it and the engine is already failing.”
NHTSA complaint #11173442, filed 2019-02, 5,560 milesMileage when problems were reported
71% of the 140 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,560 and 57,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning not available, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Hyundai Sonata version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Sonata FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sonata FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Sonata SE FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V619000Aug 6, 2021Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › LatchCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2017–2018, Sonata Hybrid 2016–2018, Accent 2018–2020 +1 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles…
Recall details for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 208 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038722Oct 15, 2026Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW…
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11037233Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present…
- 11032529Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
- 11032528Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
Other model years of the Hyundai Sonata
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 19,025 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 47 | 2,000 | 1 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 88 | 18,500 | 2 | 5 | 31 | 18 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 95 | 31,000 | 3 | 5 | 31 | 20 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 135 | 41,000 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 182 | 2,778 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 162 | 24,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 375 | 21,250 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 768 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 728 | 63,000 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,153 | 56,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 750 | 70,000 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 1,917 | 78,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 1,559 | 80,000 | 8 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 3,380 | 75,000 | 14 | 4–5 | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 345 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 18 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 460 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 425 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 696 | 64,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,047 | 70,000 | 9 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 165 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 202 | 85,500 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 199 | 65,252 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 320 | 89,288 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 205 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 276 | 104,696 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 124 | 98,723 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 49 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 49 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 66 | 125,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 26 | — | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 22 | 94,600 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 29 | — | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 16 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 11 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Hyundai Sonata model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
Most complaints about this model year describe engine problems: sudden loss of power while driving, a shudder or jerk, an illuminated check engine light, and oil that disappears quickly between changes. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or loses power, often with check engine light; Excessive engine oil consumption and low oil warnings; Sudden unintended acceleration or braking concerns.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA recorded 375 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 212 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system with 60.
Has the 2018 Hyundai Sonata been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Hyundai Sonata do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Sonata (Sonata SE, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reported?
Among the 140 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 21,250 miles and the middle half falls between 5,560 and 57,000 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.