2018 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 212about this part
- Share
- 57%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 212 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 57% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,750 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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 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 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Certain 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…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Certain 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…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11031400Apr 18, 2026Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing…
- 11031416Apr 14, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated…
- 11030625Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
- 11030619Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 28 | 32% |
| 2022 | 25 | 26% |
| 2021 | 34 | 25% |
| 2020 | 32 | 18% |
| 2019 | 87 | 54% |
| 2018 | 212 | 57% |
| 2017 | 385 | 50% |
| 2016 | 452 | 62% |
| 2015 | 629 | 55% |
| 2014 | 303 | 40% |
| 2013 | 739 | 39% |
| 2012 | 567 | 36% |
| 2011 | 968 | 29% |
| 2010 | 29 | 8% |
| 2009 | 56 | 12% |
| 2008 | 48 | 11% |
| 2007 | 41 | 6% |
| 2006 | 44 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology