2018 Hyundai Sonata Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving north on interstate 530 in arkansas, about 40 miles south of clinton library there was a sudden explosion of glass from the sunroof. The internal visor was open and glass began to pour into my lap, shirt and the other seats in the vehicle. I screamed in fear and pulled over to the side of the road. There were no other vehicles in front of or behind me at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11365459, filed 2020-10, 72,470 miles“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 paint on all parts of the car is completely coming off down to bare metal. It’s as if the car wasn’t prepped to receive paint. Every Hyundai I pass that’s white the paint is coming off. There is also an internal engine oil leak where I’m losing 4qts of oil a week.”
NHTSA complaint #11757263, filed 2026-08“The trunk latch on the Hyundai Sonata malfunctioned, and our safety was put at risk when the trunk malfunctioned while driving on the freeway, obstructing the back view. After several attempts to try to close the trunk and after doing some research, I learned it had a vehicle recall, 21V619000. An appointment was made at Ontario Hyundai for the latch to be repaired due to the recall. After taking the vehicle in, the dealer stated that an attempt to repair the latch had been attempted and refused to do the repair and provided an invoice of $616.00 for repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734172, filed 2026-04“I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding a significant defect in the paint quality of my 2018 Hyundai vehicle and the company's lack of response to my attempts to resolve this issue.I am the owner of a 2018 Hyundai [Model], which I purchased from priority Hyundai in dec 2017. Over the past few months, the paint on my white Hyundai has started to peel significantly, despite regular maintenance and care. This issue has not only affected the aesthetic appeal of my vehicle but also its potential resale value. …”
NHTSA complaint #11607232, filed 2024-08Related service bulletins
- 10235566Apr 24, 2023Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid…
- 10228639Dec 22, 2022Certain 2017-2018MY Elantra (ADa), Sonata (LFa), and Santa Fe Sport (AN) vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (âHMMAâ) may exhibit peeling or bubbling…
- 10228636Dec 22, 2022Certain 2017-2018MY Elantra (ADa), Sonata (LFa), and Santa Fe Sport (AN) vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (âHMMAâ) may exhibit peeling or bubbling…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 11% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 17 | 9% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 17 | 5% |
| 2017 | 37 | 5% |
| 2016 | 31 | 4% |
| 2015 | 52 | 5% |
| 2014 | 17 | 2% |
| 2013 | 50 | 3% |
| 2012 | 39 | 3% |
| 2011 | 73 | 2% |
| 2010 | 164 | 48% |
| 2009 | 40 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 4% |
| 2007 | 21 | 3% |
| 2006 | 44 | 4% |
| 2005 | 30 | 18% |
| 2004 | 47 | 23% |
| 2003 | 38 | 19% |
| 2002 | 88 | 28% |
| 2001 | 69 | 34% |
| 2000 | 109 | 39% |
| 1999 | 36 | 29% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 9% |
| 1995 | 5 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 9% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
212 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBrakes
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