2018 Hyundai Sonata Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 5%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,858miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,858 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own this 2019 Sonata since 1/16/19. Was runing good at the first. But couple times start showing the engine light for seconds. But on april sunday 14 2019 my car shows the engine light and the tire control stabilizer at the same time then the car start shaking lossing speed,the brakes getting hard and power steering. . Lucky I went at 10mph to 15mph.the vehicle will be placed in a temporary engine protection mode with reduced power and acceleration. No speed no acceleration then I park in a parking lot for towing at the nearest Hyundai dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11197218, filed 2019-04, 2,787 miles“On 2 different days the car killed on the highway. Both times the Hyundai service dept. Looked at it. The first time, they said the software update that was worked on a few months previous, had a glitch in it. The second time they said they didn't know why it happened. While driving the rpms will race up but the car doesn't move much. They said it didn't do that when they drove it. Also since the first software update was done , if I drive 80mph (on the interstate hwy.) the seats shake.”
NHTSA complaint #11279212, filed 2019-11, 24,600 miles“Purchased new 2018 Sonata sel model in california. While driving, the transmission starts to hard downshift when the brake is applied. I found out that this hard downshifting and jolting/thumping of engine and transmission only occurs when coming to a stop at speeds between 10 to 15mph. It can be described as follows, after the brake pedal has been gently applied and lightly released but then the car itself applied its brake again. It terrifies the driver's driving conditions, mentally and physically.”
NHTSA complaint #11128303, filed 2018-09, 1,100 miles“On five separate occasions while driving on the highway the vehicle will loose power and ability accelerate with a flashing engine light. These incidents have almost caused me to be rear ended three times because you are not able to accelerate above 60mph in rush hour traffic on a busy interstate and the ability just stops quickly with no warning. The vehicle also has been having the rpms drop to 0 and shoot back up while braking, and while driving it is tough to accelerate and then you will feel a noticeable 'kick' and the rpms will shoot up drastically before it will accelerate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279846, filed 2019-11, 7,500 miles“My 2018 sonata has been stalling out while I’m driving more so when I accelerate.I have a baby that I’m scared to drive with in the car because it does it randomly. It has been happening more & more everyday. I got new parts/starter etc. No codes on dash. Have an appointment next week with Hyundai to take a look.”
NHTSA complaint #11530300, filed 2023-07Related service bulletins
- 10144434Aug 9, 2018This bulletin provides the procedure to update the TCU for shift shock when decelerating at slow speeds.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 24% |
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 9 | 9% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 19 | 5% |
| 2017 | 20 | 3% |
| 2016 | 30 | 4% |
| 2015 | 61 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 3% |
| 2013 | 86 | 4% |
| 2012 | 84 | 5% |
| 2011 | 95 | 3% |
| 2010 | 11 | 3% |
| 2009 | 31 | 7% |
| 2008 | 14 | 3% |
| 2007 | 20 | 3% |
| 2006 | 39 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 3% |
| 2001 | 13 | 6% |
| 2000 | 7 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 3 | 6% |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
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 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 Nov 1, 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