2018 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 373 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 18 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 20 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 6, 2021
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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Campaign 21V619000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
58 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2022
This car will not start when it is cold. I have only had this car for over one year and four months. The car ran perfect up until we began to have extreme cold weather. This is so dangerous because it could be an emergency and my car will not start. I have done my research and discovered that this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai. And nothing has been done about it.
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2022
For the past 3 Oil changes, I find myself having to add 5 quarts of oil to my car after driving over 1,000 miles from getting my oil change. This third oil change I have added 15 quarts of oil to my car due the check oil light comes on. When I first purchased this car in March 2021, I didn’t experience this issue. I’ve never had to add oil to my vehicle before an scheduled oil change. Whalen the oil is checked due to the light coming on, it’s boned dry.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2022
We drive a 2018 Hyundai Sonata with Hyundai Quartz White Pearl (W8) paint. It has 62000, so just out of regular warranty. Last week I noticed that we were missing a huge chunk of paint on the roof. As a regular passenger of this car, neither of us noticed anything wrong with it until it was gone. It looked like it just bubbled up suddenly and peeled off. We took it into our local Hyundai Dealer and they told us it was out of the 36k mi. paint warranty. They didn't even look at it. We paid for an extended warranty because they served us so well on our other Hyundais up to that point. I called the consumer line like they suggested and found no recalls. When I tried to get a human, I was met with silence. No indication that the call had gone through. I went next door to there collision center and got an estimate anyway. The man there didn't have to see any more than one picture to know that it was a Hyundai. They service multiple of that owner's various different branded dealerships. Obviously, this wasn't his first rodeo with this problem. He quotes $1200 to put a bandaid on the problem. However, there are numerous incidents of consumers facing the same issue with there Hyundai/Kia vehicles. I have a friend who had the same problem on a similar year Acura with pearl paint. I'm filing this complaint because it is obvious that Hyundai/Kia are not going to own up to this. The first class action suit was dismissed and the problem persists. They are still using the paint to this day and the same delamination problems keep appearing. I do not want to be driving down the road and have a huge slab of paint fly off and hit someone else's windshield. This issue needs to be investigated before someone gets hurt, not after.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
For the fourth time the HEV light (and others) has come on and the dash has lit up while I was driving, with the last three times leaving us stranded in dangerous road situations with little or no power. The light first came on in July 2020 at 40,089 miles. A dealership reset the codes and I had no problems until June 7, 2022 when the lights lit up on the dash again and the car died and I had to have it towed to a local dealership. They could find nothing wrong with it and checked all the wiring and said none of the codes were coming up and that the car ran fine for them when test driving a day or two after I had it towed. So they released the car back to me deeming it good to go. Then only 19 days later on June 26, 2022 the HEV light among other lit up again and the dash indicated to pull over and cut the car off due to the hybrid system. I had it towed to the nearest dealership again. The then looked at it and said they reset all the codes and everything looked to be good to go. Then AGAIN on Aug 8, 2022 (3rd time in two months), we were put in a dangerous situation trying to get the car off a busy highway when the HEV light (and others) again lit up the dash and our power went almost completely out while the engine jerked violently as we tried to avoid being hit by cars while trying to get off the highway before it completely died on us. Four times now Hyundai dealers have shrugged this off saying "we reset the codes" and we can't find an issue. We have been put in dangerous traffic conditions three of these times.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 9, 2022
On the way home from the produce store today, the engine seemed to stall or seize while I was driving and the car reacted in a jerky manner. I kept going, as I was close to home, but could only travel about 20 mph, and it would periodically feel as if it were about to conk out. Check engine light came on at this point. Made it home, but no longer feel safe driving it. Am online now, searching for what to do. What I experienced sounds like the engine recall problem others have experienced, although my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is not on the recall list. Perhaps it should be.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2022
Purchased a certified pre-owned 2018 Hyundai Sonata - found out recently the car is burning/losing oil- A few weeks after having an oil and filter change my oil warning light started flashing while driving.. Checked engine oil and could not believe that oil was almost empty.. Major concern is for major engine malfunction and possible locking up while driving- which could be fatal !!! Now I have to monitor oil levels/consumption every other day- I have contacted Hyundai and they're suggesting that I be without transportation while they take an undetermined amount of time to test the vehicle which is unacceptable !
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2022
The shark fin antenna assembly becomes dislodged from its base very easily and can fly off while driving or scraping ice off the roof with minimal force. Hyundai should do a better job attaching the outer shark fin plastic cover to its base.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2022
THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE DOES NOT CLOSE. IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT BUT NOT ON THE 2018 MODEL. IT IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE IT BLOCKS YOUR VIEW ON THE RIGHT SIDE THANK YOU
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Dec 2, 2021
when the car is cold it would not start. I checked what the problem can be online and it turns out that there are a lot of out cars with the same problem. The problem is starter. sever people after changing the starter there vehicle was fixed. Another problem is sometimes the blind spot warning system does not work. These problems are reported by people with the same car but not by dealers.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2021
UNKNOWN— Engine has been making noises, vehicle keeps breaking down (ENGINE ISSUES, alleged starter) and Hyundai dealerships keep ignoring and not documenting my complaints and passed the vehicle for all inspection after others have documented some of my complaints that I brought to them. They simply didn’t want to do any work because it was covered under bumper to bumper warranty until I threatened to call Hyundai USA with a lawyer and my engine problems were NEVER ADDRESSED or examined by the Hyundai Dealer in my area even though I specifically kept complaining about my car seizing and stopping on me in the middle of the highway with my toddler in the vehicle! It’s doing it again and no one at anything Hyundai cares! I’ve been lied to and passed on for over a year now and the problems list keep getting longer and longer! I was told that the Engine was replaced in March 2019 and that was that..I was dismissed! No more questions asked when I made my complaint directly to Hyundai USA this time!
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
I purchased my 2018 Sonata on 10/23/21 from South Point Austin with 30-35k miles on it. In the year of owning it, I've had 3 manufacture issues occur. Once on 12/31/20, there was an issue where my car detected an issue, and my maximum speed was 30 MPH while I was on the interstate. It was a sensor issue and covered by my manufacturer's warranty. On 11/11/21, I had to purchase a new starter for $789.26 despite this being a manufacture issue and covered by warranty. There was not a dealership in my area that would look into my car until 2022. They would not cover a rental until at least a diagnosis report came back which they would not begin until 2022. They said the lengthy waitlist for a rental would prevent me from securing a vehicle to use in the meantime. Because I need a functioning car, I had to purchase this out of pocket. On 11/23/21, I had to purchase a new battery. Again, this should be covered by factory warranty, but the dealerships would not look at my car until 2022. I paid $241.14 out of pocket for this. Setting the issue of these unexpected expenses aside, my car does not feel safe to drive and has had several manufacture complications. I had a near fatal accident in my previous Sonata do to a software issue causing the brakes to go out. This line of cars should be looked into for the safety of all.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
The trunk latch released failed and is malfunctioned. My safety along side passengers were put at risk when the car experienced a flat tire on the highway far from city limits in extremely hot weather and trunk was not opening to get to spare tire/tools. Trunk had to be forcefully opened after hours to finally to get to spare/tools. There was no warnings prior to this failure.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2021
Coding P0507 Idle air control system Rpm higher than expected P0441 Evaporator emissions incorrect purge flow P0420 Catalyst system below threshold
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2021
I am affected by the new decal in regards to my trunk latch and it urgently needs to be fix. It would not open after multiple attempts and a few days later it started working again and now that it’s open it will not close
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021, crash
1. Accelerator malfunctioned as I removed my foot to hit the brakes. The speed increased. When attempted to hit brakes, would not brake. The brake hardened up and car went through bank glass door and window. 2. It malfunctioned. 3. Vehicle is in the body shop. Will take to dealer when done 4. Police and insurance 5. No warnings
Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2021
ONE OF MY CONTINENTAL PURE CONTACT TIRES FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT 4,926 MILES. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW FROM MY DEALER ON 11/25/20. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 47,314. ON1/21/21 WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 52,240, ONE TIRE DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE SIDEWALL AND TREAD -- THERE WAS NOTHING STUCK IN THE TIRE INDICATING A PUNCTURE -- YET THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE TIRE. THE TIRE COULD NOT BE FIXED SO I HAD TO BUY A DIFFERENT BRAND TIRE TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE TIRE SHOP DID NOT CARRY CONTINENTAL TIRES. WITH THE RECENT RECALL OF MANY TIRES BY CONTINENTAL, I AM CONCERNED THAT MY THREE REMAINING CONTINENTAL TIRES MAY NOT BE DEPENDABLE. I CONTACTED CONTINENTAL DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PURE CONTACT TIRE IN MY SIZE (215/55SR17) IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHILE OTHER SIZES ARE INCLUDED.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2020
TRUNK LATCH LOCKING ARM CAN BREAK WITH FEW MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WHEN THE ARM BREAKS DUE TO IT BEING PLASTIC CONNECTING TO METAL VIA A STRONG TENSION SPRING, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE LEVER IS DEFEATED AND THE TRUNK CANNOT BE OPENED, OR CLOSED IF IT BROKE WHILE OPEN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2020
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
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2020
ROUGH VIBRATION SLOWLY COMING UP STEERING WHEN BRAKING TO STOP. COULD BE ROTORS OR TIRES. STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2020, fire
DRIVER STATES VEHICLE DECELERATED WHILE DRIVING, PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON AN OPEN INTERSTATE USING SMART CRUISE CONTROL WHEN A MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DASH SCREEN: SMART CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. RADAR BLOCKED. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND MY CAR WAS CLEAN. THERE HAD BEEN NO SNOW ACCUMULATION IN MY AREA NOR ANY IN THE AREA IN WHICH I WAS DRIVING. THERE WERE A FEW CARS AROUND. THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME MADE AN EXIT ABOUT A MINUTE AFTER THE MESSAGE AND INDICATOR LIGHTS APPEARED. THE MESSAGE AND INDICATOR LIGHTS RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER, THE SAME MESSAGE AND INDICATOR LIGHTS APPEARED. THE SKY WAS DARKER WITH A FEW FLURRIES IN THE AIR BUT NO ACCUMULATION. I TURNED OFF SMART CRUISE TO FINISH THE TRIP. I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS WITH SMART CRUISE ON THE 5 HOUR RETURN TRIP. WEATHER CONDITIONS THEN WERE GRAY AND RAINING. THE TRIP IS MOSTLY INTERSTATE BUT THE DESTINATION IS MOUNTAINOUS. I MADE THE TRIP SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN TURNS OFF AFTER A WHILE AND WILL RESET OR I HAVE TO TAP IT AND MAKE SURE IT GOES BACK ON AND DOES THIS OVER AND OVER AT TIMES. SMOKE COMES OUT EXHAUST WHEN PASSING A CAR SOMETIMES
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2019
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR LAST NIGHT ON CITY STREETS AND THE HIGHWAY, WHEN WE ENCOUNTERED A BAD SMELL COMING INTO OUR VEHICLE. WE FIRST THOUGHT IT SMELLED LIKE NATURAL GAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE AREA WE WERE DRIVING, BUT THEN CONCLUDED AFTER ANOTHER 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR THAT IT WAS OUR CAR THAT WAS MAKING THE BAD ODOR OR SMELL. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, AND SHUT THE ENGINE IN THE CAR OFF. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS BURNING OR IF SOMETHING LOOKED LIKE IT WAS VERY HOT. I DID NOT DETECT ANYTHING WRONG UNDER THE HOOD. THE COOLANT WAS FINE, AND THE MOTOR OIL WAS GOOD. SO THEN WE GOT BACK IN THE CAR, AND THE SMELL WAS STILL THERE. WE NOTICED THE CELL PHONE WAS SITTING ON THE "SELF" CHARGER THAT THIS CAR HAS AS A FEATURE. WE TOOK THE CELL PHONE OFF OF THIS AREA WHERE IT CHARGES, AND NOTICED THE TOP RUBBER AREA WAS VERY VERY WARM OR HOT TO THE TOUCH. SO WE CONCLUDED THIS HAD TO BE THE AREA THAT WAS CAUSING THIS CAUSTIC SMELL THAT WE WERE BREATHING FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE TOP SURFACE OF THIS RUBBER PAD AREA DID NOT LOOK BURNT OR DESTRUCTED, SO IT MUST BE UNDERNEATH THIS AREA THAT WHATEVER IS RECHARGING THE CELL PHONES, MAYBE A BATTERY OF SOME SORT, IS NO GOOD. WE WERE AFRAID IT WOULD START A FIRE THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG. SO AFTER A FEW MORE MINUTES, WITHOUT THE CELL PHONE RECHARGING ON THIS AREA, THE SMELL STARTED TO GO AWAY. SO THAT IS WHY WE ARE DEDUCTING THIS MUST BE THE PROBLEM AREA. AND IT COULD BE A SERIOUS ONE. I DROVE THE CAR TODAY, AND THE "STRONG" SMELL DID NOT COME BACK. BUT YOU CAN STILL SMELL THE RESIDUE SMELL FROM LAST NIGHT'S PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2019
TRUNK LATCH BROKE. ITS A KNOWN ISSUE BY HYUNDAI ON 2017 & 2018 MODELS.