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
373 reports, newest first.
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.
Firerelated, Oct 12, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle caught fire without warning. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was notified and was able to extinguish the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact sustained a burn to her inner left ankle. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 10, 2022
The incident occurred within my garage when I attempted to start my car and the starter went out producing a burnt smell and spark within motor. After letting the car cool down I put the car in neutral and had it towed to the nearest garage. I thought vehicle could have started a fire inside my garage and home. I have contacted the manufacture and initiated a case incident report awaiting a call back from Hyundai motor company. There were no waring lights or issues with the car the car before incident. The vehicle is under warranty but the dealership stated, they could assist since I took the car to a garage and had a mechanic work on vehicle. The disposition was the vehicle had a faulty started starter, but this incident has a huge safety flag.
Engine, Oct 4, 2022
2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL-Cylinder Misfire with engine oil consumption. It is a hazard to drive a vehicle that can cut off or engine lock up while driving. The same applied to 2014 -2015 Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Hyundai and Kia were required to replace the motors in those vehicles. Due to vehicles been unsafe to drive. The vehicle is currently at the dealership now. First was told that engine was going to be replace under warranty. Due to problem of lack of compression. But will not replace engine.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the key fob was accidently left inside the trunk but the trunk lid remained locked. The contact indicated that the feature preventing the key from becoming locked inside the trunk failed due to the trunks locking mechanism malfunctioning. The vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the failure occurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2022
Engine takes a long time to start up, about 10-15 seconds of pushing the start button starts engine which is probably not good for the car. Also, the car jolts/ wants to stop while driving. Has been an ongoing issue since the week of 9/5/22. Loss of motor power issue sounds like what is going on with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata vehicle.
Tires, Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Kinergy ST, Tire Size: 205/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that three of the four tires had failed. While the vehicle was in for a Vehicle State Inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire was deformed and wobbly which cause the vehicle to fail the inspection. Additionally, while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear driver’s side tire had experienced a blowout. Additionally, the third tire was discovered to be deformed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The tire dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the vehicle had failed to start. On other occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was not running correctly, bucking, lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, the door and trunk failed to lock securely. There were no warning lights illuminated. A signal was sent to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel pump failed and caused the starter to burn out and drain the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,944.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2022
My 2018 Hyundai Sonata GDI Engine stop working while I was driving on the freeway without a warning prior to the issue. It never gave me a heads up in advance that the engine needed service. No check engine light to alert me that an issue needed attention. I learned about the engine problem when my engine stop working while I was on the freeway. I heard a loud noise coming from the engine and within seconds my RPM started going down and my car started loosing power while I was driving on the freeway. At the same time my check engine light came on and it was flashing. At that moment I realize something bad was happening with my motor. The check engine light was not on before that. It never alerted me before that, and when it came on flashing on and off it was already too late because my engine was dying and it died and didn't turn back on after I pulled over in the side of the freeway. I was so scared. The cars where going so fast and very close to my car with little room to pull over. The high velocity of the others cars where making my car cradle from the wind. It was so terrifying for me and my little dog i had with me. My seat belt stop working a few weeks before my engine died, and the thought of me getting hit by another car without a seat belt on. I've never been scared for my life like I was on that day. Hyundai dealer sold me a car with a bad engine. I was putting atleast 1 quart of oil every other week sometimes every week in the past year until just recently. I've only had it for 3 years since I bought it and I was putting 1 quart of oil every month in the beginning and with time the consumption of oil increased and increased more with time. Hyundai service my car for an oil gasket last year that should've been cover under warranty, but made me pay for it. I made it aware to them about the excessive oil consumption and told them it wasn't normal how much oil the car was consuming but they denied to service my car under warranty.
Structure, Sep 7, 2022
This car literally has sheets of painting peeling off of it while driving down the interstate blowing onto others cars .
Seat belts, Aug 22, 2022
The passenger side seat belt locks up. It can lock up immediately when putting it on or it can lock up if I just lean a little bit forward. It will get tighter and tighter to the point where it is very uncomfortable. I have to unhook the seatbelt and re hook. Sometimes this takes many attempts. This is scary when you are going down the highway at 65mph. The dealership has replaced it twice. They were able to see the problem because my husband drove straight to the dealership once when it locked up on me. The last time they replaced it, no one was in the passenger side until we were leaving for vacation. We didn't even get out of the garage when it locked up again. The dealership was reluctant to replace it. They said all seat belts lock up! Because of Covid my husband and I haven't driven much. Once we started going out again we became aware of the problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2022
On May 03, 2022 at approximately 3:30pm I was traveling southbound on Arizona State Route 101 in Tempe, Arizona. I was going about 75 mph, and without no warning my car shut off. I had to pull off to the shoulder of the highway to avoid being struck by other vehicles, and also incase I lost control. My Hyundai picked up nails on 3 of the 4 tires in the process. I barely avoided a fatal accident due to the defect, which I had no idea about.
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.
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
The issue that I am having with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is excessive oil consumption. And yes the vehicle is available for inspection. My family and I are put at risk because of the high oil consumption the engine may seize at any time. I have been told that not only is the engine is at risk but also the exhaust system due to the possibility of oil build up there also causing safety issues. The Sonata has been put through an oil consumption test by a local Hyundai dealership. This consists of changing the oil and then at 1000 mile intervals up to 3000 miles the oil level is checked by a dealer mechanic to check for oil loss. During this 1st test period one check had a loss of 3/4 of a quart and another was 1 3/4 of a quart. After this 1st series of tests there was a complete engine cleaning to remove all built-up oil residue within the engine followed the checking of oil levels again every 1000 miles 3 times. Again, oil losses varied from 1 quart to a 1/2 quart loss. I was assigned a case manager to monitor these tests. At the completion of the testing, after 4 weeks of hearing nothing from my case manager even though I had left multiple messages, he called and said that these results were considered normal by Hyundai. Again, all tests were completed by a authorized Hyundai dealership. There were no warning lights or messages but I did hear a slight knocking noise within the engine. I checked the oil on a regular basis after that and noticed the continued loss of oil. The was no smoke coming from the exhaust or no noticeable signs of oil loss on the engine or my garage floor. Although Hyundai recommends oil changes every 7500 miles I had oil changes every 3000 to 4000 miles by my Hyundai dealer. No one else. I also spoke to mechanics other than Hyundai and was told that there was an ongoing problem with Hyundai engines for oil loss. That is why I initiated the oil consumption test with my dealership.
Steering, Jul 15, 2022
I was driving and tried to make a turn when the steering wheel gave out on me unexpectedly. This lead my car to continue forward onto the other lane of oncoming traffic. The steering wheel signal also turned on. When my car was finally able to turn and I arrived at my destination, I parked my car for 2 hrs. After it was time to leave the battery then died. I was unable to use the key or inside button to open my trunk, and had to wait for assistance. I believe these two issues correlate with the electrical power steering.
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 !
Engine, May 21, 2022
The engine is burning oil. Oil level drops by 3-4 quarts every 1,500 miles.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 4, 2022
I was stopped at a red light and when it turned green, I began to accelerate. The car stuttered and the check engine light was blinking. I pulled over and had Autozone run the code. The code is P1326, engine knock sensor. It was put into limp mode and it shook pretty bad in lower gears while accelerating. I had to pull over and let several cars pass me as I couldn't go above 2,000 RPMs. When I got home, I called roadside assistance and had it towed to the nearest dealership. That was this morning (5-4-2022). I just purchased this car used in the beginning of March. I don't have all the records since I just purchased the vehicle used. I just changed the oil last week.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle drove forward and crashed into a brick post. The contact's daughter did not sustain any injury but later received medical attention. There were no airbags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the dealer later picked up the vehicle and took it to their location. The contact was unaware of what was repaired since the dealer did not provide a work order and she had to sign a power of attorney for the dealer to release the vehicle. The failure recurred with unintended acceleration up to 25 MPH, immediately after the brake pedal was released. The vehicle was not repaired. The insurance company did not deem the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the trunk latch was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while their vehicle was parked, starting the ignition, and attempted to make 3 point turn exiting out of their driveway, the vehicle accelerated on its own and went over their curb into their neighbor yard. The contact stated they depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, however, the vehicle continued to accelerate at a slow speed before finally coming to a stop. The contact was able to reverse and exit out of their neighbor's yard and continue to drive to their destination, however, the failure intermittently occurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact went to another local dealership (Cars Unlimited Of Suffolk LLC 2096 NY-112, Medford, New York 11763 Phone: (631) 758-2200) but the dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,896 miles.
Structure, Jan 29, 2022
In August 2021, my son went to open the front passenger door of his 2018 Hyundai Sonata. When opening the door, the handle came off in his hand. We reported the broken handle and asked if it was covered under the factory warranty. We were told by the local Hyundai Dealer that it was not. So we paid over $100.00 to have the handle replaced. Fast forward to January of 2022, I was packing my son's car for him to return to college and the back passenger door handle came off in my hand. That's two door handles in less than five months. There was no forced entry. No yanking or pulling above a normal opening the door process. My son is unable to access the passenger side of his car and has to crawl across the back seat. When the front passenger handle fell off, the passenger front seat was unusable. I have done research online and this seems to be a problem. Our car is not the first one to have this happen. I placed a claim with Hyundai Motor America and was guaranteed a call back within 3-5 business days. I have since placed four more calls in to the customer service line and have yet to hear from anyone regarding fixing this issues. It has been over two weeks. I have photographs to upload but the system will not allow the upload although they meet all criteria.