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, 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
Engine, Jan 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after filling the engine with oil, approximately 2 months later it was discovered the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact indicated that the engine oil was being consumed at a very rapid pace. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000. Consumer stated it was determined it was a valve cover gasket not pistons as a previous mechanic stated. So no need for recall.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 4, 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 vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jan 3, 2022
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started shaking inadvertently and would not exceed 25-30 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's mother was able to continue to drive the vehicle under 20 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,913.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while braking and pulling into a parking space, the vehicle reeved up, accelerated forward, and crashed into a wall. There were no reported injuries, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure after a road test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Consumer stated crash was due to electronic malfunction. Auto will be assessed by Hyundai Corp case still open.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he checked the engine oil level and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as an oil plug needing replacement. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times and the failure cause could not be determined. The contact stated that recently an oil consumption test was completed, and the dealer determined that to be the failure cause. The dealer contacted the manufacturer who stated that the failure cause was due to the owner's negligence and no solution was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches, Lock Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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
Engine, Aug 30, 2021
2018 Hyundai Sonata sport. Purchased vehicle 03/20/2021 and it has been in the shop 5 times for the same issue. Car starts to smoke and make a loud knocking noise, when checking the oil, it appears to have no oil in the engine at all. Every single time they have changed the oil and replaced it and within a 1,000 miles the oil has completely dissolved in the engine. They performed a consumption test and stated that they did a top engine cleaning for the combustion and that it should not happen again and if it did that they would reach out to Hyundai to start the process of replacing the engine. Took it back at the 1,000 mile mark and they stated that it was fine, but after only a few weeks to a month the car started smoking and knocking again, took it back and yes the engine was bone dry again no oil at all on the dipstick. This vehicle has been in the shop more than I was able to drive it. The oil light keeps jumping on and off and the dealer is aware of this issue and they stated that the manufacturer is aware of this issue as well. But it seems that they are refusing to rectify the issue with a new engine and just keep patching the problem, that I would have to keep taking back every 1,00 miles for a consumption test. The oil ight was present when they sold me the vehicle but the dealership stated that they had performed an oil change and it needed to be reprogrammed but that did not fix the problem.
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
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the change the oil was changed every 3,000 miles instead of ever 3,500. The contact stated that there was no oil leak found. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,291.
Engine, Jun 5, 2021
6/5/21 2018 Hyundai Sonata - less than 20K miles Turning left into parking lot at very low speed Car completely lost all power and brakes - all dashboard lights etc went out No warning of any kind - nothing evenly remotely like this has happened before Was able to glide into parking spot and stop but only with extreme pressure on brake Key was still in on position - put car in park, set parking brake, turned key to off Car started again and was able to drive about 1/4 mile back home Immediately called dealer from whom we purchased and had car towed No diagnosis as of yet
Engine, Apr 29, 2021
THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS OUT OF CONTROL FOR THEIR VEHICLES I'VE HAD MORE OIL CHANGES THAT I'VE EVER DONE ON A VEHICLE I'VE DONE OIL CONSTRUCTION TESTS AND THEY ALWAYS SAY IT'S JUST AT THE 1 QUART THAT THEY ALLOW WHO'S IS BULL I'VE CHECKED MY OIL COLD AND IT'S HARDLY ON THE STICK AND THE OIL LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES I'M NO GENUS BUT I DO KNOW IT'S MORE THAN A QUART LOW WHEN YOUR OIL LIGHT COMES ON. AT 1,100 MILES IT WAS 2.5 QUARTS LOW AND I WAS FORCED TO DO ANOTHER OIL CHANGE WHEN I ONLY HAD 1,100 MILES ON THIS ONE. THE FIRST PIC I'VE ATTACHED IS COLD OIL LEVEL AT 1,100 MILES AFTER OIL CHANGE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 53K ON IT AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO DO OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS TO GET IT FIXED UNDER THE LIFETIME ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND FORGET ABOUT THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FROM HYUNDAI THEY TOW 20 MILES THAT'S IT AND THE REST IS ON YOU HOW IS THAT FAIR WHEN IT'S NOT YOUR PROBLEM TO BEGIN WITH.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 27, 2021
PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS WHEN IT WANT TO WORK.
Seat belts, Mar 27, 2021, crash
2018 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS IN MOTION, WITH A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE HYUNDAI SONATA STOPPED SUDDENLY AND THE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DAYS PRIOR TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE THE OWNER DISCOVERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RETRACT TO CREATE TENSION AFTER INITIAL APPLICATION TO SECURE SEATBELT HOWEVER, TENSION OF THE SEATBELT WAS IDENTIFIED WITH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, WHILE LEANING FORWARD, AND WHILE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS IN MOTION. CONCERN IS THE FACT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY APPROPRIATELY DURING A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR; POSSIBLY RELATED TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA19001, APRIL 19, 2019, REGARDING THE 'AIR BAG ACU ELECTRICAL OVERSTRESS' THAT IS CURRENTLY OPEN AND UNDER INVESTIGATION. SEE PICTURES ATTACHED.
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.
Steering, Engine, Feb 23, 2021
I WAS DRIVING BEGAN MY SONATA IN MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC.WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE BEGAN LURCHING. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL IT. THE HYUNDAI HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. I GOT THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON & SOME MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN THAT I COULD NOT READ BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD & HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. UPON RETURN OF THE CAR, THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT HYUNDAI TOOK CONTROL OF THE CAR AS A "SAFETY PRECAUTION" FOR THE ENGINE. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SAFETY PRECAUTION. THEY NOT I CONTROLLED THE CAR.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 5, 2021
THE LOCK FOR THE TRUNK , OPEN AUTOMATICLY , IT STAY LOCK AND WONT OPEN....
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2021
CAR WILL NOT START WHEN KEY TURNED IN IGNITION WITH NO SOUND WHEN THE WEATHER IS UNDER 30 DEGREES. HAD IT IN THE DEALER LAST WEEK AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. STILL HAPPENING SO ITS BACK IN THE DEALER FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AND I CANNOT TALK WITH ANYONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. PHONE JUST RINGS THEN CUTS OFF. HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND OTHER 2018 SONATA ES OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION HAS BEEN THE IGNITION STARTER AND SOLENOID. WHEN REPLACED THE STARTING PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. THREE DAYS NOW AND HAVE NOT HEARD FORM THE HYUNDAI REPAIR SHOP IN BOWIE, MD. STILL HAVE MY CAR. SUCH INEFFICIENTLY WITH MECHANICS NOW DAYS.
Structure, Jan 21, 2021
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.