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.
Power train, Apr 22, 2025
The car went into limp mode they have problems with the knock sensor and that is what it threw to the computer and I changed the sensor and went away and now limp mode again and computer says basically the same thing there is a software update and the engines are failing
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2025
The engine stalls when driving, loses power, hard time to start. It uses an extensive amount of oil. Losing power/stalling can result in accident or fire in my engine. Yes check engine light came on said it was coils/plugs changed them 2xs already. Took it to a mechanic was told there’s a recall on engine it’s a valve that is not getting air through that can potentially case a Fire in my engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle needed multiple attempts in order to start. The contact stated that once the vehicle was started, she noticed that the low engine oil pressure light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had stated that prior to the oil test being recommended, she had observed that the vehicle was consuming approximately five quarts of oil per 2,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2025
My 2018 Hyundai Sonata (approx. 60,000 miles) began consuming excessive oil, and the engine started smoking while driving. My wife barely made it to the dealership — the car was unsafe, struggled to stay running, and visibly smoked from under the hood. Hyundai acknowledged the oil issue but refused to cover engine replacement. Instead, they approved a one-time combustion chamber cleaning and requested we drive the car 1,000 miles to "see if it gets better." This is a major safety concern. The vehicle is part of a group of Hyundai models known to have defective Theta II engines that have led to engine failure, fire risk, and recalls. This issue is widespread, and Hyundai is not taking proper responsibility for defective engines in cars like mine.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the oil pressure was prematurely lower. The contact stated that while performing the oil change as an independent mechanic, the contact noticed that there was a significant amount of oil in the oil catcher, and the oil pan was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the oil pan replacement was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: DP22003 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 64,400.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The engine is burning through oil at a rapid rate. I probably get 2,000 - 2,500 miles before it needs a complete refill and the problem is getting worse. I was not due for an oil change recently around 2,500 miles and my engine started shaking, took it to the shop and the oil was gone without the oil light going off. This resulted in me needing to replace spark plugs and all engine coils. The repair shop recommended I sell my car because of the amount of Hyundai's he sees with this issue.
Structure, Engine, Mar 18, 2025
The engine burns oil, I have to get spark plugs every two months, and put oil in it almost every week. The check engine light is now flashing and is throwing more sensors. The paint on this car is also all peeling off.
Power train, Engine, Mar 17, 2025
I was going 80 mph on the interstate and suddenly my car went into limp mode and shooked really hard and dropped to 60 mph. I had to swerve to go onto the side of the road. The car behind me almost rammed into me. I contacted hampton hyundai for days to schedule an appt. I finally was able to drop off my vehicle to them but now they are telling me they have to do an oil consumption test but my car is in limp mode and it shakes when I drive it. The car is dangerous and they are trying to charge me $500 for a fuel pump replacement ( which I have a warranty of but they notified me that does not count but it matches exactly the possible reason). As you can see in the documents, they did not note that my fuel pump was broken. They just asked if I wanted to pay it so they can get started. I get normal oil changes done. They haven't even done a rod bearing test but just looked at the knock sensor and was telling me that they wanted to charge me to get that changed.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Mar 17, 2025
BSD system stopped working one day along with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.The button which operates system does not come and system does not work. Warning lamp lit on instrument panel and said" check B SD system" meaning the whole system doesn't work. Took to my local shop and they couldn't repair as they stated the system is a proprietary system the had no software. service bulletin #19-BE-009H was issued in 5-19 by Hyundai for this issue with car. So there is a know problem
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
2018 Hyundai Sonata Registered owner [XXX] Vin [XXX] Which qualifies for a replacement engine under the "recall" and "class action" due to engine oil consumption damage. On [XXX] I was driving home from California, and my 2018 Hyundai Sonata made a loud noise and stalled on me while driving on the freeway. On Jan 2, 2025 I towed my 2018 Hyundai Sonata to ABC Hyundai for repairs. I was told the engine failed or locked up. I have a drivetran warranty up to 150k. My vehicle currently has 115k. However, Hyundai denied the engine repair stating that I neglected the maintenance on the vehicle. They were requesting oil change receipts from 2018 when I bought the car. I've submitted all oil change documents that I could find. Most auto shops have purged their system, updated their software and also got entirely new systems, therefore those receipts were not found. Carfax also has a record of oil changes. I did not always take my vehicle to the dealer for oil changes since our family has a certified mechanic that can vouch for all the other oil changes done on the vehicle. Including tune-ups. The dealer and I have provided several oil change receipts approx. 18+ carfax, Hyundai, family mechanic and misc. receipts. That's should be more than enough evidence for Hyundai to honor their warranty. Please help. NOW HMA says t claim for oil consumption and repairs were denied due to the vehicle being outside of warranty based on time and mileage. Once a claim is denied that is the final decision from HMA. This is untrue my vehicle is NOT out of warranty. Due to the oil consumption class action, and faulty engine put in ny car, the drivetran warranty was extended to 150K, and my vehicle is only has 115K and 7 years old. Hyundai put a bad engine in my vehicle to begin with. A few months ago I got a oil change at Firestone, 4 weeks later there wasn't a drop of oil in my car, that is a problem. Everytime I got a oil change, I had to extra oil after 3-4 week INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2025
When I bought the car from Mathews in Marion Ohio the car looked like it was already in some form of accident due to a previous owner and I was unaware what caused the accident or any other problems with the vehicle upon buying. I was not presented with a carfax. I have electrical tape at the bottom of my bumper and there’s a problem with acceleration. It accelerates by itself and veers right when I take my hand off the wheel. I’m afraid to drive my car on the highway. I have complained about this problem to Mathews twice. I am now in a loaner until they figure out what’s going on.
Engine, Feb 17, 2025
Car does not when temperature drops below 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) even when garaged so you cannot drive car and u have to be towed several times at night. Local dealer stated unaware of issues but there is forum of Hyundai owners who have this problem with 2018 sonata. A local mechanic studied issue and did replacement on the relay switch and starter and now car starts in cold weather. It took me four years is stress and I put in complaint to Hyundai and they did nothing to compensate me for parts. This is a very big issue to be somewhere called late at night and not have reliable transportation.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
Possible engine recall engine makes nose continuously stay low on oil.Bulletin came out about possible engine recall
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2025
I looked up my car on carfax and it shows a 3 different odometer readings. on 10/14/19 it had 15.125 miles. On 03/04/21 it had 61,284 miles. On 02/01/2022 it had 30,371 miles And finally on 3/3/23 it had 38,269 miles. This clearly shows that somewhere along the line, the odometer was changed. My car has been on the shop on several occasions in the less than 2 year time frame
Suspension, Engine, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, engine oil was leaking onto the ground while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the spark plugs, and cylinders #3 and #4 twice, and an independent mechanic had replaced the front driver's side CV axle. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who determined that the engine had internal defects. The contact was informed that the engine and front CV axles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to replace the engine. The failure mileage was approximately 86,800.
Steering, Jan 24, 2025
Lost control of the car - the car was brought in to Hyundai Maxon in Union, NJ and were told the steering column was defective and the car is not safe to be driven, needed a steering column replacement. Dropped the car off 12/12/2024 and was quoted for the replacement of the part (with a new one). On January 17, 2025—36 days after the dealership had my car—I was informed that the required part was unavailable nationally, with no ETA for availability. The fact that this critical part is unavailable at a national level raises significant concerns. Is this indicative of a broader manufacturing issue? Hyundai has provided no explanation or transparency regarding why this part cannot be sourced, further compounding my frustration as a loyal customer.
Seat belts, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side seat belt failed to latch securely into the buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt buckle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Engine, Jan 16, 2025
2018 Hyundai Sonata with only 128k miles already needs a new engine due to oil consumption. I have done the regular maintenance on the car and have only put roughly 25k miles on the car since owning it
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 31, 2024
- Component or system that failed: engine (cylinder #4 misfire) - Safety was put at risk twice: once when knock sensor went off on interstate (October) and engine went into limp mode (aka protection mode). Required a tow from the, which was tricky with a vehicle full of passengers. Safety was put at risk gain when vehicle began to stutter/sputter on interstate (December). Drove 4-cylinder vehicle essentially on three cylinders an hour to dealership - Problem has been confirmed by dealer (Southern States Hyundai, Raleigh, NC) - vehicle has been inspected by warranty inspector, who requests approval before disassembling engine to diagnose issue. However, based upon maintenance records and manufacturer's history of engine issues (more on this below), owner should not be liable for investigating a well known issue. At the time of this writing, the issue has been escalated beyond the dealership and warranty to Hyundai Motor America, and currently awaiting the results of their findings. - symptoms of the problem include constant oil leak from vehicle purchase in May 2024 up to engine failure in December 2024. Various temporary remedies (oil changes and repairs, including oil drain plug gasket replacement, crush washer replacement, and replacement of cracked oil pan) did not fix the issue. Additionally, in the October incident, Hyundai dealership (Sport Durst Hyundai, Durham, NC) simply updated the knock sensor detection (KDS) software, despite the vehicle previously receiving the update in 2019 (this can be verified). Finally, owner, noted "engine knocking" (aka 'tapping') in vehicle prior to engine failure. - Hyundai (the manufacturer) settled a class action lawsuit in 2021. Vehicle is one of the vehicles listed under Class Vehicles, but dealer, nor warranty company, nor Hyundai seem to want to resolve issue, which both alienates owner and presents a safety hazard, as the vehicle is unsafe to drive. All claims here will be supposed via documentation and images.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 29, 2024
When my car suddenly stopped on the highway, I encountered an issue with the “body control module.” The car wouldn’t start, and the key fob was ineffective. Additionally, the airbags stopped working. I don’t recall all the details, but I was unsure of where to report the dangerous vehicle. I’ve noticed several other Hyundai owners complaining about this issue, where their cars suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere.
Engine, Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and approved the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light continued to flicker on the instrument panel. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the most recent failure The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Dec 3, 2024
My cars engine is failing. My safety as well as other around me are at risk because the more oil my engine consumes, the more it is likely to quite literally blow up. My car just hit 60,000 and my dealership has informed me that I need an engine replacement. The manufacturer will not take accountability for their fault engines, even though my dealership told me they see this same engine problem come in every single day. Since before my car hit 60,000 in October 2023, my oil light came on which is odd because I’ve always maintained my car well. Since then, my car has been burning 4-5 quarts of oil in 1000 miles. My engine has an oil consumption issue, as do many other Hyundai models but Hyundai refuses to acknowledge this issue. Go on Tik tok, look at how many people are having the same problem. Call a Hyundai service center, any one of your choice, they will tell you that they see oil consumption motor issues every day. Hyundai corporate told me it is not their problem, and good luck. This is unethical and immoral and there needs to be a recall. There is no reason why I need an engine replacement at 60,000 miles.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 2, 2024
43000 miles on car. original owner. new battery. car does not cold start in the morning. all electronics light up, but engine doesn't start. This is a known issue from all the posts i found online, yet Hyundai has not issued a recall. I paid 300 for a battery 2 weeks ago and the issue didn't resolve. Now i am being told by dealer it is the starter and it's not covered because my 5 yr warranty is expired (my car is 6 years old). This is a known safety issue across the 2018 Sonata line. This should be a recall or bulletin, instead I have to come up with hundreds of dollars more to replace a starter on a car with ONLY 43,000 miles.
Engine, Nov 29, 2024
Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, I was driving home and my oil light began turning on and off. This had never happened before. It was nighttime and I was only a few miles from home so I continued driving. The next morning, I checked the oil to find that the reservoir was bone dry. There had been no warning light whatsoever prior to this incident. At this point, the vehicle had about 65,000 miles on it. I had to put 2 quarts of oil in before it would even register on the dipstick so I could get it to my mechanic. Upon arriving to his business, he explained that Hyundai is well aware of this ongoing issue of oil consumption but they are doing nothing about it. I had not driven excessive miles without an oil change and faithfully get it changed between 3,000-5,000 miles, which is perfectly acceptable for this vehicle. I have all receipts from these changes. I have begun to maintain a record indicating the oil that I have added over the last 1,700 miles. It has been 2.5 quarts. The morning I brought the car to my mechanic I reached out to the Hyundai dealership and was told I would need to pay for a diagnostic, then two oil consumption tests. I declined and promptly reached out to Hyundai corporate. They told me the same nonsense and then offered to have their consumer division reach out to me. Ultimately, that person told me I would need to do the same thing, so they were entirely useless in facilitating any reasonable resolution. I subsequently found out about the oil consumption problem that thousands of people have reported in various models and years. I joined a few Hyundai oil consumption groups on Facebook and now realize how many people have been impacted by this issue. I still owe $5,600 on the car but feel that the issue will not be handled by Hyundai and don't wish to have ongoing concerns with driving the car and constantly topping it off with oil. As a result, I feel that I am forced to pay off this car and buy something else.