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.
Engine, Nov 22, 2024
Car is having a misfire in cylinder 4 . Carbon is being built up in my spark plugs and causing gas build up in the spark plugs . Engine burning oil fast.
Engine, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings. The contact was informed that metal was observed within the engine and that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. 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 67,000.
Seat belts, Engine, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer performed a compression check. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was advised to drive the vehicle until it blew up. In addition, the contact stated that all four seat belts had failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side seat belts failed to retract as intended. The contact stated that the seat belts failed to secure the passengers in place. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear seat belts completely failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a combustion check and an oil consumption test to be performed out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 27, 2024
My car is part of a campaign due to rod-bearing failure where the engine experiences problems such as complete failure, vibrating, hesitating, engine light on, and oil light on. I've been communicating with Hyundai who is not helping me with this issue. I was advised by them to continue driving the car "until the engine seizes", or I hear "a loud knocking noise". Upon inspection, three local Hyundai employees "agreed 100%" I need a new engine. However, per these employees Hyundai Corporate will not approve the replacement even though the vehicle is constantly experiencing the above symptoms above, simply because there is not a "loud knocking noise" coming from the engine. Even though ALL the other issues are present. This is very unsafe. I have a minor child I take to school daily, for an advisor to advise to drive the vehicle until "the engine seizes" is extremely dangerous, especially when they are aware my VIN is associated with engine replacement. My car exhibits symptoms of a rod-bearing failure and this multi-billion dollar company is taking advantage of hard-working urban mothers, by turning a blind eye and trying to require me to pay thousands of dollars up front for a problem THEY created by selling a vehicle with faulty engine. Again, the technicians indicated i in fact do need the engine replaced, but that Hyundai Corporate will require me to pay for a diagnostic test, rod-bearing test, and engine compression test because Corporate does not take their word for it. The fact a auto manufacturer is advising people to drive in such an unsafe manner is disheartening. If my child and I get injured in an accident by following their advice, our blood will be on their hands!
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 20, 2024
The electrical and engines in these cars are horrible . The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving cause everything to flick inside the car . This is a major safety issue for me when I am driving and I am unable to control the steering wheel. Dealership claimed they don’t see the issue with the car which I am stating . The vehicle was only inspected by a mechanic and since Hyundai said they couldn’t find anything a 3rd party confirmed that this was a ongoing issue and dealership could’ve caught it but it’s cheaper the sell the car . No everything happens at once especially if I’m turning or driving under 40 mph. First appeared 15 days after I bought the vehicle I alerted the dealership immediately
Seat belts, Visibility, Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that all the rear row seat belts did not buckle as intended and water would leak from the front passenger side air conditioner. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Oct 4, 2024
The vehicle is burning oil at a high rate in a short period of time, a known issue that is affecting thousands of other people, and Hyundai refuses to issue a recall to fix this issue. If I forget to add oil every 500-1000 miles, I risk the engine locking up while driving. Their cars are dangerous to drive and are unsafe to be on the road with other drivers. They put profit over the safety of their customers.
Engine, Sep 30, 2024
While driving on the freeway the car would not accelerate over 45 mph and then began to lose acceleration all together. The oil and engine lights came on and we were able to pull to the shoulder. Turned the engine off and then was unable to restart. Losing power on the freeway would be considered a safety risk. The car was towed to the mechanic who checked the oil and found it was three quarts low, however, two months prior the oil had been changed along with the oilpan being replaced as it was cracked. It was then towed to the dealership and after three months of diagnostics and inspections I was told the engine needed to be replaced. The Hyundai dealership is unwilling to share any communications between them and Hyundai USA. In 2019 the ECM was updated per recall 953. The car is available for inspection at your convenience. I think it's important to note that this is a six-year-old vehicle with under 55,000 miles.
Engine, Sep 29, 2024
As detailed in the attached letter to Hyundai, the car has had multiple engine issues that the company refuses to resolve even though they are well aware of the on-going engine problems in Sonatas. The problem started in August 2023 and is on-going.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
Car has an engine defect and consumes too much oil. Hyundai Sonata is denying the repair or engine replacement
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2024
My 2018 Hyundai sonata with only 20,821 had to have the starter replaced on [XXX] because the car would not start. I had 3 different people including AAA road service to verify why it would not start and what the problem was. I end up having my car towed with AAA to a local mechanic shop, Mike Hepler auto repair St. Cloud Florida 34769 407-593-0152, and Mike did the diagnosis saying the starter was bad it was(fried) as he put it. He said he could replace it for $492.17 for part and labor which I accepted for him to do the job. I had left numerous messages (4)for my local Hyundai dealership service department to call me to let get a diagnosis and no one has ever called me back to give them my information or ask any questions.
Structure, Aug 8, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding a significant defect in the paint quality of my 2018 Hyundai vehicle and the company's lack of response to my attempts to resolve this issue.I am the owner of a 2018 Hyundai [Model], which I purchased from priority Hyundai in dec 2017. Over the past few months, the paint on my white Hyundai has started to peel significantly, despite regular maintenance and care. This issue has not only affected the aesthetic appeal of my vehicle but also its potential resale value. I first reported this issue to have subsequently made multiple attempts to contact Hyundai’s customer service department directly. Despite these efforts, I have received no response or acknowledgment from Hyundai regarding my concerns. This lack of communication and failure to address the defect is unacceptable and does not align with the standards expected from a reputable automobile manufacturer. The paint peeling problem is not an isolated incident, as many other owners of 2018 Hyundai white vehicles have reported similar issues. This suggests a potential defect in the paint application process or materials used, which should be addressed under the vehicle’s warranty or through a manufacturer recall.My specific complaints are as follows: 1. Hyundai has failed to acknowledge or respond to my multiple attempts to contact them about the paint peeling issue. 2. Hyundai has not offered any solution or repair for the defective paint, which is clearly a manufacturing issue. 3. The lack of customer service and support from Hyundai in handling this complaint is highly disappointing. 1. Acknowledge receipt of my complaint and provide an explanation for the delay in response. 2. Arrange for an inspection of my vehicle and offer a comprehensive solution to the paint peeling issue, which may include repainting the affected areas or other appropriate measures. 3. Improve their customer service procedures to ensure that such complaints
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the trunk failed to open while using the key fob and the controllers on the interior of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trunk latch had failed, and the emergency cable associated with the trunk needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,176.
Engine, Jul 24, 2024
Vehicle is loosing a quart of oil every two weeks. When taken in for service no problems found. Dealership says their is a known engine problem but since I am the second owner no warrenty applies. Their suggestion is to constantly pit oil in the vehicle. This problem has effected many hyundai owners and should be on the company to fix the problem.
Engine, Jul 15, 2024, crash
Engine began making knocking sound then car while in the highway was not able to accelerate. This slowdown put driver at risk for highway accident. Took car to dealership. They said the engine needed replaced then the next day said no Hyundai said it needed a sensor. This was a bandaid fix as it continued to go through oil faster than it could be changed this led to engine shake and knocking several months after the band aid fix. The car was not able to accelerate again. Again took it to Hyundai dealership said it need an oil test required us to do and pay for an oil change when we had just done one. Drive the 1000 miles brought it back failed the oil test said they need to do some sort of engine clean. Hyundai refused as the car doesn’t have oil change records for the first three years. No record of oil change was recorded even though they were completed. It being five and six years ago we don’t have receipts but believe these were part of the lease and completed at the dealership at no cost. Now Hyundai not even doing the rest of the oil test but say engine needs replaced however they will not cover the repair. We have all records after the car was purchased off the lease other car we own has full oil change records but since we are not able to locate and no one recorded they have denied the repair of a known issue with their engine. This engine issue needs a full investigation as they are trying to get away with not fixing THEIR known problem. This is a driving hazard for the cars still on the road as the engine will suddenly lose the ability to accelerate and could cause a major accident.
Service brakes, Jul 10, 2024, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a pedestrian alerted him that the vehicle was on fire. The contact noticed that the rear portion and driver side of the vehicle was on fire. While traveling around a curve the brakes became inoperable the contact jumped out of the vehicle. he contact sustained injuries to his left shoulder and leg and medical attention was provided. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle continued to roll as it was burning. The vehicle crashed into a dirt mound at the end of a hill. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire. There were four gallons of fuel on the ground. The vehicle was towed to tow lot. There was no police report fire or air bag deployment. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total lost. The failure mileage was approximately 105, 000.
Engine, May 16, 2024
Had issues with engine consuming oil. Took to dealer who completed an engine oil consumption test to find the engine oil was 3 quarts low. All services had been completed through the dealer for the life of the vehicle. Engine replacement was approved. Vehicle was still under warranty. Vehicle was at 88227 miles when taken to dealer for repairs for oil consumption.
Seat belts, Engine, May 15, 2024, crash
I was the owner of a 2018 Sonata until I was t-boned and the car was totaled. I started to make a left turn into a school parking lot when the engine kind of stalled or more like stuttered and did not go forward as usual. The oncoming car then struck me before I was completely in the driveway. My vehicle was totaled as was the other one. Fortunately no one was on the passenger's side where the other car hit me. However the seat belt did not engage which resulted in me slamming very hard into the steering column. This resulted in bruised on my right side which cleared up in several weeks, but, unfortunately, I received a heart contusion on my left side which is still causing shortness of breath. Hyundai will not acknowledge a problem with the engine or the seat belt.
Engine, May 5, 2024
Hello, I am the original owner for my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. I have now had numerous issues with this vehicle that has now left me stalled on the highway twice resulting in a near accident and the vehicle being towed twice to a dealership. I am now having issues with oil consumption with me needing to put in at least 1q per week to ensure the reading on the dipstick is above “L”. I have my vehicle serviced at the Hyundai dealership and they first brought to my attention at 90k miles that when I would go in for my scheduled oil changes the engine was nearly dry. I took my vehicle to a Midas to have it inspected for an oil leak with their mechanics twice saying there was not an oil leak. It was the mechanic here at Midas that informed me of the oil consumption issues Theta II Hyundai engines have been experiencing and to take it into the dealership to see what can be done. This has been an issue my dealership has known about, but they are refusing to assist stating the vehicle is now out of warranty at 104k miles. I have the receipts proving the vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturers recommendation. My vehicle now will fill with the smell of burning oil when I’m driving, I’ve had the spark plugs replaced once and the new spark plugs are already coated in oil and my vehicle lurches when I’m accelerating to get onto the highway. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle and fear it’s a matter of time before it leaves me stranded on the highway again.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 1, 2024
The motor blew in my 2018 Hyundai sonata due to a manufacturing defect. There was a recall on it a couple of years ago. They acknowledged it was a defect which is why they put an extended warranty on the engine. Because I could not come up with maintenance records dating back until 2018 (I only had them dating back to 2020), they denied my motor and will not fix it. I bought the car brand new in 2018 and have had nothing but issues ever since. I have had to change the oil in this vehicle every 2 weeks, because it would be nothing in the oil tank at all. When the recall come out, they said they could not fix the vehicle until the motor was blown. Now that the motor has blew, they won't fix it because I don't have repair records dating back 6 years ago.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle was still losing forward momentum and then stalled. The contact stated that he was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a hole in the valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle eventually started. The failure had been persistent since December 2022. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic fee because the vehicle was under warranty at the time. The contact purchased a new battery, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
I had just taken my 2018 Hyundai Sonata through the brushless car wash at Marion Ford-Hyundai in Marion, Illinois. As I exited the car wash, I noticed that the engine light had come on. When I took the car out on the highway, it accelerated very slowly and would only reach a speed of about 50 miles per hour. I called the service department at the dealership about what had happened and they told me the knock sensor had shorted out and for safety to the engine, would only allow me to go about 50 miles per hour, and to drive it as little as possible until it was repaired. They said that they had several other Sonatas in the shop with the exact same problem. The car was, and still is, under warranty, so it was repaired for free. It took about a month for them to get to my car, due in part to the other Sonatas waiting for the same problem to be repaired. The second time it happened I was driving home and went through some water on the highway at about 55 miles per hour, and the engine light came on and the car instantly decelerated to about 45 miles per hour. Same problem. The dealer again repaired the car for free. My two biggest concerns are how much it's going to cost me to have the repair done after the car's warranty expires, and, more importantly, what if the problem occurs in fast city traffic, such as in Covington, KY, where you have to drive 80 mph to keep from being a traffic hazard, or some other similar situation, such as interstate highway travel. Rapid deceleration in fast traffic can be deadly, and I don't like the thought of being killed or stranded in the middle of nowhere due to a design flaw by Hyundai. Can't Hyundai be made to fix the problem at no cost to the vehicle owners, to make the cars safer? I hardly drive the car in the rain any more. By the way, I don't have the exact dates these incidents occurred, only that they were, the best I can remember, in 2022 and 2023.
Engine, Apr 2, 2024
The vehicle is disposing oil really fast every 3 weeks I put 2 quarts in. A whole lot of dark smoke comes out when the car is 1st cranked up. Oil light flases constantly off and on in like a second. You would miss it if you blink twice. At least it should stay on to warn you of that their is no oil in the vehicle. Check the oil stick, bone dry. No leaks, no cracks, I took it to the shop and the repairs is really a 1 new motor
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The engine of my 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been losing oil at a significant rate. By the time I take my car in for a regular oil change the oil is either completely out or nearly out. I contacted Hyundai regarding an oil consumption test which is what was recommended to me by Hyundai corporate when I called to report the problem. Hyundai has completed the oil consumption test and although they stated that it is consuming oil at a higher than normal rate, it still meets their “standard” and the recommendation that they have was to fill up my oil every time I put gas in my car which is an unreasonable expectation . The safety risk is significant. Although Hyundai recognizes this is an issue, they have said that there is nothing they can do. For a vehicle that has only 79,000 miles on it, there is no indication of where the oil is leaking to. During my last oil change, valvoline stated that this is a known issue and that the oil leaks into the engine of the vehicle. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and again stated that although it is burning oil off at a higher than normal rate, their standards state that it is not burning off enough to warrant an engine repair. The oil warning light did appear just before my last oil change which was approximately January 2024. When the light came on, I immediately scheduled an oil change and that is when I was first made aware that this was a known issue with certain Hyundai models