2018 Hyundai Sonata problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 374.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Engine
Electrical system
Unknown or other
Safety recalls (1)
Recalls that cover the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Latches/locks/linkages › trunk lid › latch
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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."
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
212 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 6,225 and 57,040 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
60 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 11,500 and 65,290 miles.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
40 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 5,520 and 75,500 miles.
Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.
31 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system, half of the reports with mileage are between 9,500 and 147,000 miles.
Do all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work? Any headlight replacements or moisture inside the lenses?
22 owner complaints mention the exterior lights, half of the reports with mileage are between 91 and 6,158 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year.
Other Hyundai Sonata years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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