2018 Hyundai Ioniq: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has a safety-critical transmission defect. The vehicle slips violently from 1st to 2nd gear, loses acceleration, and causes unpredictable hesitation. This creates a danger when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. Hyundai refused goodwill assistance, denied escalation, and directed me to BBB Auto Line, but BBB does not accept 2018 vehicles. This defect matches known DCT failures in Hyundai hybrid models and presents a significant safety risk, especially when transporting my two young children ( we lost mother during the childbirth .”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
“The car engine started to stall, the engine light came on and advised me to shut off engine then I pulled over and smoke immidiatley filled the cabin and outside the hood. My engine could have blown up. Had I not pulled over so quickly my car would have caught fire and I would have died. Yes the Hyundai Folsom inspected the car and listed issue was a hole in the engine block. They stated it was caused by premature wearing of the rod bearings and refused to repair. The ONLY warning happened within seconds of the car stalling and failing to accelerate before I pulled over. The first symptoms was a noise I couldne place 5 days prior. It was a mild knocking sound that was subtle.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“The clutch failed and the clutch and I believe the clutch actuator had to be replaced. It was not available for inspection upon request. My safety and the risk of others were compromised by the constant jerking and sputtering, of the gears that took place during vehicle operation. My acceleration was laggy and at some points nearly unresponsive. The vehicle was inspected by service technicians. A warning light saying: Warning please check Hybrid Driving System, Do not drive vehicle was illuminated. Mid to late October 2023”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2023
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“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that both the passenger's side front and rear carpets had become soaked with water and condensation from the operation of the air conditioning unit. The contact was also concerned that mold was present due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 12,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2022
“I have put around 31K miles in my car. Day before yesterday ( Nov-2 ) when I was driving back home from work, suddenly I heard a noise. I pulled over and stopped the car. when I got down and checked, I noticed exhaust system or something similar to that fell off and touching the road. I have seen similar issues posted in Hyundai Ioniq forums https://www.ioniqforum.com/threads/very-dissapointed.37027/ https://www.ioniqforum.com/threads/first-issue-exhaust-fell-off-at-21k-miles-2019-phev.35092/ I will attach few pictures that I took during this incident.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2021
“It began shortly after I purchased the car in feb 2018 with the a/c working only intermittently and the settings on the cluster having the same problem, and this electrical problem escalated into a safety issue when on dec 6 the rke failed (battery on fob strong) and a re-start on car did not work, until the spare key was tried. Since dealer found no problem with either key, the safety issue remains a major concern for the senior citizen owner who might get caught again without access to the car and with a non-functioning engine. The electrical problem shows itself intermittently in unprovoked beeps of the passenger door, as well as in the cluster settings. *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2018
“Many issues: 1. Gets stuck in park. 2. Back up camera fuzzy even after cleaned. 3. Apple car play drops out. And or switches from to current phone call. 4. Tire pressure system is messed up. The tires system doesn't tell you when the tires are below 30lbs. These are just a few issues.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2018
“Clicking noise coming from the bottom of the engine every time the brake pedal is depressed. Sometimes the clicking noise will continue after the car has been parked and locked. The first time the clicking started, I parked my car and a warning "check brake system" appeared briefly in my dashboard display but the clicking persisted. The pedal felt sluggish with not much resistance.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
“I am very concerned about the cruise control. While driving this morning (smart cruise control disabled by the weather), I set the cruise control and everything was working ok. I cancelled due to traffic and reengaged without issue. When I requested additional speed with the increase control, the car accelerated and continued to accelerate and did not stop accelerating until I hit the brakes and cancelled the cruise control. This is very unsafe. I expect this fixed and will contact the NHTSA and also file a complaint with them. This is dangerous and it is only due to my ability to quickly react did I avert an accident in snowy conditions! -scott”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ioniq by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning hybrid propulsion system: inverter. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.