2018 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 377 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (47% of complaints); the 2019 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I recently had the 9C2 Emissions recall update performed on my car, and since the update my car drives like total garbage after a cold start. It hesitates to accelerate, it bucks when trying to accelerate, and it's to the point the engine is about to stall. I took it back to the Hyundai dealership and they said they are aware of the issue, but there is no fix from Hyundai at this time. This is a major safety concern, as the car barely wants to accelerate after a cold start. Please have Hyundai fix this safety issue.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“I was only in the car for about 4 minutes then came to a stop light. Once the light had turned green I pressured down on the gas, my car rolled for a second then died on me, causing it to go into accessory mode. Instantly three lights came on: the check engine light, battery light, and low oil light. The car would take at least 5 seconds to turn back on then would fall back into accessory mode randomly. Tried to jump the car 4 times, issue still remains. What sucks about this is that the mechanic shop can't even figure out what's wrong. They thought it was the high pressure fuel pump..turns out it's not.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“The contact The contact stated that when taken the vehicle for a service campaign repair and shortly after went for recall r The vehicle does not run properly on cold starts, the RPMs increase rapidly and slow down, vehicle jerks forward once beginning to drive.. The vehicle does not have this issue once the vehicle is warm. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate. Failure mileage was 47,575.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with an inoperable low-pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued an extended warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2026
“Engine blown out malfunction took two dealer Hyundai Folsom Lake stated rings are bad sludge buildup in engine and stayed at Hyundai motor America denied engine replacement due to knowledge under Theta two engine extended warranty settlement of 150,000 MI 15 years I'm still within warranty but are still being denied had numerous of issues with vehicle oil consumption knock knock sensor replace and other maintenance done since purchase vehicle brand new in 2018”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
“Had an oil change, then 2 weeks later car making noise, checked the oil and it was completely empty, so we refilled the oil. Then a month after again same issue no oil, refilled it again and now a week later it's 2 quarts low already. Also when I come to a complete stop when it is time to go again it's very slow at going or if I try to excel it takes it a very long time to actually excel I think something's wrong with the fuel pump”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2026
“The three airbags in the car (on the driver's weel, driver's knee, and the passenger's side) deployed while driving on a normal street at a speed of 50 miles/hour. This is an unexpected behavior of a car at a normal speed. I need help to fix this car and know what is the reason this happened.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2026
“Excessive oil consumption. I am routinely getting notifications of low oil about 1,000 miles before the oil change is due. When I bring it in for an oil change it is nearly empty. No signs of leaks anywhere.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2025
“I am Detective [XXX] #XXX with Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit and I worked a fatal crash [XXX]. The damage to the vehicle two vehicle should not have caused a death. The airbag became detached from the steering wheel and impaled into the drivers chest. I do have pictures but they are crime scene pictures and pictures of the decedent so I am not attaching them but if someone contacts me I can arrange that. I do not know the speed but I am going to image the module next week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to have an oil change performed and then return the vehicle after 1,000 miles of driving. The contact stated that after returning the vehicle to the dealer, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 21 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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."
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonata by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
NHTSA has 377 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The most complained-about area is engine (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Sonata problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 26,000 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch. 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.