Severe Issues

2018 HYUNDAI SONATA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. This model year has 354 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

354
Complaints
18
Crashes
12
Fires
20
Injuries
1
Deaths
1
Recalls

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2018 Hyundai Sonata Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
211
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:3
Fires:7
Injuries:2
#2
60
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:3
Fires:4
Injuries:2
#3
57
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:2

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems21137β€”
Electrical Faults6034β€”
Uncategorized Issues5712β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain3521β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System27β€”1β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures22β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration196β€”β€”
Brake System1761β€”
Structural Problems15β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects9β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues8β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues82β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB71β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper5β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions42β€”β€”
Suspension Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic32β€”β€”
Lane Departure3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”1β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Firerelated1β€”1β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 354 most recent complaints

Structural ProblemsApr 27, 2026

The trunk latch on the Hyundai Sonata malfunctioned, and our safety was put at risk when the trunk malfunctioned while driving on the freeway, obstructing the back view. After several attempts to try to close the trunk and after doing some research, I learned it had a vehicle rec…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 21, 2026

Throttle response intermittent problem no acceleration since new. No codes available. When entering traffic engine stall factor flat spot. Been to dealer many times (Bud Clary) and just recently (04/26) confirmed the fuel pump is the problem. Unable to confirm because of no "code…

Electrical FaultsApr 20, 2026

We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or l…

Engine ProblemsApr 2, 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 i…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 21, 2026

I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean so…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 21, 2026

The vehicle developed a progressive engine failure beginning in early 2024, including loud knocking noises at cold start and visible white/gray/black exhaust smoke. The condition worsened over time. In February 2026, the failure escalated to active oil discharge from the exhaust …

Transmission / DrivetrainπŸ’₯ CrashMar 15, 2026

The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and …

Engine ProblemsMar 15, 2026

2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Theta II engine experiencing severe oil consumption and loss of oil pressure. Oil pressure warning light actively blinking and dipstick completely dry. This is consistent with the known Theta II engine defect subject to prior NHTSA investigations and clas…

Engine ProblemsMar 9, 2026

Excessive Oil Burning and Oil Consumption. Oil turns black abnormally quickly (within the first 500-1000 miles) even though recommended Full-Synthetic Oil is used. Engine has intermittent rough idle once engine is warm. Occasionally engine experiences "near-stall" and "misfire ev…

Engine ProblemsFeb 20, 2026

The component involved is the engine (2.4L Theta II gasoline engine) in my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The malfunction involves excessive internal engine oil consumption between oil changes. The vehicle consumes oil at an abnormal rate, requiring frequent top-offs to prevent low oil lev…

Engine ProblemsFeb 19, 2026

The oil pan is starting to crack, a small drip is now happening but dealership says it could spilt and cause the engine to seize while driving. The pan looks very flimsy compared to my Ford and Toyota.

Electrical FaultsFeb 14, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am formally escalating serious ongoing issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Despite repeated attempts to resolve these concerns through the dealership, my vehicle continues to experience excessive oil consumption, engine failures, a…

Engine ProblemsFeb 5, 2026

While driving the vehicle, I repeatedly must check and put oil in. (On average once per week) I took the car to an auto shop where I was told that the engine was bad and I must get a new one. I kept driving, putting oil in as needed, then the car in the middle of driving started …

Transmission / DrivetrainπŸ”₯ FireJan 29, 2026

Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 11, 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 reas…

Engine ProblemsJan 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate roughly. The contact felt the vibration in the steering wheel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled off…

Engine ProblemsJan 6, 2026

Engine oil consumption issues. My 2018 Hyundai Elantra falls within the dates of this issue. I had an oil consumption issue done and the dealership claimed it passed. I have to put oil in my car every 3 weeks and change spark plugs at the same time because of engine leaking …

Electrical FaultsDec 28, 2025

Intermittent no-crank, no-start condition. Dash lights illuminate, push-button start produces no response. Brake pedal applied. Vehicle becomes immobilized without warning. I’ve been stranded on multiple occasions. Unable to commute to work, or home. Most recently on December 19,…

Engine ProblemsDec 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the technician advised that the oil level was very low. The contact stated that the low oil warning was intermittently illuminated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a deal…

Uncategorized IssuesDec 21, 2025

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.

Page 1 of 18

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.

Recalls for 2018 Hyundai Sonata

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

21V619000Jun 8, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

2018 Hyundai Sonata β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 354 NHTSA owner complaints, 18 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (211 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (211 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (60 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (57 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?β–Ύ

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 18 crash-related complaints and 12 fire reports out of 354 total NHTSA complaints. 20 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The largest issue: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2018 Hyundai Sonata?β–Ύ

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Sonata reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.