2018 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

508

Owner Complaints

23 Crashes 18 Fires 1 Death

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

38

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA has received a total of 508 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. 38 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (191 complaints), Unknown Or Other (56 complaints), and Electrical System (54 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, potentially affecting up to 348,158 vehicles.

Recall 21V619000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

| 348,158 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

508 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 191 2 Crashes 7 Fires 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 56 1 Crash 2 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 54 1 Crash 4 Fires 2 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 32 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 23 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 21
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 17 5 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 13 4 Crashes 1 Fire 13 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 11
Structurebody
Complaints: 11
Steering
Complaints: 9
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 8
Seat Belts
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 1 Death
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
Complaints: 3
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
Complaints: 3
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsumptank
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsumptankdrain Plug
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Firerelated
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhandleexterior
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemair Handlerchamber Ducts And Valves
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719276 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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 levels. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition creates a safety risk because excessive oil consumption can lead to critically low oil levels, engine seizure, sudden engine stall, or loss of propulsion while driving. A sudden engine stall or loss of power while operating at highway speeds could increase the risk of a crash. The problem has been inspected and documented by an authorized Hyundai dealership. During service, the dealership recorded that the customer reported oil burning between oil changes and noted evidence of engine oil consumption. No permanent repair has been performed. The issue remains unresolved. Hyundai Motor America has not physically inspected the vehicle directly but has reviewed the case through customer care. The manufacturer has required additional diagnostic testing at the owner’s expense as a condition of further evaluation and declined to authorize testing at no cost or provide assurance of reimbursement. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred to date. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps illuminated at the time the oil consumption was first observed. The condition was first noticed when oil levels were found to be significantly low between scheduled oil changes. The issue has been ongoing and progressive. Given the known history of engine-related issues involving Hyundai Theta II engines, I am submitting this complaint due to concerns that continued oil consumption may result in engine failure, sudden stall, or loss of propulsion while driving, creating a potential safety hazard. The vehicle remains in service but the condition has not been corrected.
#11719179 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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.
#11718006 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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, and additional mechanical issues, all while under warranty. I am now seeking immediate corporate intervention. Timeline of Events and Mismanagement: •2024(~62000 miles): First reported oil leak and excessive oil consumption. Directed to complete multiple 1,000-mile oil consumption tests. I complied fully. •2024: Repeatedly redirected between service advisors, received conflicting instructions, misleading guidance, and poor communication. No effective resolution was provided. •2025: Completed extensive additional diagnostic testing as requested. Despite full compliance, no clear corrective action was taken. •2024–Present: Vehicle brought to Hyundai on US 19 in New Port Richey approximately 13–15 times for engine-related concerns. Each visit demonstrated neglect, miscommunication, and failure to properly address documented issues. •February 11, 2026: After proper diagnostics, vehicle found to have two additional oil leaks, including a head gasket and valve cover requiring replacement, with total estimated repair costs exceeding $3,000. I was advised I must repeat all testing already completed in 2024 before final determination. •Vehicle is currently at 71,332 miles. Impact: •Delays and repeated unnecessary testing pushed my vehicle beyond warranty limits. •Mismanagement caused significant financial burden, emotional stress, and frustration. •If initial oil consumption issues had been properly addressed under warranty, the current extensive engine failures could likely have been avoided. Immediate Requests: 1Full review of my complete service and diagnostic history. 2Warranty or goodwill coverage for all necessary engine repairs, including head gasket and valve cover INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
#11718006 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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, and additional mechanical issues, all while under warranty. I am now seeking immediate corporate intervention. Timeline of Events and Mismanagement: •2024(~62000 miles): First reported oil leak and excessive oil consumption. Directed to complete multiple 1,000-mile oil consumption tests. I complied fully. •2024: Repeatedly redirected between service advisors, received conflicting instructions, misleading guidance, and poor communication. No effective resolution was provided. •2025: Completed extensive additional diagnostic testing as requested. Despite full compliance, no clear corrective action was taken. •2024–Present: Vehicle brought to Hyundai on US 19 in New Port Richey approximately 13–15 times for engine-related concerns. Each visit demonstrated neglect, miscommunication, and failure to properly address documented issues. •February 11, 2026: After proper diagnostics, vehicle found to have two additional oil leaks, including a head gasket and valve cover requiring replacement, with total estimated repair costs exceeding $3,000. I was advised I must repeat all testing already completed in 2024 before final determination. •Vehicle is currently at 71,332 miles. Impact: •Delays and repeated unnecessary testing pushed my vehicle beyond warranty limits. •Mismanagement caused significant financial burden, emotional stress, and frustration. •If initial oil consumption issues had been properly addressed under warranty, the current extensive engine failures could likely have been avoided. Immediate Requests: 1Full review of my complete service and diagnostic history. 2Warranty or goodwill coverage for all necessary engine repairs, including head gasket and valve cover INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
#11715822 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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 to shudder and the check engine light came on. I parked the car and haven't driven it since

View all Engine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 38 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

23-01-010H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Certain 2015-19MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L Turbo GDI engines need the Electronic Control Module (ECM) software updated to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for oxygen sensor aging and control tailpipe emissions within applicable standards.

22-AT-007H — POWER TRAIN

Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with revised logic, and/or replacing the Double Clutch.

TXXI DBP — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for certain Theta II engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

19-EE-007H(1) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

On certain 2018 MY Sonata (LF) equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0L Turbo engine, the starter M-Terminal nut may become relaxed and loosened. If this condition exists, the vehicle may experience a no crank condition in colder ambient temperatures. In most cases the starter will function normally at room temperature.

21-AT-014H — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with revised logic, and/or replacing the Double Clutch.

21-01-002H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for the engine long block for engine repairs or replacement related to connecting rod bearing damage as described in Campaign T3G (Seized and/or BCT No Pass Result Only) has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of...

20-01-004H-3 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on the inspection results.

20-AT-005H-1 — POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a “Check Engine” light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and valve body harness.

20-ST-003H-1 — EQUIPMENT

Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft assembly.

20-ST-003H-1 — STEERING

Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft assembly.

Showing 10 of 38 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA

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