VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Ioniq Hybrid years?

Ioniq Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted61 complaints2017: 61 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 32 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 20 complaints2022: 38 complaints
Ioniq Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ioniq Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System317%
Transmission317%
Engine317%
Other317%
Speed Control211%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Brakes16%
Steering16%
Airbags16%

Does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V459000Fuel SystemJune 28, 2022 · 10,575 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.

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.

18V704000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2018 · 10,575 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 8, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 11, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 7, 2025

“THE CAR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE MODE INTO SPORT MODE BY ITSELF WITHOUT THE DRIVER MANUALLY MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO SPORT. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, BUT ALWAYS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND ALWAYS IN A LOW GEAR( USUALLY FIRST GEAR ). IT HAS HAPPENED BOTH WHEN MAKING A TURN AND GOING STRAIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 13, 2019 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 30, 2018

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Ioniq Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ioniq Hybrid years to avoid are 2017. The cleanest record among Ioniq Hybrid years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.