VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?

Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted216 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 216 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 40 complaints2015: 83 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 123 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 21 complaints2021: 69 complaints2022: 30 complaints2023: 23 complaints2024: 12 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine533%
Driver Assistance213%
Lighting213%
Electrical System213%
Transmission17%
Fuel System17%
Other17%
Airbags17%

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V619000Latches & LocksAugust 6, 2021 · 348,158 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The malfunction lamp indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAPITAL HYUNDAI (2820 EASTERN BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 6, 2019

“I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SET WAY TOO LOW AND THERE IS A DEFINITE LINE BETWEEN THE LIT AND UNLIT UPPER AREA. . IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SEE MORE THAN 1/2 OF A CITY BLOCK AHEAD. IT IS A GREAT CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE I COULD EASILY HIT OR RUN OVER SOMETHING THAT APPEARS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 29, 2019

“Driving on Interstate 10 westbound at about 0700. Clear day. No adjacent vehicles. The frontal crash avoidance alert suddenly went off and automated emergency braking activated as I approached an underpass. There were some slightly harsh shadows, but not the worst I have seen and I drive this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 7, 2022

“2018 Sonata Hybrid May 19 - "Check Hybrid System Turn Engine Off" appeared on the dashboard. Vehicle brought to dealership. May 22 - I pay for a rental vehicle May 26 - Dealer states vehicle is ready and they performed service campaign 966. May 27 - My rental car is returned. Dealer picks me up and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 19, 2022

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Sonata Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), lighting (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015, 2021, 2014. The cleanest record among Sonata Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.