VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years?

Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted51 complaints2016: 43 complaints2017: 51 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 6 complaints
Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

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

18V166000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2018 · 2,840 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Consequence

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

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

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2017, 2016. The cleanest record among Sonata Plug-In 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.