VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 540 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Sonata year — the 2018 model ranks #12 of 41 Sonata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (218 of 540), far ahead of electrical system at 62. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

540

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

28

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sonata years?

Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted4,608 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 46 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 37 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 187 complaints2000: 378 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 407 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 288 complaints2005: 217 complaints2006: 1,422 complaints2007: 906 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 415 complaints2011: 4,608 complaints2012: 2,272 complaints2013: 2,635 complaints2014: 1,077 complaints2015: 1,636 complaints2016: 991 complaints2017: 991 complaints2018: 540 complaints2019: 205 complaints2020: 254 complaints2021: 169 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 136 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine21840%
Electrical System6211%
Other5911%
Transmission397%
Fuel System306%
Lighting224%
Speed Control194%
Brakes173%
Body & Structure153%
Driver Assistance143%
Steering92%
Seat Belts81%
Latches & Locks81%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Suspension41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Airbags41%
Seats20%

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 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.

“THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF IT ON WHEN I TURN ON HEAT THE RADIO STATION GOES STATIC VERY BAD ENGINE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON GO TO DEALERSHIP THEY KEEP ON RESET INSTEAD OF FIXING IT YESTERDAY MY STARTER BURN OUT .JUST OUT THE BLUE WITH NO WARNING SIGN IT WAS GOING OUT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 22, 2020 · fire

“THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF IT ON WHEN I TURN ON HEAT THE RADIO STATION GOES STATIC VERY BAD ENGINE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON GO TO DEALERSHIP THEY KEEP ON RESET INSTEAD OF FIXING IT YESTERDAY MY STARTER BURN OUT .JUST OUT THE BLUE WITH NO WARNING SIGN IT WAS GOING OUT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 22, 2020 · fire

“1. Accelerator malfunctioned as I removed my foot to hit the brakes. The speed increased. When attempted to hit brakes, would not brake. The brake hardened up and car went through bank glass door and window. 2. It malfunctioned. 3. Vehicle is in the body shop. Will take to dealer when done 4.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 13, 2021 · crash

“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 continued over time…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 16, 2023 · crash

“The car was sitting in the parking lot and randomly black smoke started coming from it and then it turned into fire within in minutes. No one was in the vehicle and 911 was contacted.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 6, 2024 · fire

2018 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 540 complaints put the 2018 model at #12 of 41 Sonata years. It is one of the Sonata years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (218 complaints), electrical system (62 complaints), other (59 complaints).

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

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

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

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 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.