2018 Hyundai Sonata problems and complaints

Owners have filed 373 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The most-reported areas: Engine (211), Electrical System (60), Unknown Or Other (58).

Key takeaways

  • 373 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 18 involve a crash, 13 a fire, 20 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine21157%
Electrical System6016%
Unknown Or Other5816%
Power Train4011%
Fuel/Propulsion System318%
Exterior Lighting226%
Vehicle Speed Control195%
Service Brakes175%
Structure164%
Engine And Engine Cooling144%
Steering92%
Latches/Locks/Linkages82%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2018 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine - filed 2026-09-21

Hyundai dealership confirms I am in need of a new engine due to large oil consumption which is a known issue on 2018 Hyundai Sonata engines. Hyundai will not approve repairs because I am the second owner and vehicle is out of the 5 year warranty period. I only have 52K miles on my vehicle.

Engine - filed 2026-09-11

One engine valve has lost pressure and is not repairable

Suspension - filed 2026-09-08

Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.

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More for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.