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ProblemsByVin Index / 2018-HYUNDAI-SONATA / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2018 Hyundai Sonata owner complaints

359 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 1 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

engine 7 complaints shown

135 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/31/2024 ODI #11633308.0

- Component or system that failed: engine (cylinder #4 misfire) - Safety was put at risk twice: once when knock sensor went off on interstate (October) and engine went into limp mode (aka protection mode). Required a tow from the, which was tricky with a vehicle full of passengers. Safety was put at risk gain when vehicle began to stutter/sputter on interstate (December). Drove 4-cylinder vehicle essentially on three cylinders an hour to dealership - Problem has been confirmed by dealer (Southern States Hyundai, Raleigh, NC) - vehicle has been inspected by warranty inspector, who requests approval before disassembling engine to diagnose issue. However, based upon maintenance records and manufacturer's history of engine issues (more on this below), owner should not be liable for investigati

12/31/2019 15,000 mi ODI #11292346.0

The car buck going threw lights it had no power. It would bog down when you lease expect it. This doesn't always happen. But once happen at 1:30am. The light been on for awhile. I go threw a green light the car went lip and the semi laid on his horn at 1:30am. Because he didn't know I been having this problem for months.the next morning I went to the dealer just as they got there no appointment I just walked in. I was pissed. They changed the knock switch. It almost worked for two weeks.

12/22/2025 103,235 mi ODI #11706599.0

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the technician advised that the oil level was very low. The contact stated that the low oil warning was intermittently illuminated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was operating normally. The contact stated that the low oil warning light was illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, and the oil level was topped off; another oil consumption test was suggested. The contact researched online and related the failure to a known issue of oil consumption that could lead to engine failure. The contact ca

12/22/2023 83,920 mi ODI #11561461.0

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as designed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and then contacted the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,920.

12/22/2023 ODI #11561546.0

Oil pan crack. Leaking oil can get on engine or underbody components causing fire or failure of breaking systems causing an accident resulting in death. Problem was identified by dealer and in fact the dealer rep said this was common. It has not been inspected by police or insurance reps. There is no warning systems in place for a cracked pan.

12/12/2023 ODI #11559630.0

I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL. I purchased the car in 2020 with ~17,000 miles on it. At ~50,000 miles the engine begin burning oil. It has progressively gotten worse. I can’t bring myself to have anyone drive my car because of this issue. It is all to likely that the result of the car burning so much oil in a short period of time. That it can pose a serious risk to anyone driving the car if the oil wasn’t checked. This is not a common problem with many cars, this is a problem with Hyundai vehicles. The negligence of not issuing a recall for this is horrible. I have taken my car to private mechanics and Hyundai service centers. The response I get is “oh yeah they’re know for burning oil and there’s not much to do about it.” That’s a ridiculous response to situation like this for the thous

12/11/2024 111,000 mi ODI #11630213.0

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and approved the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light continued to flicker on the instrument panel. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the most recent failure The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

electrical 5 complaints shown

51 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/28/2025 ODI #11707411.0

Intermittent no-crank, no-start condition. Dash lights illuminate, push-button start produces no response. Brake pedal applied. Vehicle becomes immobilized without warning. I’ve been stranded on multiple occasions. Unable to commute to work, or home. Most recently on December 19,2025 the car completely shut off while driving on the highway.

12/26/2023 ODI #11561912.0

We were heading to Lakewood NJ from Bucks County (North of Philly) . Car trouble w/ hybrid system on Rt 1, just past I-95. Got off @ Fairless Hills & took back roads. We could only go 20-30 mph. IDK how many times I pulled over. Several lights on, including "Check hybrid system. Turn Engine off", engine light, low tire pressure, battery & 3 other unidentifiable lights. I turned around to try to make it home, as 2 years ago, I had a similar issue, which turned out to be the hybrid water pump failed. We finally stopped near a park & called AAA & towed to dealer. Prior to driving, we had no fluid on our driveway. My last synthetic oil change was April 19, 2023 @ 49,097mile. I now have about 57,000 miles. Today, dealer said no oil in the car & oil pan was all wet. They claim the oil f

12/22/2019 9,500 mi ODI #11290767.0

My 2018 sonata will not start when temp drops below 20 deg f. It has happened 3 times this winter and when it warms back up to 40 to 50 degree it will start. When I turn the key on all the lights on the dash light up like normal. I can move hear selector and turn wheel. But the starter will not engage nothing is heard not a click or a shirt. Is this common problem?

12/17/2019 7,600 mi ODI #11289754.0

Entertainment screen turns off after a while and will reset or I have to tap it and make sure it goes back on and does this over and over at times. Smoke comes out exhaust when passing a car sometimes

12/15/2023 72,000 mi ODI #11560236.0

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start in cold weather, below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The contact stated that the vehicle would start as needed whenever the weather was warmer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

lighting 2 complaints shown

18 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $250 · see lighting cluster analysis →
12/31/2017 ODI #11057733.0

The headlights on my 2018 Hyundai sonata limited have condensation in them. It has been there from the day I bought the car on 10/1/18. That day the dealership took pictures to send to Hyundai and 1 month later replaced the headlights. But the new headlights were worse than the original and the day after they were installed I returned to the dealership where the parts manager took more pictures for Hyundai. I spoke with someone from Hyundai directly who is my contact regarding this problem. I was advised Hyundai is trying to figure out the problem and while they do I am still waiting for new headlights. I have found other cars in my area with the same problem. At night the moisture covers a good portion of the glass giving a distortion to the projected headlight beam. I feel this is a saf

12/27/2019 ODI #11291450.0

Dim headlights are very weak, not aimed correctly or poor design. Not enough candle power to see dividing lines on highway. With bright lights things are good. I have talked with 3 other people who have sonata's, different year models, they have the same complaint. Not safe! I would like to know how this high safety item passed the ntsb!!!!

powertrain 2 complaints shown

35 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/29/2024 ODI #11632977.0

When my car suddenly stopped on the highway, I encountered an issue with the “body control module.” The car wouldn’t start, and the key fob was ineffective. Additionally, the airbags stopped working. I don’t recall all the details, but I was unsure of where to report the dangerous vehicle. I’ve noticed several other Hyundai owners complaining about this issue, where their cars suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere.

12/16/2025 ODI #11705457.0

While driving on the highway, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden loss of engine power and became undrivable. The failure occurred without warning at approximately 86,500 miles. At the time of the incident, there were two children in the vehicle, and the breakdown occurred at night in cold temperatures (approximately 20°F). An authorized Hyundai dealership later diagnosed zero compression in cylinder 3 and confirmed a cracked piston, recommending full engine replacement. The sudden loss of power while driving created a safety risk due to traffic conditions and environmental exposure.

other 2 complaints shown

12/21/2025 ODI #11706404.0

Excessive oil consumption. I am routinely getting notifications of low oil about 1,000 miles before the oil change is due. When I bring it in for an oil change it is nearly empty. No signs of leaks anywhere.

12/19/2022 ODI #11498010.0

This car will not start when it is cold. I have only had this car for over one year and four months. The car ran perfect up until we began to have extreme cold weather. This is so dangerous because it could be an emergency and my car will not start. I have done my research and discovered that this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai. And nothing has been done about it.

body 1 complaint shown

14 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,500 · see body cluster analysis →
12/20/2023 ODI #11561197.0

The paint if pealing off in large sections due to a manufacturer defect in the primer. The flakes can fly onto the windshields of other vehicles causing collisions.

airbags 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · critical · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/17/2025 1 fatal ODI #11705558.0

I am Detective [XXX] #XXX with Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit and I worked a fatal crash [XXX]. The damage to the vehicle two vehicle should not have caused a death. The airbag became detached from the steering wheel and impaled into the drivers chest. I do have pictures but they are crime scene pictures and pictures of the decedent so I am not attaching them but if someone contacts me I can arrange that. I do not know the speed but I am going to image the module next week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Showing 300 of 359 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Hyundai/Sonata#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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