Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Hyundai Sonata Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 374 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

374 complaints 1 recall, 1 injury risk 10th worst of 17 Sonata years

Top 2018 Hyundai Sonata problems

1

Engine problems

224 complaints (60%) name the engine, most often the sump / tank and drain plug.

Complaints 224 · Usually at 9,000–76,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

60 complaints (16%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.

Complaints 60 · Usually at 12,000–65,000 miles

3

Transmission problems

40 complaints (11%) name the transmission.

Complaints 40 · Usually at 17,000–79,000 miles

4

Fuel system problems

33 complaints (9%) name the fuel system.

Complaints 33 · Usually at 77,000–142,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 60%
Electrical 16%
Unknown or Other 16%
Transmission 11%
Fuel System 9%
Lights 6%
Acceleration 5%
Body 5%
Brakes 5%
Steering 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (132 of 374). The amber line is the middle value, about 23,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Trunk may not open from inside

Injury risk

The trunk latch can become damaged, so the trunk cannot be opened from the inside. A person trapped in the trunk could be seriously injured.

Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base free of charge.

Recall 21V619000 · Aug 2021
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Sonata years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2011 Sonata 3,377
2013 Sonata 1,915
2012 Sonata 1,557
2015 Sonata 1,153
2017 Sonata 765
2014 Sonata 749
2016 Sonata 727
2009 Sonata 460
2008 Sonata 425
2018 Sonata 374
2010 Sonata 345
2020 Sonata 179
2019 Sonata 162
2021 Sonata 134
2022 Sonata 94
2023 Sonata 87
2024 Sonata 46

2018 Hyundai Sonata problems by system

Engine (224)

Common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 374 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and fuel system. 224 complaints (60%) name the engine, most often the sump / tank and drain plug.

At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 9,000–76,000 miles, with a middle value near 24,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?

1. Trunk may not open from inside (21V619000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Hyundai Sonata?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.