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2018
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Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2018 Hyundai Sonata Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata Side Profile, facing to left view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata
Front (full) view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata Rear (full) view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata
Front 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata Drivers Dash view of 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 Sonata is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Peeling over all of top half. Been back to dealership for warranty work 3 times to no avail. Daughters' car."

Anonymous, (2018 Hyundai Sonata Unsure Unsure)

""The paint on the roof of the car started peeling off within about five years of purchasing the car. I searched online and many other customers have experienced the same problem. I even read that it was treated as a recall issue in Canada, but not in the U.S. where I live. I asked the local dealership if that would be covered under the warranty for my car, and I was told no. It might have been covered under the 5-year / 50,000 mile warranty, but not the 100,000 mile warranty, and I was just past the 5-year / 50,000 mile warranty.""

Anonymous, UT (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"White paint is peeling off the roof."

Anonymous, NC (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint started bubbling on the front hood, roof, and a few trim spots. Dealer had those spots repainted. now I have a spot on the rear hood that has bubbled and peeled. Waiting to see if they will cover it as the time for this recall has expired."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

""My car had less then 40,000 miles and is garage kept and hand washed. I was shocked when the paint was peeling. I am in the process of getting this resolved.""

Anonymous, TX (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

""The paint started falling off in sheets, all over the car.""

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The lock on the trunk failed to function properly and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Sonata Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

""Starter failed at less than 30,000 miles and Hyundai wouldn't cover it. Cost to replace was nearly $1,000""

Anonymous A., FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Ignition starter failed"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The starter quit and I had it replaced under my extended warranty. coverage covered 100% and I paid $0"

Anonymous, SC (2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

""Twice in the last 3 months, the alarm would sound and the car wouldn't start as soon as I touched the key to the ignition. Hyundai diagnostics found no error code and it's not a weak battery. I suspect someone is trying to send a signal to hack my car in case I didn't have the security upgrade that I did get. Both incidents occurred in large public parking lots near Newark, NJ. The car eventually started with no alarm sounding. But it was unnerving when it happened.""

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

"Air pressure gage in dash reads low tire pressure in left front tire. Hand gage says tire pressure is ok. When checked at garage or dealer all they do is add air. Tire is fine. Gage in dash will show low pressure again in a few weeks. Has been checked at 3 garages and dealer. Still have problem. Starter replaced. It was faulty. Replaced again. OK now."

Anonymous, SC (2018 Hyundai Sonata Unsure Unsure)
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Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

""it burned huge amounts of oil. They made me go for oil check/replace 3 consecutive times. I expect they are going to propose engine replacement. Not necessarily a new engine, and not necessarily other than the same type of engine. 3 years ago, my son had identical problem with his engine and it was replaced. Apparently this is a well known problem nut they did not warn the buyer about the nature of this problem. I feel they should have warn. Then I would not have bought it. There is a question about expenses: I did nor reply there because so far I spent about $400 but the problem is not resolved yet and I do not have a complete list of expenses, if any""

Anonymous, MD (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Noticed car was burning up more oil than it should at the miles it was at. Hyundai replaced the entire engine under 100k mile warranty. Stated carbon buildup around the cylinder piston ring causing poor seal and leaking oil through the exhaust. Stated they were replacing about 25 engines a month for the same reasons"

Anonymous, MO (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I had to have my engine replaced due to a oil-burning problem. It was a HUGE fight and took me a year to accomplish. I would have to put a at least quart of oil in at least every few days."

Anonymous, TN (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

"Engine needs replacement due to oil consumption."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine mounts

"Need to replace the engine cost $11,000.00, because once the car reached 97, 653 miles. The started making a ticking noise that came from the engine. I took it to shop. That why I was told I would have to replace the engine and turbo."

Anonymous, (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Oil leaks

"This probably started in 2022 prior to 50,000 miles, I didn't discover the actual reason for the leak until last year. I changed the oil drain plug, the drain plug washer (twice) before discovering that the oil pan itself was cracked at the plug location. This supposedly is a common issue for Hyundai vehicles with this engine."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

""the problem started with 86000 miles, they replaced oil pan , head gaskets, did oil use test, the car was going thru a quart a week, and they delayed and never addressed problem, hoping they could get past warranty and that's what they did, never really replaced engine , and never saw oil leaking from car, coming from exhaust, will never trust them again""

Anonymous, MA (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Fuel injection system failed after owning it less than 6months."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Fuel pump

"Car just stopped running in the middle of an intersection. Had is towed to a mechanic who said the fuel pump needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)
Other emissions/fuel system problem

"After 7 years of ownership the starter motor burnt out"

Anonymous A., NJ (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"The shark fin came off while brushing snow off."

Anonymous A., MD (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)
Seat controls - power

"seat back quit working"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Other engine starting/ignition problem

""the weather was very cold this year. as a result on 3 different occasions , after having pressed the ignition several times, i stopped trying. Then the car would start by itself about 3-6 minutes later. If the temperature got warmer by a few degrees, the car would start normally. However, one more time it happened except this the temperature was above 25 degrees F""

Anonymous, MD (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Starter

"Intermittent inability to start car finally diagnosed as bad starter."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"I have had a persistent problem with the daytie running lights not working. I have had dealer repair 3 times and still not working properly."

Anonymous A., CA (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

""We have tried to have the DRLs fixed nearly 10 times, starting from when the car was in warranty. The local dealer has been unable to fix it and now they want to charge us to fix the headlights in order to fix the DRL""

Anonymous A., MD (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Aug 06, 2021
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V619000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 348158
Hide Recall Details
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 12, 2018
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V166000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2840
Hide Recall Details
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