Hyundai · Sonata · 2018
2018 Hyundai Sonata
1
Recall
353
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 1 recall and 353 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (112 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 112 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Hyundai Sonata currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 353 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (112), unknown or other (32), exterior lighting (15).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 353
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V619000August 06, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
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."
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
353 totalPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 21, 2026
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean so...
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ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 2, 2026
Had an oil change, then 2 weeks later car making noise, checked the oil and it was completely empty, so we refilled the oil. Then a month after again same issue no oil, refilled it again and now a week later it's 2 quarts low already. Also when I come to a complete stop when it i...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 31, 2026
The vehicle developed a progressive engine failure beginning in early 2024, including loud knocking noises at cold start and visible white/gray/black exhaust smoke. The condition worsened over time. In February 2026, the failure escalated to active oil discharge from the exhaust ...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FIREJan 29, 2026
Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and...
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AIR BAGS
Jan 9, 2026
The three airbags in the car (on the driver's weel, driver's knee, and the passenger's side) deployed while driving on a normal street at a speed of 50 miles/hour. This is an unexpected behavior of a car at a normal speed. I need help to fix this car and know what is the reas...
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ENGINE
Dec 27, 2025
2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Theta II engine experiencing severe oil consumption and loss of oil pressure. Oil pressure warning light actively blinking and dipstick completely dry. This is consistent with the known Theta II engine defect subject to prior NHTSA investigations and clas...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 20, 2025
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate roughly. The contact felt the vibration in the steering wheel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled off...
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AIR BAGS
CRASHDec 16, 2025
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 ha...
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to have an oil change performed and...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 353 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Sonata Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has received 353 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata are engine (112 reports), unknown or other (32 reports), exterior lighting (15 reports).
Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.