2018 Hyundai Sonata

2018 Hyundai Sonata recalls (1)

• 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: 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.

2018 Hyundai Sonata safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2018 Hyundai Sonata owner complaints (15)

• ENGINE

  Vehicle caught fire after repeatedly taking it to Hyundai for service . I complained about the oil consumption and knocking noises while the vehicle was still under warranty and it was denied.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Check engine light solid/engine failure while driving. 2018 Sonata SE purchased new in fall 2018. Around 50,000 miles started noticing oil level drop and had to add more before next scheduled change. Dealership service center said I just had to shorten the mileage between changes which didn't seem appropriate for a vehicle with 50,000 miles but I did. Continued to have oil consumption problem with no signs of leak, no burning oil smell or exhaust issues. Dashboard display would go off and when I immediately checked dipstick there was barely any oil so I'd add more then go in for full change. At 67,000 or so miles in June 2026, without oil display going off the engine light was now solid. Got to reputable service center near my home and oil was under a quart left yet the warning lamp hadn't gone off. They ran the engine error code P0304 and was misfire #4 cylinder and after compression test, #3 was very low and #4 very high. NOT drivable at that point then towed to dealership so yes, available for inspection by NHTSA at the dealership. For now they claim a 'tune up' is needed for spark plug replacement, valve cover gasket replace and fuel induction service that's my cost to incur which seems to just be fixing the damage of an engine oil consumption problem not fixing the issue that caused the damage. The engine seized/stalled without warning while I was driving the vehicle (granted at low speed in my neighborhood when the engine light turned on). I would not say the engine warning lamp occurred prior to the engine fail, it happed at the same time. This should not happen for a vehicle with my mileage and regular maintenance. I looked up NHTSA for potential recall or other helpful information and started to see extremely similar scenarios to mine and wanted to add complaint as well. This is getting very expensive outside of whatever cost the dealer wants as a fix with rental car needed and tow services. Thank you for your consideration of this engine safety issue.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I was only in the car for about 4 minutes then came to a stop light. Once the light had turned green I pressured down on the gas, my car rolled for a second then died on me, causing it to go into accessory mode. Instantly three lights came on: the check engine light, battery light, and low oil light. The car would take at least 5 seconds to turn back on then would fall back into accessory mode randomly. Tried to jump the car 4 times, issue still remains. What sucks about this is that the mechanic shop can’t even figure out what’s wrong. They thought it was the high pressure fuel pump..turns out it’s not.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (ECU software update, TSB 25-01-087H) at a Hyundai dealership, my 2018 Sonata immediately exhibited drivability changes that were not present before the service. Symptoms include altered shift timing, hesitation, and rougher throttle response — particularly noticeable during the first several minutes of driving. These symptoms began on the first drive after the recall update was applied and have been consistent since. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for inspection. No underlying mechanical issue was found, confirming the drivability change is directly attributable to the ECU software update. The vehicle has been maintained strictly per Hyundai's manufacturer-recommended schedule and had no prior drivability issues. I am aware that numerous other owners of Theta II-equipped vehicles (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson) have reported identical symptoms following 9C2. At least one dealership has reportedly acknowledged this as a known post-update issue that Hyundai is working to resolve. The altered throttle and shift behavior poses a safety concern, as unexpected hesitation during acceleration affects predictable vehicle control in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  The contact The contact stated that when taken the vehicle for a service campaign repair and shortly after went for recall r The vehicle does not run properly on cold starts, the RPMs increase rapidly and slow down, vehicle jerks forward once beginning to drive.. The vehicle does not have this issue once the vehicle is warm. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate. Failure mileage was 47,575.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Engine blown out malfunction took two dealer Hyundai Folsom Lake stated rings are bad sludge buildup in engine and stayed at Hyundai motor America denied engine replacement due to knowledge under Theta two engine extended warranty settlement of 150,000 MI 15 years I'm still within warranty but are still being denied had numerous of issues with vehicle oil consumption knock knock sensor replace and other maintenance done since purchase vehicle brand new in 2018

• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and ongoing safety defect involving the engine of my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle has been officially tested and documented by Hyundai as consuming more than two (2) quarts of engine oil per 1,000 miles, which Hyundai has acknowledged following completion of its oil consumption test procedure. Despite this confirmation, Hyundai has declined to fully correct the defect. As the condition has progressed, the engine now fouls spark plugs every 350–500 miles, resulting in: •Engine misfires •Loss of power during operation •Rough running and hesitation •Risk of sudden engine stalls while driving This condition occurs without warning and requires repeated roadside or emergency repairs simply to keep the vehicle operable. The condition has deteriorated further, requiring replacement of fouled spark plugs every 350-500 miles. Loss of power and engine shaking can occur at any time, presenting a safety hazard for me and other drivers.

• ENGINE

  Despite proper maintenance, the vehicle is burning oil at an excessive rate. I have already replaced the oil pan, but the issue persists. I now have to add oil frequently between oil changes. This creates a serious safety concern, as low oil levels can cause engine failure while driving, leading to sudden loss of power or stalling in traffic. This puts me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk. There are no visible leaks, which suggests the oil is being burned internally. This appears to be a potential defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as it may affect other vehicles of the same make and model. This is becoming very expensive having to refill oil as the dipstick shows nothing. This has been confirmed by technicians that there has been no oil in my car despite coming in on time or before the recommended miles. The oil light will come on a few weeks after having the oil changed. It seems this is an issue with this engine type.

• STRUCTURE

  The trunk latch on the Hyundai Sonata malfunctioned, and our safety was put at risk when the trunk malfunctioned while driving on the freeway, obstructing the back view. After several attempts to try to close the trunk and after doing some research, I learned it had a vehicle recall, 21V619000. An appointment was made at Ontario Hyundai for the latch to be repaired due to the recall. After taking the vehicle in, the dealer stated that an attempt to repair the latch had been attempted and refused to do the repair and provided an invoice of $616.00 for repair. Since the latch malfunctioned, no attempt to repair the latch was ever attempted, nor was it taken anywhere else for repair. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The trunk latch is still inoperable, and recall status is incomplete.

• FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Throttle response intermittent problem no acceleration since new. No codes available. When entering traffic engine stall factor flat spot. Been to dealer many times (Bud Clary) and just recently (04/26) confirmed the fuel pump is the problem. Unable to confirm because of no "codes". Will not replace or register for recall without proper codes. No check engine lamp. No inspection by police or insurance only the dealership service department is aware of the problem.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The only thing that made it stop was to unplug the abs but then other parts of the car stopped working like the speedometer and the sensors around the car. So we got the abs replaced but the new one started doing the same thing. We did some research and it sounds like the same issue Hyundai is having with the palisade. The incident that made us get it replaced to begin with was were driving down the road and we got to a traffic light but when we tried to brake they just didn’t work so we drove through the red light luckily the one person who was supposed to be going saw us and didn’t pull out in front of us so we didn’t get hit. We haven’t taken it to the dealership yet but my sister who teaches automotive repair at the community college is the one who diagnosed it so she said we should report it here so maybe it won’t happen to anyone else. Before we had the brake issue we were having problems with basically everything on the dash not working randomly. We’d be driving down the road and the speedometer and the outside sensors and the gas gauge and the traction control all would go out at the same time it’s the same stuff that went out when we had the abs unplugged so it seems that might be related.

• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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 is time to go again it's very slow at going or if I try to excel it takes it a very long time to actually excel I think something's wrong with the fuel pump

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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 something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thing happens. I take it to an auto repair shop because it's cheaper and the mechanic says he deals with these same issues with other customers who have similar year, make, and models. This pattern continues to this very day. It broke down while I was working my 2nd job. I have a daughter. She plays sports. I have a second job. I need this problem completely alleviated as quickly as possible. Like a lot of the American public, I don't have extra money to keep up with anything beyond the normal maintenance of my vehicle. I keep it up to date with all oil changes. What can you do to get me a vehicle I can trust and it not break down every couple months and cost $300-$600 each time? I don't have good credit (I'm working on that) I have medical issues that I have to visit my doctor for every 3 months. I have the loan through Capital One and they don't offer refinancing. My father who has passed was a car salesman his entire career. I just need reliable transportation and if it's a motor problem like they say then I shouldn't be liable to fix it. The manufacturer should. Please let me know if you need any service records from me. Oh and I also have to put about $20 worth of oil in it every week or so between oil changes. My local oil change guys unfortunately know me very well.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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 pipe while the engine was running. Oil exiting through the exhaust indicates internal engine failure (such as piston rings, cylinder walls, or valve seal failure), not an external leak. This creates a safety risk including potential loss of power while driving, risk of engine seizure, and possible fire hazard due to oil in the exhaust system. The condition has been documented on video multiple times and was shown to dealership personnel. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for evaluation and remains available for inspection. Despite this, no written diagnostic findings or repair determination have been provided. The issue has been persistent, progressive, and reproducible, and represents a potential defect affecting engine integrity and safe operation of the vehicle.

• POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance. Before the incident, the vehicle showed signs of malfunction, including instability while driving and loss of normal performance. These symptoms created an unsafe driving condition and increased the risk of a crash. I believe the vehicle had defects from the beginning that affected safety. The failure contributed to the accident that occurred while driving on the highway, putting my life and my family at risk.