2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 71 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    76
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I WAS DRIVING IN ANOTHER CITY AND MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I HAD IT TOWED TO NEARBY DEALER AND THEY SAID I WAS LOW IN OIL, AFTER HAVING IT CHANGED AN MONTH BEFORE. THEY DID OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND FOUND IT TO BE 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES AND LEFT THERE AND 2…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1712446
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine oil warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact pulled over to check the engine oil level and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The v…"~99,000 mi, complaint #2118255
    • "Car consumes TOO much oil. Even after I get an oil change I have to add more oil weeks later and the oil is always black. Several times the sensor has gone out on me on the hwy and I’m not able to accelerate or go over 35 miles which is extremely dangerous ."~127,961 mi, complaint #1916116
  2. #2

    engine internal

    4 stranded, 52 unsafe

    56
    incidents
    Typical range: 7,500–51,000 mi

    Median 22,000 mi, based on 39 reports (62% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MARCH 5, 2019. HYUNDAI OF KENNESAW ([REDACTED ADDRESS], KENNESAW, GA 30144, [REDACTED PHONE]) DIAGNOSE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1554271
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FUCCILLO HYUNDAI OF SYRACUSE ([REDACTED ADDRESS] E, SYRACUSE, NY 13224, [REDACTED PHONE]) FOR A 4,000 AND 8,000 MILE CHECK UP. THE DEALER PERFORMED A COMPUTER CHECK ON THE VEHICLE. THE…"~8,087 mi, complaint #1558648
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ITSELF AND WOULD NOT EXCEED 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO JOHNSON HYUNDA…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1543864
    • "EVERYTIME I ACCELERATE MY SUV MAKES A VERY LOUD GRINDING / ? NOISES AND SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW FROM ACCELERATING. TALKED WITH HYUNDAI MECHANIC THAT SAID THEIR MAY BE A ENGINE PROBLEM. ONLY HAD IT 1 MONTH. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL BECOME VERY DANGEROUS TO…"~41,400 mi, complaint #1650186
    • "IN FEB 2020 MY SONATA WENT INTO SAFE MODE AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY AND DEALER ENDED UP REPLACING "KNOCK SENSOR". IN DECEMBER 2020 MY ENGINE "STUTTERED" THROWING ME FORWARD AS IF I HAD HIT BRAKES HARD. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES OCCURRED AND AFTER A FEW SECON…"~147,000 mi, complaint #1711531
  3. #3

    engine stall or no start

    5 stranded, 38 unsafe

    43
    incidents
    Typical range: 14,000–69,500 mi

    Median 33,000 mi, based on 29 reports (65% had no usable mileage)

    • "I OWN THIS 2019 SONATA SINCE 1/16/19. WAS RUNING GOOD AT THE FIRST. BUT COUPLE TIMES START SHOWING THE ENGINE LIGHT FOR SECONDS. BUT ON APRIL SUNDAY 14 2019 MY CAR SHOWS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TIRE CONTROL STABILIZER AT THE SAME TIME THEN THE CAR START SHAKI…"~2,787 mi, complaint #1559158
    • "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…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1633359
    • "HAD OIL CHANGED ON 1/24/2019, THEY DID THE ECM UPDATE FOR THE KNOCKS SENSER AND AFTERWARDS ON THE WAY HOME THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I ALSO RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM HYUNDAI BLUE LINK SAYING THAT AN ENGINE COMPONENT HAD FAILED. T…"~19,500 mi, complaint #1533839
    • "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 dr…"~47,575 mi, complaint #2209873
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and turned o…"~77,347 mi, complaint #1929304
  4. #4

    lighting exterior

    14 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BEYOND TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER…"~1,700 mi, complaint #1486056
    • "I PURCHASED THE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T ON 8/27/18. AFTER WE WERE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SITUATIONS, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT (1) AT NIGHT, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WINDSHIELD APPEARED VERY DARK AS IF IT WAS HEAVILY…"~2,134 mi, complaint #1567528
    • "DISTINCT SHADOWS WITH NOTCHES ON TOP AFFECTING NIGHT VISION WITH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON. VERY DISTRACTING ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING."~7,500 mi, complaint #1496488
    • "FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN JUNE 2018, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED VERY LOW AND PROJECT ONLY 15 TO 20 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN TRAVELING ON DARK ROADS, IT ALLOWS FOR NO REACTION TIME TO ANY HAZARDS, SUCH AS ANIMALS OUR PEDESTRIANS. HYUNDAI CLAIMS…"~8,100 mi, complaint #1575595
  5. #5

    other

    8 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I CAN NOT GET HYUNDAI TO GIVE ME AN ADEQUATE ANSWER"~7,000 mi, complaint #1554629
    • "THE OUTSIDE ANTENNA COMPLETELY CAME OFF AND DISAPPEARED... NOT BROKEN, BUT LITERALLY CAME LOOSE AND BLEW AWAY DOWN THE INTERSTATE"~25,000 mi, complaint #1517159
    • "The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle caught fire without warning. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was notified and was able to extinguish the fire. The origi…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1847164
    • "The car was sitting in the parking lot and randomly black smoke started coming from it and then it turned into fire within in minutes. No one was in the vehicle and 911 was contacted."~183,000 mi, complaint #1970140
  6. #6

    paint and clearcoat

    5 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This car literally has sheets of painting peeling off of it while driving down the interstate blowing onto others cars . "complaint #1839235
    • "We drive a 2018 Hyundai Sonata with Hyundai Quartz White Pearl (W8) paint. It has 62000, so just out of regular warranty. Last week I noticed that we were missing a huge chunk of paint on the roof. As a regular passenger of this car, neither of us noticed a…"complaint #1847934
    • "White paint has started to peel off the body. Vehicle is past warranty (>3 years, >36,000 miles) and Hyundai refused to deal with it. It has been a known problem that their pearl white paint easily peels off the body down to the steel but they refuse to issue…"complaint #1851261
    • "2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport+ with 23K miles that has White Pearl exterior paint. The paint (W8 or WW8) is peeling off from several locations (Hood and Roof). This has been a know issue with this type of paint on Hyundai vehicles but manufacturer is not taking a…"complaint #1863518
    • "White paint peeling off vehicle body in large sections "complaint #1867279
  7. #7

    starter

    7 stranded, 3 unsafe, 1 broken

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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…"~9,500 mi, complaint #1631079
    • "CAR WILL NOT START WHEN KEY TURNED IN IGNITION WITH NO SOUND WHEN THE WEATHER IS UNDER 30 DEGREES. HAD IT IN THE DEALER LAST WEEK AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. STILL HAPPENING SO ITS BACK IN THE DEALER FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AND I CANNOT TALK WITH ANYO…"~29,555 mi, complaint #1723402
  8. #8

    wiring harness

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 13,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I TOOK MY 2018 HYUNDAI SONTA SE IN FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE WITH 3564 MILES ON IT. THEY DID A COMPUTER UPDATE AS PART OF A RECALL. I DROVE LESS THAN ( MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WENT TO PULL OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT STARTED MISS FIRING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LI…"~3,569 mi, complaint #1538126
    • " I HAVE A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. I BOUGHT IT ON 12/26/2018. I NOW HAVE 4,000 MILES ON IT. LAST MONTH THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPGRADE. TODAY I GOT A MESSAGE: A POSSIBLE CONDITION WITH YOUR ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN DETECTED WITH YOUR…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1553829
    • "ON 03/23/2019, WHEN I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT MY CAR STARTED TO HESITATE AND WOULD NOT REV UP. I JUST TURNED OUT THE PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. MESSAGE CAME ON STATED IT NEED TO BE SERVICED. AT THE SAME TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS NOT ABLE T…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1560288
    • "I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AND LOST POWER, COULD NOT ACCELERATE, BLINKING ENGINE CAME ON AND ON MY SCREEN IT SAID "A POSSIBLE CONDITION WITH YOU ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN DETECTED. A FULL SYSTEM CHECK RECOMMENDED TO BE DONE WHEN CONVENIENT. PLEASE CONTACT…"~20,500 mi, complaint #1564048
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED AND THE BRAKE AND REVERSE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STANLEY PARMA HYUNDAI ([REDACT…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1591278
  9. #9

    trunk or liftgate

    5 unsafe, 2 broken

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TRUNK LATCH LOCKING ARM CAN BREAK WITH FEW MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WHEN THE ARM BREAKS DUE TO IT BEING PLASTIC CONNECTING TO METAL VIA A STRONG TENSION SPRING, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE LEVER IS DEFEATED AND THE TRUNK CANNOT BE OPENED, OR CLOSED IF IT BROKE W…"~28,335 mi, complaint #1697179
    • "TRUNK LATCH BROKE. ITS A KNOWN ISSUE BY HYUNDAI ON 2017 & 2018 MODELS."~30,500 mi, complaint #1601899
    • "I WAS I A PARKING AND I OPENED THE TRUNK, AFTER THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CLOSE IT. THE TRUNCK LATCH FAILED. IT HAS A PLASTIC PART THAT BROKE. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE."~32,000 mi, complaint #1721273
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the trunk failed to open while using the key fob and the controllers on the interior of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trunk latch had fail…"~44,176 mi, complaint #2010510
  10. #10

    abs module

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHILE DRIVING CRASH WARNING, ABS, TRACK AND CHECK BRAKES WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. HYUNDAI DEALER INITIALLY REFLAGGED ECO BUT LIGHTS CAME BACK. DEALER HAD CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND AFTER CHECKING WITH HYUNDAI TECH CENTER AND GOT TEST CODES C2402 C1741 AND C…"~19,600 mi, complaint #1589946
    • ""MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ARE COMING ON THE DASH FOR ABS FAILURE."CAUSE: 5891R00 HYDRAULIC MODULE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. "SCAN TEST CODES C1741, C2402, C1360 DIAG SYSTEM. LINE CASE NUMBER 2019080600434 PERFORM VOLTAGE AND GROUND TEST PER TECH LINE FOUND ABS HYDRAUL…"~19,725 mi, complaint #1592860
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle wa…"~40,000 mi, complaint #2093826
    • "ABS module stopped working and the ABS module light is on. Car automatically brakes by its self sometimes or locks up at stop lights creating dangerous driving situations "~157,000 mi, complaint #1945715
  11. #11

    adas collision warning

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VISUAL ALARM SYSTEM AND AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING LAKE NORMAN HYUNDAI ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], CORNEL…"~4,700 mi, complaint #1625160
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON AN OPEN INTERSTATE USING SMART CRUISE CONTROL WHEN A MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DASH SCREEN: SMART CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. RADAR BLOCKED. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND MY CAR WAS CLEAN. THERE HAD BEEN NO SNOW ACCUMULATION IN MY AREA NOR A…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1635992
  12. #12

    software or update

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MY 2018 SONATA WENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE CHAMPAIGN 953 SOFTWARE UPDATE, FOR ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR ENHANCEMENT . AFTER THE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO TO PROTECTION MODE CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO ACCELERATE WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE DEALER ONTO…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1546730
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI OF KIRKLAND DEALER ([REDACTED ADDRESS] NE, KIRKLAND, WA 98034, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN LEAVING TH…"~3,713 mi, complaint #1564836
    • "WHILE DRIVING CAR ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ENGINE POWER SUDDENLY DECLINED AND VEHICLE HAD NO PICKUP. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. I WAS INFORMED BY THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT MY…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1719487
    • "ON 2 DIFFERENT DAYS THE CAR KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY. BOTH TIMES THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT. LOOKED AT IT. THE FIRST TIME, THEY SAID THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT WAS WORKED ON A FEW MONTHS PREVIOUS, HAD A GLITCH IN IT. THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY I…"~24,600 mi, complaint #1619588
  13. #13

    unintended acceleration

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARBONE HONDA BENNIN…"~8,800 mi, complaint #1500765
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while their vehicle was parked, starting the ignition, and attempted to make 3 point turn exiting out of their driveway, the vehicle accelerated on its own and went over their curb into their neighbor…"~8,896 mi, complaint #1791497
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while braking and pulling into a parking space, the vehicle reeved up, accelerated forward, and crashed into a wall. There were no reported injuries, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed t…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1772963
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle drove forward and crashed into a brick post. The contact's daughter did not su…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1808049
  14. #14

    fuel pump

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 86,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the vehicle had failed to start. On other occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was not running correctly, bucking, lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, the door and trunk fail…"~23,944 mi, complaint #1842206
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with an inoperable low-pressure fuel pump. The contact…"~92,000 mi, complaint #2229034
  15. #15

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DEALER INSTALLED DOWNLOAD #953 PURSUANT TO A HYUNDAI RECALL. AFTERWARDS THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE AS IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS, AND IS HOLDING MY CAR AND WAITING FOR HYUNDAI IN CALIFORNIA TO COME UP…"~4,200 mi, complaint #1532458
    • "I GET A HEV WARNING TELLING ME TO SHUTDOWN MY CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY VEHIVAL NO LONGER ENGAGES THE GAS PART OF MY MOTOR, THE CAR GIVES ME MULTIPLE DISTRACTING NOISES. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON IMMEDIATELY THE GASOLINE SIDE OF MY MOTOR IS WORKING…"~33,500 mi, complaint #1693302
    • "During the drive, check engine lights on then suddenly, HEV warning lights with turn off the engine with critical alert sound. I was drove again after attempting to start several times then again & again... It freaked me out when I drove on the highway, and ye…"~111,325 mi, complaint #1884017
  16. #16

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side seat belt failed to latch securely into the buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…"~45,000 mi, complaint #2057989
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer performed a compression check. The failure reo…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2039692
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that all the rear row seat belts did not buckle as intended and water would leak from the front passenger side air conditioner. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repa…"~125,000 mi, complaint #2033141
  17. #17

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. ON A SECOND OCCASION, WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1595830
  18. #18

    airbag system

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2018 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS IN MOTION, WITH A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE HYUNDAI SONATA STOPPED SUDDENLY AND THE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DAYS…"~47,092 mi, complaint #1736891
  19. #19

    battery and charging

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR LAST NIGHT ON CITY STREETS AND THE HIGHWAY, WHEN WE ENCOUNTERED A BAD SMELL COMING INTO OUR VEHICLE. WE FIRST THOUGHT IT SMELLED LIKE NATURAL GAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE AREA WE WERE DRIVING, BUT THEN CONCLUDED AFTER ANOTHER 5 MINUTES…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1622827
  20. #20

    door latch and hinge

    3 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the key fob was accidently left inside the trunk but the trunk lid remained locked. The contact indicated that the feature preventing the key from becoming locked inside the trunk failed due to t…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1844402
  21. #21

    tire failure

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY AND TRAVELING APPROX 60MPH THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT I DID NOT STRIKE A POT HOLE AND THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE AS PER THE DOOR PANEL WAS IN THE TIRE. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. "~6,550 mi, complaint #1570893
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Kinergy ST, Tire Size: 205/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that three of the four tires had failed. While the vehicle was in for a Vehicle State Inspection, it was dis…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1842388
    • "ONE OF MY CONTINENTAL PURE CONTACT TIRES FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT 4,926 MILES. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW FROM MY DEALER ON 11/25/20. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 47,314. ON1/21/21 WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 52,240, ONE TIRE DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE INTER…"~52,240 mi, complaint #1732036
  22. #22

    brake hydraulics

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PALM TREE. AN INCIDENT REPO…"~8,916 mi, complaint #1536011
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with the maintenance message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the dea…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1876673
  23. #23

    control module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "RIGHT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED IN FEB 2023 NOW LEFT REAR WHEEL SENSOR HAS FAILED IN AUG HAS 50486 MILES"complaint #1920561
    • "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…"complaint #2051579
    • "About a year and half ago, a lot of my engine trouble lights turned on while driving. It was sleeting at that time when the lights turned on and they're still on today. I paid to have the Hyundai dealer to check it out soon after the trouble lights first turn…"complaint #2121253
  24. #24

    steering electric assist

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving and tried to make a turn when the steering wheel gave out on me unexpectedly. This lead my car to continue forward onto the other lane of oncoming traffic. The steering wheel signal also turned on. When my car was finally able to turn and I arriv…"complaint #1825927
    • "I was driving on freeway and all dashboard warning started to flicker on and off simultaneously then my steering wheel locked in place. I was unable to stop or turn wheel and had to maneuver car until it came to a stop. I had to get it towed home. I spoke with…"complaint #1871277
    • "The electrical and engines in these cars are horrible . The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving cause everything to flick inside the car . This is a major safety issue for me when I am driving and I am unable to control the steering wheel. Dealership…"complaint #2033961
  25. #25

    engine cooling

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This car engine has failed on multiple occasions. About 12 months ago, I observed a great loss of coolant. The car would frequently overheat even when I added coolant. Eventually, I was able to have the engine replaced at the dealership where I purchased th…"complaint #1875494
    • "The oil pan is starting to crack, a small drip is now happening but dealership says it could spilt and cause the engine to seize while driving. The pan looks very flimsy compared to my Ford and Toyota."complaint #2178671
  26. #26

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A RUBBING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION HYUNDAI MALL OF GEORGIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], BUFORD DR, GA 30519, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT…"~22,179 mi, complaint #1614807
  27. #27

    sunroof

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 530 IN ARKANSAS, ABOUT 40 MILES SOUTH OF CLINTON LIBRARY THERE WAS A SUDDEN EXPLOSION OF GLASS FROM THE SUNROOF. THE INTERNAL VISOR WAS OPEN AND GLASS BEGAN TO POUR INTO MY LAP, SHIRT AND THE OTHER SEATS IN THE VEHICLE. I SCREAMED…"~72,470 mi, complaint #1701060
  28. #28

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE STIFFNESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1488063
  29. #29

    transmission automatic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • " PURCHASED NEW 2018 SONATA SEL MODEL IN CALIFORNIA. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO HARD DOWNSHIFT WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS HARD DOWNSHIFTING AND JOLTING/THUMPING OF ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ONLY OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP…"~1,100 mi, complaint #1497905
  30. #30

    adas blind spot

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Warning lights keep coming on for ABS and Blind Spot Detection. Please help as I know this has been recalled in other 2018 Sonatas. So why is my VIN # not included in these recent recalls?? I FEAR for mine and my daughter's safety as she turned 16 in Febru…"complaint #1944869
  31. #31

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SOUND DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE VOLUME AND THERE IS NO OPTION OR SOFTWARE ADJUSTMENT TO INCREASE THIS VOLUME ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE OR MY LOCAL DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WITH INCREASED AGE OUR HEARING ABILITY MAY BE LESS THAN…"~1,484 mi, complaint #1536143
  32. #32

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT MY 2018 SONATA IN JANUARY 2018. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT TENDS TO HESITATE WHEN MAKING TURNS ESPECIALLY RIGHT TURNS. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS RANDOMLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP OR SLOW MOTION. LAST WEEK, I SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE A NEAR 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN. TH…"~5,500 mi, complaint #1533285
  33. #33

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ROUGH VIBRATION SLOWLY COMING UP STEERING WHEN BRAKING TO STOP. COULD BE ROTORS OR TIRES. STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO."~16,000 mi, complaint #1659742
  34. #34

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During multiple dealership visits in 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T was repeatedly returned in unsafe condition. Southern Hyundai installed both front CV axles and torqued them incorrectly. The right axle was later confirmed under-torqued by about 5…"complaint #2146576
  35. #35

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE EXITING THE INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE, JERKED, AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUFFENBERG HYUNDAI (LOC…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1587605
  36. #36

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after filling the engine with oil, approximately 2 months later it was discovered the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact indicated that the engine oil was being consumed at a very rap…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1786942
  37. #37

    engine turbo supercharger

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Knocking of the engine , engine light continues flashing , lack of acceleration finally feb of this year the turbo blew up an the car stop running all symptoms of knock sensor problems . I’m Taking it to Hyundai on Dixie on Monday in two days an I hope they do…"complaint #1881041
  38. #38

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " Coding P0507 Idle air control system Rpm higher than expected P0441 Evaporator emissions incorrect purge flow P0420 Catalyst system below threshold "complaint #1769916
  39. #39

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Fuel line leak, car is parked, fire hazard, a mechanic has been there to inspect "complaint #2223582
  40. #40

    glass and windshield

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A GLARE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT CAUSED A REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD AND OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACT'S VIEW. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…"complaint #1453272
  41. #41

    infotainment head unit

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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"~7,600 mi, complaint #1629739
  42. #42

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy while searching the vehicle history report. The contact stated that the odometer indicated several readings. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact wa…"~148,000 mi, complaint #2129798
  43. #43

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "CAR HAS KEYLESS START. WILL NOT START IN TEMPS BELOW 20 DEGREES F. HAS HAPPENED 4X IN 2 WEEKS. CAR IS 8 MOS OLD / LESS THAN 6K MILES. 1ST 3 TIMES EVENTUALLY STARTED BY RUNNING ENGINE. THE WARNING LIGHTS THAT SHOW ARE CHARGING SYSTEM (RAN ITSELF DOWN TO 57% BAT…"~5,770 mi, complaint #1535609
  44. #44

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAD STOPPED MY VEHICLE, PUTTING EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, BUT STILL IN DRIVE. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. IT TRAVELED QUITE A DISTANCE BEFORE RUNNING INTO SOME INANIMATE THAT CA…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1476234
  45. #45

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The drivers seat operation is going berserk. I can not get it to move at times and at other times it only partially operates. It also may do the opposite of what control direction I move it! I had to drive home today not being able to to the gas pedal well...v…"complaint #1941564
  46. #46

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WAS DRIVING A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI SONATA 2018 VEHICLE FOR A WEEK WITH 300 MILES ON IT AND WAS ABOUT TO EXIT ON A FREEWAY RAMP, BUT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AND WHEN THE MECHANICS AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TOOK A LOOK AT…"complaint #1442557
  47. #47

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS OR STUTTERS BEFORE PROPER ACCELERATION IS ACHIEVED. I OWNED A FORD FIESTA THAT DID THE SAME THING AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE CLUTCH. IS THAT A POSSIBILITY WITH MY SONATA?"~28,000 mi, complaint #1712294
  48. #48

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS WHEN IT WANT TO WORK."~36,640 mi, complaint #1743994

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HYUNDAI SONATA directly.