MYRModel Year Report

2018 Hyundai Sonata

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Hyundai Sonata
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
374
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

57% of complaints

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 68 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1999: 124 complaints 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2005: 165 complaints 2006: 1,047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2007 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2011: 3,377 complaints 2012: 1,557 complaints 2012 2013: 1,912 complaints 2014: 746 complaints 2015: 1,148 complaints 2016: 726 complaints 2017: 764 complaints 2018: 374 complaints 2018 374 2019: 162 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 133 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2023: 87 complaints 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2026: 3 complaints
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1990 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 26 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 68 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1996 1997: 49 complaints 1998: 49 complaints 1999: 124 complaints 1999 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2005: 165 complaints 2005 2006: 1,047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2008: 425 complaints 2008 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2011: 3,377 complaints 2011 2012: 1,557 complaints 2013: 1,912 complaints 2014: 746 complaints 2014 2015: 1,148 complaints 2016: 726 complaints 2017: 764 complaints 2018: 374 complaints 2018 374 2019: 162 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 133 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2023: 87 complaints 2023 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 26 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 68 complaints 1995 1996: 23 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1999: 124 complaints 1999 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2001 2002: 319 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 202 complaints 2005: 165 complaints 2005 2006: 1,047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2007 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2009 2010: 345 complaints 2011: 3,377 complaints 2011 2012: 1,557 complaints 2013: 1,912 complaints 2013 2014: 746 complaints 2015: 1,148 complaints 2015 2016: 726 complaints 2017: 764 complaints 2018: 374 complaints 2018 374 2019: 162 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 133 complaints 2021 2022: 93 complaints 2023: 87 complaints 2023 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints

2018: 374 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19871
19880
198911
199016
199129
199222
199326
19943
199568
199623
199749
199849
1999124
2000276
2001205
2002319
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061,047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113,377
20121,557
20131,912
2014746
20151,148
2016726
2017764
2018374
2019162
2020178
2021133
202293
202387
202446
202517
20263

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

57% · 212 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I recently had the 9C2 Emissions recall update performed on my car, and since the update my car drives like total garbage after a cold start.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-16

The lower aluminum engine oil pan developed a structural hairline fracture ("micro-crack") directly along the factory casting ridge adjacent to the drain plug.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Electrical system

16% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle 1 operating normally in traffic on [XXX] in Westfield MA. Operator 1 notices alert on dashboard. As Operator 1 looks down briefly and returns eyes immediately to the road, she sees Vehicle 2 braking to slow or stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-11

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and service brakes

Power train

11% · 40 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 31 reports
FIRE

Exterior lighting

6% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 374 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  3. R
    2021-12-04Latches/locks/linkages21V619000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 212 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 40 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V619000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.