MYRModel Year Report

2018 Hyundai Sonata

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Hyundai Sonata
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Sonata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 66 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1998: 49 complaints 1998 1999: 124 complaints 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2004 2005: 165 complaints 2006: 1047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2010 2011: 3368 complaints 2012: 1551 complaints 2013: 1895 complaints 2014: 740 complaints 2015: 1123 complaints 2016: 717 complaints 2016 2017: 758 complaints 2018: 364 complaints 2018 2019: 153 complaints 2020: 165 complaints 2021: 119 complaints 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 83 complaints 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 15 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
2018: 364 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19871
19880
198911
199016
199129
199222
199326
19943
199566
199623
199749
199849
1999124
2000276
2001205
2002319
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113368
20121551
20131895
2014740
20151123
2016717
2017758
2018364
2019153
2020165
2021119
202288
202383
202441
202515
20262

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 56%

56% of complaints: engine — 205 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 56 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20240211

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 30 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 21 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 364
I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20211204 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Campaign 21V619000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (205 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (56 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V619000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1998 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2013 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

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 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.