2018 Hyundai Sonata Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues related to the powertrain, specifically involving engine failure and transmission problems. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering "limp mode," loss of engine power, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and engine misfires. These issues often emerge around 60,000 to 107,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of sudden loss of power, difficulty maintaining speed, and in one case, a crash due to unintended acceleration. Additionally, a fire incident is noted, though the specific cause remains unidentified. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for substantial repair needs.

Owners report several issues related to the engine and engine cooling system of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Complaints frequently mention excessive oil consumption, with some owners needing to add oil every 1,200 to 2,000 miles, often accompanied by low oil warning lights. Additionally, multiple owners describe engine misfires, stalling, and loss of power, sometimes resulting in the vehicle failing to restart. These issues typically arise around 30,000 to 138,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the loss of power and stalling could pose safety risks, especially at highway speeds. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's condition and maintenance history.

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues related to unintended acceleration and loss of power. Complaints often describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, sometimes resulting in crashes, particularly during low-speed maneuvers such as parking. Another common symptom is the vehicle entering a "limp mode," reducing speed and power, often accompanied by warning lights like the check engine light. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 500 miles. Safety implications are notable, with several reports of crashes and one injury, highlighting potential risks for drivers considering this model.

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, primarily involving steering column defects and electrical power steering failures. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel lock-up, unexpected loss of steering control, and steering column noises, often occurring amidst other electronic malfunctions. These issues tend to emerge at varying mileages, with some reports indicating problems as early as 22,179 miles. Safety implications include the risk of losing vehicle control, which could potentially lead to accidents. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly if the vehicle has a history of steering or electronic repairs.

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues related to the service brakes, with a significant number of complaints involving ABS module failures, often indicated by illuminated warning lights and diagnosed by mechanics. Symptoms described include brake pedal stiffness, pulsation, and failure to stop, with some reports of the brakes engaging unexpectedly or not at all. Several complaints involve serious safety implications, including four crashes and one fire, with 14 injuries reported. The incidents occur at various mileages, with some as low as 8,896 miles and others over 100,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential brake-related issues and the associated risks.

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata frequently report issues with seat belts, particularly problems with latching and retracting. Multiple complaints describe seat belts failing to latch securely or fully retract, with some noting that belts lock up unexpectedly or fail to secure passengers properly. These issues are reported at various mileages, from 45,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in two crash-related complaints, where seat belts did not engage or retract, resulting in injuries. This information is relevant for buyers considering a used model, as seat belt functionality is a critical safety feature.

Owners report multiple airbag-related issues with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, including unexpected deployment and failure to deploy during collisions. Complaints frequently mention airbags deploying without impact while driving at normal speeds, as well as airbags not deploying during significant collisions, including one involving a semi-truck. One report describes a fatal incident where the airbag became detached and caused injury. These issues are noted in both standard and hybrid models, with no specific mileage pattern identified. The failure of airbags to deploy in crashes and unexpected deployment while driving present clear safety implications for potential buyers.