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Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Average Retail Price
$10,275 - $13,800

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"It had heavy oil consumption of 2 quarts every 1k miles. Since day one. We went to dealer to do oil consumption tests once every 1k miles. They then cleaned all the carbon inside but the engine would still burn oil at a higher rate now. Before complete engine failure occurred, Hyundai replaced our engine at 65k. We had an extended warranty that we had purchased."

Anonymous A., (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine burnt oil very quickly. Hyundai eventually replaced engine but had to go thru 6 month process before they did this."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"At about 90000 miles the engine began burning an excessive amount of oil. Hyundai has had issues with this particular model and engine often necessitating engine replacement. I am in the last stage before the manufacturer will replace the engine."

Anonymous A., LA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Was using quart of oil with every tank full of gas. Hyundai did finally replace the engine"

Anonymous, IA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

"car been in the dealer shop 2 times about car burning oil and can not fix the problem."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Blistering of paint occured this yr.on the hood. Warranty is 30000 miles or 3 yrs. My car is 800 miles over. Hyundai dealer and Corporate office would not help repair it saying it was out of warranty. There are numerous web pages with Hyundai purchasers that are having the same problem and getting no recourse. There has been class action suits filed but not for the year of my car. Hyundai knows this is problem and is doing nothing to make their customers whole. I have a 22yr.old Ford Windstar with the paint intact and a 2015 Honda CRV with no paint issues either.I would never purchase a Hyundai again."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

"Paint bubbles and peels off on hood. Started a yr after I got the car--very slowly. Have not resolved problem yet."

Anonymous, MD (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

"Common problem with the 18 Hyundai with white paint. Came off in strips"

Anonymous A., VA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport)

"Very thin paint coat has lead to many rock spots chipping away at the paint. It hasn't peeled or rusted yet."

Anonymous, WI (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Engine has the crankshaft problem and it causes high oil consumption and knock. Dealer says the problem is not bad enough to replace the engine yet."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Engine mounts

"Engine mounts broke and were replaced and of course car was out of warranty"

Anonymous, IA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"At the 5 year mark needed a engine valve gasket replaced due to a leak being found. Oil continued to burn/leak. About to start an oil consumption test to determine if the engine is burning mote oil than it should."

Anonymous, WI (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Rattling coming fron area of converter goes away after 5 minutes"

Anonymous, OK (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Lights on dashboard were on could not tell what was wrong, nor could my local mechanic I paid 3 times what was noted on internet."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"I live in Florida so A/C is required. The system was under warranty and was repaired by Hyundai then failed a second time and they then repaired another portion of the A/C system."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Automatic climate control

"The recirculating option, which eliminates outside air from entering the passenger cabin, has stopped working. In south Louisiana this RECIR function is absolutely necessary. Dealer quoted an estimate of $1200 to replace the part."

Anonymous A., LA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"both rear wheel speed sensors failed"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Regular brake failure

"Needed new brake pads and discs"

Anonymous A., NJ (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
14
15*
16
17
18
19
20*
21
22
23
Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Aug 06, 2021
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V619000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 348158
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 12, 2018
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V166000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2840
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