2018 Hyundai Sonata recalls and problems

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 1 safety recall and 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
375
Crashes / fires
18 / 13
Injuries / deaths
20 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Recall 21V-619: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Aug 6, 2021 · 348,158 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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."

Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

2018 Hyundai Sonata problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine212
Electrical System60
Unknown or Other58
Power Train40
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Exterior Lighting22
Vehicle Speed Control19
Structure17
Service Brakes14
Engine and Engine Cooling14
Forward Collision Avoidance10
Steering9

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 14
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 22,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 22, 2026
The vehicle experiences a severe delayed start/extended crank condition before finally starting. This is caused by a loss of fuel pressure prime due to the defective fuel filter housing leaking internally, creating an unpredictable and unsafe vehicle operation hazard. The dealership is denying coverage under the 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty (Campaign TXXS), claiming the issue is a standard fuel pump failure while completely ignoring that the integrated fuel filter housing defect causes this exact failure."
Engine · reported Oct 5, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The paint is peeling off the car, when I went to the dealership they said this is a known problem for 2015-2018, but they can't fix it there is no recall. It is causing rust. The valve cover gasket leaks oil and caused spark plugs to blow twice. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The valve cover has caused my wife to be stuck on the side of the road early morning and my child to break down in another state. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or…
Engine · reported Sep 21, 2026
Hyundai dealership confirms I am in need of a new engine due to large oil consumption which is a known issue on 2018 Hyundai Sonata engines. Hyundai will not approve repairs because I am the second owner and vehicle is out of the 5 year warranty period. I only have 52K miles on my vehicle.
Suspension · reported Sep 8, 2026
Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 4, 2026
My car stalls while driving and then I try to restart it but nothing happens. After reading online about the fuel pump issues and extended warranty related to the fuel pump I took the car in for repair. My car has 75,000 miles and the extended repair on this is for 150,000 miles/15 years. The dealer is refusing the repair because my car has a branded/ theft title. The car wasn't damaged just stolen. This is creating a serious safety concern and should be repaired by the dealer. Thank you for your time.

Other Hyundai Sonata years

Compare all Hyundai Sonata years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata: 21V-619 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners report engine problems most often (212 reports), followed by electrical system (60). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 22,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.