2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems
The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea where their headquarters are located, China and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata.
First generation (Y1; 1985)
The first Sonata was introduced to compete with the Daewoo Royale series and was a more luxurious version of the Stellar. It included cruise control, power seats, head lamp washers, power brakes, electric operated adjustable side mirrors and chrome bumper trims. The Sonata was available with two trim options in Korea: Luxury and Super (the latter only available with a 2.0-liter engine). In the domestic market Hyundai attempted to sell the Sonata as an executive car using catchphrases like "Luxury car for VIP"; however, as the Sonata was based on the Stellar without any major changes, it was seen by the public as no more than a luxury version of the Stellar. In 1987 Hyundai added two tone color schemes and a trip computer option, but sales soon went down and the car was discontinued in December of that year. The Sonata was sold only in the South Korean domestic market. The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea on 4 November 1985.
Engine choices included 1.6-liter Mitsubishi Saturn (only available outside the domestic market), 1.8- and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Sirius inline-fours. The latter unit also found its way into the 1987 and later Stellar, and in MPI form the 1986 Hyundai Grandeur. The body was a largely unchanged Hyundai Stellar.
It was sold in New Zealand (right hand drive) with the 1.6-liter Mitsubishi engine with the five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission was an optional extra. The original importer was a unit of the Auckland-based Giltrap Motor Group.
The final version of the Stellar was known as the Stellar 88 and was launched to celebrate the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Afterwards, Hyundai discontinued the Stellar and replaced it with the all-new Sonata.
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Common 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include issues with the alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, and related systems. Some owners have reported failures with the regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs, and wires. These electrical malfunctions can cause starting problems, affect the vehicle's performance, and lead to unexpected breakdowns.
- Paint and Trim Concerns: Some owners have faced problems with paint peeling off the vehicle. While this may not affect the car's functionality, it can impact its appearance and potentially lead to corrosion if not addressed promptly.
- Starter Malfunctions: Instances of the keyless starter not cold starting the vehicle have been reported. This issue can be frustrating for owners, especially in cold weather conditions, and may require repairs or replacements to resolve the problem.
- Recall Issues: Owners have expressed dissatisfaction with dealers refusing to honor recalls, even when the vehicle was within the warranty period. This lack of support from dealerships can lead to unresolved safety concerns and maintenance issues, impacting the overall ownership experience.
These reported problems highlight various areas of concern for owners of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, ranging from engine reliability to electrical and paint issues. Addressing these issues promptly and through proper channels is crucial to maintaining the safety, performance, and value of the vehicle.
Is Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
Like the regular Sonata, the Sonata Hybrid has built a reputation as a sensible, reliable midsize sedan at an attractive price.
Is a 2018 Hyundai Sonata good?
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata looks like an all-new car thanks to significant updates it receives this year. The Sonata is a well-rounded midsize sedan that's generous on space and fortified with tech and features. Add in competitive pricing, and its value proposition is very hard to ignore.
How long can a Hyundai Sonata hybrid last?
According to getjerry.com, the Hyundai Sonata will last 200,000-250,000 miles with proper maintenance. If you stay on top of repairs, the Sonata could make it up to 300,000 miles.
Is there a recall on 2018 Hyundai Sonata engines?
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles.
2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- VIN: KMHE34L37JA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The malfunction lamp indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced and that there was a Service Campaign Number: 966 (Engine Monitoring Logic) associated with the VIN that was unrepaired. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested the vehicle's service records. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-06
- VIN: KMHE24L31JA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAPITAL HYUNDAI (2820 EASTERN BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 16248749. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURED ON OCTOBER 31, 2019 AND THE SECOND OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 7TH, 2020. BOTH TIMES, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. *AS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID LIMITED WAS INVOLVED IN A MVA ON 4:19/19. IT WAS A FRONT RIGHT IMPACT THAT INCLUDED THE PASSENGER SIDE, RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND RIM AND THE PASSENGER DOOR. IT WAS A HARD IMPACT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR ON AN 8 LANE DIVIDED CITY HIGHWAY. THE OTHER VEHICLE CAME OUT OF A SHOPPING CENTER TO THE RIGHT, CAME OVER 2 LANES THEN HIT ME AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE 3. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR AN IMPROPER LANE CHANGE, CAME INTO MY LANE AND HIT MY VEHICLE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-23
- VIN: KMHE34L38JA
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I JUST BOUGHT A HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED AND DROVE IT HOME. ON LOW BEAM THE HEADLIGHTS PROJECT 2 BLACK NOTCHES OR DARK AREAS THAT DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD UNDER THEM. THIS IS ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT EVENLY ILLUMINATE THE ROAD SAFELY SO I CAN SEE WELL. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR. THIS IS NOW WIDELY REPORTED AND I AM GOING TO CONTACT CONSUMER REPORTS ABOUT THIS. DOES HYUNDAI HAVE A FIX FOR THIS OR AT LEAST AN INTELLIGENT EXPLANATION? THE DARK LINE AND NOTCHES, BASICALLY BLOCK OUT VISION, WHEN TURNING CORNERS AND UP AND DOWN HILLS, A SAFETY ISSUE. JUST GET USED TO A DARK LINE BLOCKING VISION HALF WAY DOWN THE WINDSHIELD, AND TWO DARK NOTCHES IN THE VIEW IN FRONT OF THE CAR??
2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
- 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."
- Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid car reviews
Positive 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid car reviews
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I purchased the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid GLS, which is just below the top of the line model in Canada. It had everything I wanted, including leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and blind spot monitoring. After a year of driving, I have had no issues. I drive in economy mode and don't have a lead foot, and over a year of winter and summer driving, I have averaged 5 litres/100 KM, which is about 49 MPG (US). I am getting Toyota Prius-like fuel economy with all the comfort, safety, and convenience of a luxury car. Compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord Hybrids, I prefer the styling and visibility. I also found the competition lower to the ground and therefore harder to get in and out of, and considerably more expensive. The warranty is also better. Although the resale value is not as good, I don't intend to sell it for a long time. After 3 years, I am still very satisfied. This car, along with many other Hyundais, is subject to a recall (R0180) in Canada involving the engine crankshaft. While this may not be good news, it is important to note that the problem was due to an assembly issue at the factory, and not all vehicles will be affected. A software update has been installed to detect the problem, and if an engine warning appears, take it to the dealer immediately. The good news is that the warranty on the engine has been extended to 200,000 KM, or about 125,000 miles. The standard warranty in Canada is 60,000 KM, which is much less than in the USA. Despite these issues, I still plan to keep this car for a long time. It is very comfortable, very quiet, and the gas mileage is exceptional! I now have 62,000 KM and have had no engine problems. The anti-sway bar links in the rear suspension and the front suspension ball joints were all replaced, thankfully under warranty. Although it was quite early for these issues to arise, I live in the country and can't avoid all the ruts and potholes. The anti-sway bar link problem was detected because I complained of a rattling sound at the back going over washboard.The new anti-sway bars corrected that, but I am now getting another interior or exterior rattle under the same conditions. I still really like the car and plan on keeping it for a long time. The gas mileage is still excellent!
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I absolutely love my Sonata! At first, I was a bit skeptical, but it has held up really well. The maintenance cost is very low, and it has great cost savings. On the highway, I get an impressive 47-49 mpg, and in the city, I get around 38 mpg. Overall, I average about 42-46 mpg, depending on the weather and where I drive. I always drive in eco mode, and I haven't felt the need to switch to other modes. I have even driven up Mount Hood, Helens, and a few other hilly areas near Portland, and I still drive in eco mode without any issues. I absolutely love this vehicle! If given the chance, I would definitely buy it again. Fuel economy and gas emissions are two of my primary decision parameters, and this vehicle does decently well in both. Based on my experience with the Sonata Hybrid, I wouldn't buy a regular fuel car ever again. Only electric or high economy hybrid for me!
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Updating review - After driving almost 19K miles, I can confidently say that the engine, electric motor, and transmission work flawlessly together. The transition between modes is seamless and efficient, and the 6-speed transmission is far preferable to a CVT, even if it means sacrificing a few MPGs. There is no droning noise, and I mostly drive in Eco mode, which provides excellent fuel efficiency. When I switch to Sport mode, the combined torque and HP turn the car into a pretty nice sport sedan. Although the suspension is supposed to tighten in Sports mode, I found it to be a very modest tightening. Speaking of fuel efficiency, I have been averaging 44 MPG over the course of 12 months living in NE USA. Although all batteries lose efficiency in the winter months, they make up for it in the summer. The interior is laid out in a way that makes it easy to navigate the controls, and the seats are excellent with good thigh support. The only downside is the Halogen headlights in the SE edition, as the low beams do not produce enough light. In my opinion, all cars at this point should have LED headlights as standard. (I installed aftermarket LEDs, and they work flawlessly.) After one year, I am confident that I made the right decision going with the Sonata Hybrid. I expect my next car will be fully electric, and at this point, I would choose a Hyundai.
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This car has been fantastic! I haven't had any issues with repairs and I haven't even needed to visit the dealership since I bought it. All I've needed to do is regular oil changes. The mileage has been really impressive too - I'm currently at 40.4 mpg after 30K miles, which I think is amazing! It does get slightly better mileage in the warm weather than in the winter, but that's to be expected. Plus, the comfort and technology are both top-notch!
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We have been loyal Hyundai customers for years and have never had any issues with our Elantras. When one of them was totaled in an accident, we decided to switch to a hybrid car. We initially wanted to wait for a small SUV with good MPG, but unfortunately, there were none available. We looked at the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Ford Fusion, but both had very limited trunk space due to the battery. We also considered the Kia Optima Hybrid, but it was selling fast and not discounted. Finally, we settled on the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Both companies offered us great discounts, and we were able to get fully loaded Limited Editions with all the latest safety features. The Sonata had a quieter ride, faster pickup, a huge trunk, and both rear seats fold down for added space. The interior was also more luxurious with leather along the side doors. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Hyundai is now making Genesis their luxury car company, which means that the Sonata is now their top-of-the-line car. Overall, we are very happy with our purchase and even a friend who drives a Lexus found my Sonata Hybrid to be a quieter ride!My friend had trouble with the sound system on his BMW 3 series until he upgraded to the BMW5. In my 1,000 mile review, I must say that the 8-way and 6-way power front seats are the best I've ever sat in. They are both heated and cooled, and the driver's side has memory for two drivers. The headrest fits us both perfectly, which is a rare occurrence. We absolutely love the memory seats. The driver seat settings are set for us both and switch at the push of a button, adjusting not only the seat but also the mirrors. The side mirrors are the best in any sedan, allowing me to see two lanes on either side. Of course, it comes with the blinder yellow caution lights in the mirrors on both sides. The rearview mirror is also amazing, giving you a near-complete view with the smallest blind side, and auto-darkening at night is very cool. The footprint and ride of this car are amazing, and there is very little that we notice going from electric engine to gas. The turning radius is one of the best in class. Finally, by the numbers, at 1,000 miles, we easily surpass the 38 city, getting 40+ most trips. The combined is slightly higher too at 43, and highway runs 46-48. The center dash screen is huge and does so much that I have yet to get through it all, but the smaller screen for the driver, centered above the steering wheel, can tell you how you are doing in ECO mode, and this gentle reminder really helps. But, when you stomp on the gas of the Sonata Hybrid, it takes off because Hyundai did something really cool by joining the electric with the gas engine, having both run to give you a huge boost in horses without eating up a lot of gas! Nice.We are thrilled to report that our Hyundai has surpassed 55K miles with no major issues. Any minor issues we did encounter were promptly addressed and resolved by Hyundai, free of charge. My wife and I absolutely adore this car. It offers a luxurious driving experience at an unbeatable price point. Despite its high-end features, it flies under the radar and doesn't attract unwanted attention. In fact, our friends who drive BMWs and Lexuses have commented that the driving experience is just as good, if not better, than their own cars. The only thing we wish it had was a heated steering wheel during the colder months. The spacious trunk and foldable back seats are a godsend, especially when traveling with friends. We've been able to fit all of our luggage and our friends' luggage in the back with ease, something our friends with Honda Accords can't say. The car still looks and feels brand new, and handles all surfaces with ease. We recently upgraded to Michelin tires for hybrid cars, which made for an even smoother ride. While it didn't improve the gas mileage significantly, it did improve the stopping power and overall handling. We also added Blue Link, which has been a game-changer for us. It allows us to interact with our phone and access all sorts of features on the go. Even better, Hyundai extended our warranty from 100K to 110K miles and from 10 to 12 years, and updated our computer programming for free. The minor problems we've had were fixed with new parts and no charge. We couldn't be happier with our Hyundai and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a reliable, luxurious car.People often ask what kind of car this is because of how quiet it is and how new it looks! My only small gripe is that I wish the passenger windshield wiper blade didn't come so far over to the driver's side, as it can be a bit distracting in the rain.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems:
Long term reliability of 2018 Sonata? : r/Hyundai
May 14, 2023 ... Basically, just trying to gauge if there's known issues with the model, or if the car should hold up as long as it's maintained. I'm outside ...
Successful Lemon Law Repurchase - 2018 Hyundai Sonata with ...
Several drivers, including our client, have experienced ticking noises, stalling, engine misfire, and complete engine failure. It does not seem that Hyundai has ...
Key FOB Problems - 2018 Sonata Hybrid | Hyundai Forums
Jun 12, 2023 ... The Key FOBs for my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE have always been a little wonky. Since I bought the car, I would have to replace the ...
2018 Sonata Hybrid Electronic Water Pump issues - Maintenance ...
Jun 12, 2020 ... Maybe my original post was unclear. My main question is if the electric pump problems on the Sonata are a common issue, or where my neighbors ...
Other years of Hyundai Sonata hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2018 Hyundai Sonata hybrid?
Lamar Rippin 2025-10-20
Hi there! I've been having some trouble with my car lately. Sometimes it won't start after I turn it off. I've already taken it to the dealer four times, but they still haven't been able to figure out what's wrong with it. It's frustrating because I have a great warranty, but it's not very helpful if the dealer can't find the issue. Do you have any suggestions?
Bernhard Cormier 2025-10-20
I purchased this car in October 2017 and have put about 3,200 miles on it as of early March 2018. The car is perfect for my daily commute and is spacious enough to accommodate my family of four. The fuel economy is impressive, with about 42 mpg combined driving 80% highway in a mountainous location. The car is very comfortable and fits my family of 4 comfortably. The infotainment center is intuitive and easy to use, while the climate control panel is simple and easy to operate. Although the car has had to be returned to the shop 4 times, I am confident in the dealership's ability to fix any issues that may arise. Despite the minor setbacks, I am still very satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.The intense flashing has rendered the car undrivable at night. Upon taking it to the dealership, I was informed that the hybrid drive had malfunctioned. Although this part is not widely known, it acts as the alternator in a hybrid. The dealership is currently waiting for the part to be delivered, and the car is expected to be in the shop for at least a week. While I remain hopeful that this will resolve the issue, I am confident in the dealership's ability to fix the problem. I have also reached out to Hyundai USA HQ, and while I have yet to hear back from the case manager, I am optimistic that they will offer a satisfactory solution. As a loyal Hyundai customer, I am disappointed by this experience, but I am confident that the issue will be resolved in a timely and professional manner.
Ryann Gleichner 2025-10-05
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on the car you mentioned. I think there are many great reasons to consider it, such as its excellent gas mileage and eco-friendliness. Personally, I'm a big fan of Hyundai cars - I've owned an Elantra that lasted forever, and their warranty is fantastic. However, I must admit that I'm a bit hesitant about the hybrid model. For one, there's no room for a spare tire, which makes me a bit uneasy. Additionally, I had an issue with the battery not charging while sitting in traffic, which was a bit frustrating. On the plus side, the car is so quiet that you hardly even notice it's on! Unfortunately, I've had some trouble with the check engine light coming on, and the mechanics can't seem to figure out why. All in all, I still think Hyundai is a great brand, but I think I'll stick to their non-hybrid models in the future. Thanks for listening!
Cole Wisoky 2025-07-11
Okay, let's start with the negatives. When I first got the car, it took some time for the tires to break in and stop hydroplaning and sliding all over the place. Additionally, there were a few instances where the key wasn't recognized and I had to use the Blue Link remote start. Unfortunately, the remote start isn't very useful on a hybrid because it runs the gas engine for 15 seconds before switching to electric, and then times out after 10 minutes. The AC also takes a few minutes to start blowing cold air. After 6 months, I saw a 'check hybrid system' message while driving, but it went away. There was also one time when the auto headlights didn't turn off and I needed a jump start, but the roadside assistance took a while to arrive. Finally, after almost 11 months, I had an issue where the car wouldn't start and displayed a 'check hybrid system' message. I called for a tow, but after an hour, the car started working again. I cancelled the tow and the car is going into the dealership on Monday to check out the issue. Despite these issues, I'm still considering a Legacy from Subaru, but I'm not sure if I want to keep an unreliable car that cost me $34,000.
Skylar O'Kon 2025-07-05
On September 3rd, I brought my car in for an acceleration issue. Unfortunately, it was determined that the hybrid battery was failing. I understand that this can be frustrating, but I wanted to let you know that the team is working hard to find a solution. As of October 7th, there are no batteries available, but they are keeping me updated on the situation. I appreciate their transparency and willingness to keep me informed. I hope to have my car back soon and I am confident that the team will do everything they can to resolve the issue. Thank you for your understanding.