general problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and potential for burning or even death. Other drivers could have been at risk if traffic had not allowed for quick movement to side of the road. No warning lamps had been on prior to the drive and none prior to fire. First indication was a burning smell while driving. As pulling over, another driver honked to alert to fire he could see from rear of CA,. Before I noticed the flames. Upon getting out of car first flames I saw appeared to be coming from under passenger side of car. The fire department arrived about 15 minutes after pulling to side of the road. The car was fully engulfed in flames. They then extinguished the fire. Police saw vehicle and insurance will examine. Apparently this is a known issue in Hyundai of which this vehicle had no open recalls pertaining to such.

Unknown. 2018 Hyundai Sonata engine has failed. Only purchased the vehicle in December 2024, and the engine is defective. There is much information, via research, indicating that Hyundai is aware of the engine issues with this year vehicle, but are unwilling to make amends. Vehicle has 100,189 miles.

Car turned off at light all lights work and turns on engine won’t roll over the battery and alternator and starter are all good.

On 05/27/2025, my rear back-up camera started to malfunction. Last week my dash started to malfunction electronically. When I would start my vehicle, all of the lights would start to turn on and stay on on my dash. My speedometer would not move while I was driving, so I could not see how fast I was going. I believe this is a severe safety issue for myself as well as others. The tachometer would jump up and down and would not function correctly. My dash stated that I had low tire pressure, that I was having problems with my traction control, that my bsd system was not working, that my abs was not working, that my emergency brake was on even though it was not. It also stated that I did have functioning air bags, which is a severe safety hazard in the chance that I could've gotten into a wreck and they might not have worked. It also stated that I was not in drive even though I clearly was. It also stated that I had no power steering while I was driving, before the light would turn off and I could properly steer again. This is a severe safety issue that could put me at risk. Finally, my check engine light turned on and stayed on. Yesterday on 06/09/2025 I was able to take it a vehicle maintenance shop so they could run a full diagnostic test. They discovered that I did not have power steering even though there was fluid due to the electrical problems with my dash. They also discovered the c-can buss was off and that my vehicle was losing communications with the tcm and hvac. It was discovered that this was due to my rear view back-up camera malfunctioning, causing the c-can network to short out. They had to unplug my rear back-up camera to return everything to normal. I have found on Hyundai recall forms that other years of Hyundai models had similar problems and I believe that 2018 Hyundai Sonatas are also having the same problem. I wanted it to be made aware because online, people have stated they are having the same issues. Attached gif that shows part of problem.

I first noticed that my vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of motor oil, with the oil change light coming on every 1,500–2,000 miles. I routinely had to add oil between changes to keep it running. On may 30th, while driving on surface roads, I heard clanking noises from the engine. When accelerating, the vehicle clanked heavily, and then went into “limp mode,” limiting acceleration to about 10 mph before struggling up to 30 mph. I added oil, but a local shop diagnosed it with code p1326 (knock sensor) and advised that Hyundai engines are prone to failure around 100,000 miles and that I should take it to the dealer for warranty evaluation. I contacted graham Hyundai, who told me they could not see the vehicle until July 1st and that I would be responsible for towing. I dropped the vehicle off on July 1st, but it was not inspected until July 8th or 9th. I was later told Hyundai was being consulted. Around July 15th–16th, the dealership informed me that I would need $1,500 in repairs. They stated the engine had passed the Hyundai bearing clearance test (a $350 charge) and that Hyundai required me to pay for an ecu “ksd logic” upgrade ($175). They also stated the engine valve cover was leaking, requiring new spark plugs, for a total of $532. Additional charges included an oil change and other shop fees and taxes. After repairs, I was instructed to drive 1,000 miles and then return for an oil consumption test. After approximately 1,000 miles and four weeks, the dipstick check showed the vehicle had consumed nearly all of its oil. I was then told I now need a combustion chamber cleaning, costing approximately $850 and requiring three days in the shop. Given the oil consumption issues, repeated engine warnings, limp mode incident, and the significant costs already incurred for testing and required upgrades, I am requesting that my engine be replaced under warranty and that all fees I have already paid be reimbursed. Rather than keep paying for work.

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon her daughter reaching her destination, she observed brown smoke emanating from the engine compartment. Within a short while, the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames, prompting a bystander to attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. A fire report was filed, and it was indicated that the fire may have been electrical, but an exact cause had not been determined. A police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Oil consumption was ridiculously high, changing oil/topping off oil constantly. Car would not accelerate over 30 mph without sputtering and rumbling. I had mechanic diagnose bad sparks plugs due to sitting in oil from leaking. After I had them repaired/replaced the car drove great for 1 day, then decided to die in the middle of a busy intersection while I had my teenage son in the car with me. My son and I had to push it out of the busy intersection onto a side street to get out of the way! I had it towed to Hyundai dealer who said the spark plugs were bad and that the fuel pressure sensor and gdi pump were faulty and needed replacement. Left front lower control arm/ball joint assembly also requires fix. To the tune of $3000 + . It’s been at dealer for past few months until I can afford the repairs including the 2nd diagnostic and tow it took to get it to dealership.

43000 miles on car. Original owner. New battery. Car does not cold start in the morning. All electronics light up, but engine doesn't start. This is a known issue from all the posts I found online, yet Hyundai has not issued a recall. I paid 300 for a battery 2 weeks ago and the issue didn't resolve. Now I am being told by dealer it is the starter and it's not covered because my 5 yr warranty is expired (my car is 6 years old). This is a known safety issue across the 2018 Sonata line. This should be a recall or bulletin, instead I have to come up with hundreds of dollars more to replace a starter on a car with only 43,000 miles.

The electrical and engines in these cars are horrible . The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving cause everything to flick inside the car . This is a major safety issue for me when I am driving and I am unable to control the steering wheel. Dealership claimed they don’t see the issue with the car which I am stating . The vehicle was only inspected by a mechanic and since Hyundai said they couldn’t find anything a 3rd party confirmed that this was a ongoing issue and dealership could’ve caught it but it’s cheaper the sell the car . No everything happens at once especially if I’m turning or driving under 40 mph. First appeared 15 days after I bought the vehicle I alerted the dealership immediately.

To whom it may concern, my name is [xxx] , and I am formally escalating serious ongoing issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Despite repeated attempts to resolve these concerns through the dealership, my vehicle continues to experience excessive oil consumption, engine failures, and additional mechanical issues, all while under warranty. I am now seeking immediate corporate intervention. Timeline of events and mismanagement: •2024(~62000 miles): first reported oil leak and excessive oil consumption. Directed to complete multiple 1,000-mile oil consumption tests. I complied fully. •2024: repeatedly redirected between service advisors, received conflicting instructions, misleading guidance, and poor communication. No effective resolution was provided. •2025: completed extensive additional diagnostic testing as requested. Despite full compliance, no clear corrective action was taken. •2024–present: vehicle brought to Hyundai on us 19 in new port richey approximately 13–15 times for engine-related concerns. Each visit demonstrated neglect, miscommunication, and failure to properly address documented issues. •February 11, 2026: after proper diagnostics, vehicle found to have two additional oil leaks, including a head gasket and valve cover requiring replacement, with total estimated repair costs exceeding $3,000. I was advised I must repeat all testing already completed in 2024 before final determination. •vehicle is currently at 71,332 miles. Impact: •delays and repeated unnecessary testing pushed my vehicle beyond warranty limits. •mismanagement caused significant financial burden, emotional stress, and frustration. •if initial oil consumption issues had been properly addressed under warranty, the current extensive engine failures could likely have been avoided. Immediate requests: 1full review of my complete service and diagnostic history. 2warranty or goodwill coverage for all necessary engine repairs, including head gasket and valve cover information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

My 2018 Hyundai Sonata with only 20,821 had to have the starter replaced on [xxx] because the car would not start. I had 3 different people including aaa road service to verify why it would not start and what the problem was. I end up having my car towed with aaa to a local mechanic shop, mike hepler auto repair st. Cloud florida 34769 407-593-0152, and mike did the diagnosis saying the starter was bad it was(fried) as he put it. He said he could replace it for $492. 17 for part and labor which I accepted for him to do the job. I had left numerous messages (4)for my local Hyundai dealership service department to call me to let get a diagnosis and no one has ever called me back to give them my information or ask any questions.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the trunk failed to open while using the key fob and the controllers on the interior of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trunk latch had failed, and the emergency cable associated with the trunk needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,176.

On March 6, 2024 I was driving on I-495e from rockville, maryland when my vehicle (2018 Hyundai Sonata limited) started to lose power and control and all dash lights started to show. I was able to move the vehicle to the highway shoulder before all power and control failed. Had I been moving at a higher speed or in heavier traffic, or been slower to react this could have led to a catastrophic incident. When the roadside assistance showed up they found that my alternator had completely detached from my vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the sheehy Hyundai dealership in waldorf, MD and examined on March 8, 2024. The maintenance staff informed me that there were 3 other similar cases they're working on, and that there is a flaw in the design of the alternator bracket using aluminum materials that failed, and that they've reported this systemic issue to the manufacturer but have yet to receive any indications that this would be considered for a recall despite the catastrophic impact this could have.

Vehicle 1 operating normally in traffic on rt 10/202 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. Operator 1 depresses brakes, but vehicle does not slow as it usually does, nor does automatic emergency braking engage as it always has in the past. Front of vehicle 1 makes contact with rear of vehicle 2. Dashcam footage appears like brakes did not activate at all, either manually or automatically. Vehicle 1 airbags deploy. Westfield police respond, as well as westfield fire, who cut the battery cable. Vehicle towed to interstate towing, inc. Yard 5, 20 clifton st, westfield, MA 01085. (413) 593-1900 interstatetowing. Com. Owner 1 viewed vehicle at tow yard, and noted that the battery was completely melted, with only portions of the plastic casing along with internal plates visible. Much of the plastic and rubber components immediately adjacent to battery location were melted and deformed. As a layperson, it almost appears as though the battery was in the process of shorting out just prior to the collision, possibly rendering many of the safety systems inoperable.

The car was sitting in the parking lot and randomly black smoke started coming from it and then it turned into fire within in minutes. No one was in the vehicle and 911 was contacted.

Car would not start. Odor of burning wires coming from the engine compartment with a little smoke. Had car towed to the dealer who replaced the starter. Ok for two weeks then same thing. No start and an odor of burning wires coming from the engine compartment. Had it towed to the dealer again where it sits today.

I was driving on the freeway and my car lost all power. My indicator dash board flashed lights and a loud beeping sound. The warning lights flashed to check my hybrid system and turn engine off, hev. My car immediately lost power and turned off. I was on the freeway, I almost got into an accident, cars were honking at me. My vehicle was towed by my insurance company. I receieved a phone call from the service advisor today, he informed me that I need an electical water pump and the cost quoted to me is $1908. 00. When I complained to the advisor he told me that water pumps only last 3-5 years. I told him that my previous car was a 2013 Sonata and sold it with 100,000 miles and I never had water pump issues. My online research discovered that this has been a recurrent issue with 2018 Sonata's.

We were heading to lakewood NJ from bucks county (north of philly) . Car trouble w/ hybrid system on rt 1, just past I-95. Got off @ fairless hills & took back roads. We could only go 20-30 mph. Idk how many times I pulled over. Several lights on, including "check hybrid system. Turn engine off", engine light, low tire pressure, battery & 3 other unidentifiable lights. I turned around to try to make it home, as 2 years ago, I had a similar issue, which turned out to be the hybrid water pump failed. We finally stopped near a park & called aaa & towed to dealer. Prior to driving, we had no fluid on our driveway. My last synthetic oil change was April 19, 2023 @ 49,097mile. I now have about 57,000 miles. Today, dealer said no oil in the car & oil pan was all wet. They claim the oil filer was loose. Why would it take 8 months to loosen to lose oil? after adding oil & taking for test drive, they said the engine seized & would need to be replaced. Not under warranty.

Intermittent no-crank, no-start condition. Dash lights illuminate, push-button start produces no response. Brake pedal applied. Vehicle becomes immobilized without warning. I’ve been stranded on multiple occasions. Unable to commute to work, or home. Most recently on December 19,2025 the car completely shut off while driving on the highway.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start in cold weather, below 50 degrees fahrenheit. The contact stated that the vehicle would start as needed whenever the weather was warmer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Car continues to burn oil within a week of getting oil changes, the oil will be black and it will be low sometimes there will be no oil and there is not an oil leak. Right now we had to pay for a combustion test and have to drive 1,000 miles then check the oil at Hyundai again and already our oil is starting to burn and is low. Hyundai said if the combustion test comes back still burnt or low Hyundai would give me a new engine and yea it’s low and already a tint dark not as dark as it used to get but still it’s low with no leak and we did not get the promised new engine after paying almost 600$ for the test… also electrical wise the computer randomly sounds like static when siri talks also the music does not play and randomly the maps will close out we have tried new cords we have tried everything and it still happens.

When my car suddenly stopped on the highway, I encountered an issue with the “body control module. ” the car wouldn’t start, and the key fob was ineffective. Additionally, the airbags stopped working. I don’t recall all the details, but I was unsure of where to report the dangerous vehicle. I’ve noticed several other Hyundai owners complaining about this issue, where their cars suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere.

My 2018 Sonata has been stalling out while I’m driving more so when I accelerate. I have a baby that I’m scared to drive with in the car because it does it randomly. It has been happening more & more everyday. I got new parts/starter etc. No codes on dash. Have an appointment next week with Hyundai to take a look.

I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata 2. 0 turbo I paid cash for it in oct 11, 2018 with 2011 miles on it for 24,000 cash didn’t start having problems until 2022 then the I kept hearing a knocking on the left front wheel. I had it look at several places because the Hyundai of louisville dealership kept telling me my tittle was branded I didn’t know what that meant till I took my tittle to the tag office an had the sheriffs department check the tittle out an it was an still is 100 % clean then my engine kept getting worse an in may of 2023 the engine stopped working I had the car towed to the local dealership an they couldn’t even look at it till Aug of 2023 the they told me I shot out a code 99 an they refused to update my software for the knock sensor system an wouldn’t honor the regular 60,000 miles warranty my car only had 48,000 miles on it . They didn’t bother telling me about the faulty gdi 2. 0 turbo engine in August of 2023 I had to research it an find out on the internet that it’s a excessive oil consumption problem with this faulty engine. I had my car stolen for 6 days in April of 2023 an everything was taken out of my glove box an trunk . My oil change receipts were kept in an envelope in the glove box an were stolen with all my car registration an insurance papers . So the dealership refused my free engine replacement because I don’t have all my oil change receipts an blamed me for the oil being out of the engine which is due to the faulty gdi 2. 0 turbo engine the dealership has now had my car 300 days I’ve been walking to an from my work I can’t afford a new engine all I want is me free engine replacement I have all the articles printed of all the engine problem with the cars catching on fire or just stop running period . I need some representation on having the Hyundai of louisville kentucky on dixie highway to get me my free engine replacement they want 14,000$ for a new engine. I’m extremely mad an frustrated with this entire situation I have retained a lawyer.

Was driving on freeway on the way back from visiting family in different state when rpms dropped off and suddenly lost power. Car began shuddering and check engine light started blinking. Put hazards on and somehow managed to pull over to shoulder. No problems with car or anything to indicate anything was wrong before this. Called to have car towed to dealership where they said there was a software problem and it was falsely indicating low oil levels. Ecm was reset and software updated for $233 which they said fixed the problem. Said that carbon deposits may have caused the software to misread and that may have been why there was no indication of problems before. Hope so because I have a long drive back.

The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance. Before the incident, the vehicle showed signs of malfunction, including instability while driving and loss of normal performance. These symptoms created an unsafe driving condition and increased the risk of a crash. I believe the vehicle had defects from the beginning that affected safety. The failure contributed to the accident that occurred while driving on the highway, putting my life and my family at risk.

I was driving on freeway and all dashboard warning started to flicker on and off simultaneously then my steering wheel locked in place. I was unable to stop or turn wheel and had to maneuver car until it came to a stop. I had to get it towed home. I spoke with dealership and asked me to tow it to them so they can look at it and gave me a report that mention nothing about what I originally told them it did while I was driving but pointed out everything else that was wrong with it that added up to more than $4,500. 00 in repairs. Dealership guy got upset that I asked him to email rather than phone calls and didn’t want to answer anything through email only phone calls he was refusing service and kept pushing us to approve all the other expenses without telling me anything about why the car did what it did. He then told me that it was my fault since car was just passed over 100,000 miles and I should’ve known that was going to happen. Luckily nobody got hurt during this. My wife was pregnant at the time and thank goodness nothing bad happened and dealership guy was so unprofessional and rude and just wanted our money rather than help by giving us any answers.

The incident occurred within my garage when I attempted to start my car and the starter went out producing a burnt smell and spark within motor. After letting the car cool down I put the car in neutral and had it towed to the nearest garage. I thought vehicle could have started a fire inside my garage and home. I have contacted the manufacture and initiated a case incident report awaiting a call back from Hyundai motor company. There were no waring lights or issues with the car the car before incident. The vehicle is under warranty but the dealership stated, they could assist since I took the car to a garage and had a mechanic work on vehicle. The disposition was the vehicle had a faulty started starter, but this incident has a huge safety flag.

I was driving and tried to make a turn when the steering wheel gave out on me unexpectedly. This lead my car to continue forward onto the other lane of oncoming traffic. The steering wheel signal also turned on. When my car was finally able to turn and I arrived at my destination, I parked my car for 2 hrs. After it was time to leave the battery then died. I was unable to use the key or inside button to open my trunk, and had to wait for assistance. I believe these two issues correlate with the electrical power steering.

My car was serviced at Hyundai dealer for other problems while my car was being serviced the service department said they fixed a recalled latch on trunk I never had problems with trunk before the so called recall was fixed now my trunk is stuck close and pops open and is very hard to close once open you have to slam it shut once shut it will not open I had a tail light out I press the button to open the trunk and after riding around for three days it popped open and I fixed the tail light within 3 weeks the tail light is out again and my trunk is still stuck shut I called the dealership and it’s seems as though it’s not important and been giving appointments so far away.

I was stopped at a red light and when it turned green, I began to accelerate. The car stuttered and the check engine light was blinking. I pulled over and had autozone run the code. The code is p1326, engine knock sensor. It was put into limp mode and it shook pretty bad in lower gears while accelerating. I had to pull over and let several cars pass me as I couldn't go above 2,000 rpms. When I got home, I called roadside assistance and had it towed to the nearest dealership. That was this morning (5-4-2022). I just purchased this car used in the beginning of March. I don't have all the records since I just purchased the vehicle used. I just changed the oil last week.

On may 03, 2022 at approximately 3:30pm I was traveling southbound on arizona state route 101 in tempe, arizona. I was going about 75 mph, and without no warning my car shut off. I had to pull off to the shoulder of the highway to avoid being struck by other vehicles, and also incase I lost control. My Hyundai picked up nails on 3 of the 4 tires in the process. I barely avoided a fatal accident due to the defect, which I had no idea about.

Knocking of the engine , engine light continues flashing , lack of acceleration finally Feb of this year the turbo blew up an the car stop running all symptoms of knock sensor problems . I’m taking it to Hyundai on dixie on Monday in two days an I hope they don’t deny the federal recall an I will have to have a loaner car . They have told me the last 5 years my title was flawed last month they denied saying that an told me my warranty was voided with 41,000 on my car.

During the drive, check engine lights on then suddenly, hev warning lights with turn off the engine with critical alert sound. I was drove again after attempting to start several times then again & again. . . It freaked me out when I drove on the highway, and yet to fixed & afraid to go to the dealer becase of cost & uncertain reasons. This could be big accidents on the highway.

The shark fin antenna assembly becomes dislodged from its base very easily and can fly off while driving or scraping ice off the roof with minimal force. Hyundai should do a better job attaching the outer shark fin plastic cover to its base.