general problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

During multiple dealership visits in 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata limited 2. 0t was repeatedly returned in unsafe condition. Southern Hyundai installed both front cv axles and torqued them incorrectly. The right axle was later confirmed under-torqued by about 50 ft-lbs, and the left axle was later found over-torqued 40ft-lbs priority Hyundai later identified and corrected the under-torqued right axle, which briefly improved symptoms but did not resolve the underlying issue. When I returned for a follow-up on October 29, 2025, for a documentation-only appointment due to an active corporate case, the dealer ignored my instructions and altered evidence by loosening and re-torquing the left axle nut without consent. They recorded the torque at 250 ft-lbs in the repair order but failed to capture the required photos or before/after readings and referenced the wrong vehicle’s torque specification (Hyundai elantra) in the documentation. Since then, the vehicle has continued to show steering pull, vibration, and instability at speed. Several visits showed only 0–3 miles of verification driving after safety-critical repairs involving brakes, suspension, and driveline components. Aftermarket parts were installed when oem parts were promised, and uneven tire wear developed quickly. Safety risks include wheel-bearing damage, steering loss, and driveline separation due to repeated improper torque and altered evidence. Independent firestone and Honda technicians have verified these issues. The matter remains under active Hyundai corporate case #[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

The engine stalls when driving, loses power, hard time to start. It uses an extensive amount of oil. Losing power/stalling can result in accident or fire in my engine. Yes check engine light came on said it was coils/plugs changed them 2xs already. Took it to a mechanic was told there’s a recall on engine it’s a valve that is not getting air through that can potentially case a fire in my engine.

Lost control of the car - the car was brought in to Hyundai maxon in union, NJ and were told the steering column was defective and the car is not safe to be driven, needed a steering column replacement. Dropped the car off 12/12/2024 and was quoted for the replacement of the part (with a new one). On January 17, 2025—36 days after the dealership had my car—I was informed that the required part was unavailable nationally, with no eta for availability. The fact that this critical part is unavailable at a national level raises significant concerns. Is this indicative of a broader manufacturing issue? Hyundai has provided no explanation or transparency regarding why this part cannot be sourced, further compounding my frustration as a loyal customer.

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.

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.

I was driving began my Sonata in moderate to heavy traffic. Without warning the vehicle began lurching. I was unable to control it. The Hyundai had a mind of its own. I got the "check engine" light on & some message on the screen that I could not read because I was driving. I pulled off the road & had the car towed to a Hyundai dealer. Upon return of the car, the dealer explained that Hyundai took control of the car as a "safety precaution" for the engine. This is an unsafe safety precaution. They not I controlled the car.

Everytime I accelerate my SUV makes a very loud grinding / ? noises and sometimes when I slow from accelerating. Talked with Hyundai mechanic that said their may be a engine problem. Only had it 1 month. I am afraid that it will become very dangerous to drive it.