10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,478 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #60

Sep 052022

Sonata

  • miles
My 2018 Hyundai Sonata GDI Engine stop working while I was driving on the freeway without a warning prior to the issue. It never gave me a heads up in advance that the engine needed service. No check engine light to alert me that an issue needed attention. I learned about the engine problem when my engine stop working while I was on the freeway. I heard a loud noise coming from the engine and within seconds my RPM started going down and my car started loosing power while I was driving on the freeway. At the same time my check engine light came on and it was flashing. At that moment I realize something bad was happening with my motor. The check engine light was not on before that. It never alerted me before that, and when it came on flashing on and off it was already too late because my engine was dying and it died and didn't turn back on after I pulled over in the side of the freeway. I was so scared. The cars where going so fast and very close to my car with little room to pull over. The high velocity of the others cars where making my car cradle from the wind. It was so terrifying for me and my little dog i had with me. My seat belt stop working a few weeks before my engine died, and the thought of me getting hit by another car without a seat belt on. I've never been scared for my life like I was on that day. Hyundai dealer sold me a car with a bad engine. I was putting atleast 1 quart of oil every other week sometimes every week in the past year until just recently. I've only had it for 3 years since I bought it and I was putting 1 quart of oil every month in the beginning and with time the consumption of oil increased and increased more with time. Hyundai service my car for an oil gasket last year that should've been cover under warranty, but made me pay for it. I made it aware to them about the excessive oil consumption and told them it wasn't normal how much oil the car was consuming but they denied to service my car under warranty.

- Escondido , CA, USA

problem #59

May 032022

Sonata

  • miles
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.

- Phoenix , AZ, USA

problem #58

Aug 082022

Sonata

  • miles
For the fourth time the HEV light (and others) has come on and the dash has lit up while I was driving, with the last three times leaving us stranded in dangerous road situations with little or no power. The light first came on in July 2020 at 40,089 miles. A dealership reset the codes and I had no problems until June 7, 2022 when the lights lit up on the dash again and the car died and I had to have it towed to a local dealership. They could find nothing wrong with it and checked all the wiring and said none of the codes were coming up and that the car ran fine for them when test driving a day or two after I had it towed. So they released the car back to me deeming it good to go. Then only 19 days later on June 26, 2022 the HEV light among other lit up again and the dash indicated to pull over and cut the car off due to the hybrid system. I had it towed to the nearest dealership again. The then looked at it and said they reset all the codes and everything looked to be good to go. Then AGAIN on Aug 8, 2022 (3rd time in two months), we were put in a dangerous situation trying to get the car off a busy highway when the HEV light (and others) again lit up the dash and our power went almost completely out while the engine jerked violently as we tried to avoid being hit by cars while trying to get off the highway before it completely died on us. Four times now Hyundai dealers have shrugged this off saying "we reset the codes" and we can't find an issue. We have been put in dangerous traffic conditions three of these times.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #57

Jun 012020

Sonata

  • miles
The issue that I am having with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is excessive oil consumption. And yes the vehicle is available for inspection. My family and I are put at risk because of the high oil consumption the engine may seize at any time. I have been told that not only is the engine is at risk but also the exhaust system due to the possibility of oil build up there also causing safety issues. The Sonata has been put through an oil consumption test by a local Hyundai dealership. This consists of changing the oil and then at 1000 mile intervals up to 3000 miles the oil level is checked by a dealer mechanic to check for oil loss. During this 1st test period one check had a loss of 3/4 of a quart and another was 1 3/4 of a quart. After this 1st series of tests there was a complete engine cleaning to remove all built-up oil residue within the engine followed the checking of oil levels again every 1000 miles 3 times. Again, oil losses varied from 1 quart to a 1/2 quart loss. I was assigned a case manager to monitor these tests. At the completion of the testing, after 4 weeks of hearing nothing from my case manager even though I had left multiple messages, he called and said that these results were considered normal by Hyundai. Again, all tests were completed by a authorized Hyundai dealership. There were no warning lights or messages but I did hear a slight knocking noise within the engine. I checked the oil on a regular basis after that and noticed the continued loss of oil. The was no smoke coming from the exhaust or no noticeable signs of oil loss on the engine or my garage floor. Although Hyundai recommends oil changes every 7500 miles I had oil changes every 3000 to 4000 miles by my Hyundai dealer. No one else. I also spoke to mechanics other than Hyundai and was told that there was an ongoing problem with Hyundai engines for oil loss. That is why I initiated the oil consumption test with my dealership.

- Addison, IL, USA

problem #56

Jul 092022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
On the way home from the produce store today, the engine seemed to stall or seize while I was driving and the car reacted in a jerky manner. I kept going, as I was close to home, but could only travel about 20 mph, and it would periodically feel as if it were about to conk out. Check engine light came on at this point. Made it home, but no longer feel safe driving it. Am online now, searching for what to do. What I experienced sounds like the engine recall problem others have experienced, although my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is not on the recall list. Perhaps it should be.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #55

May 192022

Sonata

  • miles
2018 Sonata Hybrid May 19 - "Check Hybrid System Turn Engine Off" appeared on the dashboard. Vehicle brought to dealership. May 22 - I pay for a rental vehicle May 26 - Dealer states vehicle is ready and they performed service campaign 966. May 27 - My rental car is returned. Dealer picks me up and I go to dealership. I get into my car and "Check Hybrid System Turn Engine Off" appeared on the dashboard. Vehicle never driven off dealership lot. Dealership pays for my rental this time. June 10 - Dealer states vehicle is ready and they performed service campaign 966 (dealer says there are 2 software updates and the first time they only did 1). I return rental and pick up my vehicle. June 11 - "Check Hybrid System Turn Engine Off". I go to dealer. Dealer turns off check engine light and tells me vehicle is safe to drive and bring the vehicle back on the 13th (Monday). Dealer affirms vehicle is safe, they cannot get me a car rental today and my vehicle is fine. I drive the vehicle home. Some time later, check engine light comes back on, vehicle loses power (engine cuts off?) and stalls in the intersection. I immediately turn on hazard lights. Depleting the hybrid battery (?) I am able to slowly bring the vehicle into a parking lot right after the intersection before I lose (all?) power. Vehicle is towed to dealer. June 13 - Picked up a 3rd rental car

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #54

May 012022

Sonata

  • miles
The engine is burning oil. Oil level drops by 3-4 quarts every 1,500 miles.

- Santa Clarita, CA, USA

problem #53

May 032022

Sonata

  • miles
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.

- New Brighton, PA, USA

problem #52

Apr 272022

Sonata

  • miles
Same problem with this 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid engine as the already recalled 2017 Sonata-??s with the same 4 liter/direct fuel injection engines. At approximately 69,000 miles the problems and check engine light analyzed was done by Auto Zone and Brandon Hyundai (3 times each and finding additional problems each time). I have documentation. P1326 Knock Sensor indicated engine failure problems P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire (occurred next day after repair of this part) U0293 Lost communication with HEV Powertrain control module ( not charging hybrid U1004 H-CAN C135B-08 no code explanation given C1612-08 CAN time-out TCM C1611-08 CAN time-out EPS ECM C1614-08 CAN time-out HCU C2229-08 Towed to dealer for repair. These problems occurred from 4/18/22 to 4/27/22 3 times in less than 2 weeks. car still in service dept today 4/30/22 with no resolution. Failures continued to escalate after each service. Went into -??Limp Home Mode-?? twice. Very unsafe to drive. Stalled, jerked and speed reduced. This happened on I-75 twice and once on Hwy 674. Felt in danger each time (especially the last time on 4/27/22). Turned on caution lights and tried to safely pull over. Check engine light blinking and many other engine lights came on. Brandon Hyundai said engine may need to be replaced, but then they want apply -??bandaid temporary fixes-??: like replace Cylinders again and now Knock Sensor; instead of addressing safety issues of a failing engine. These engines are unsafe! They need to be recalled and replaced before they could causing major accidents due to engines poor performance as it-??s failing. The jerking and stalling put me in danger prior to being able to restart the engine to get off the road. Are these a possible fire hazard as well? I-??m scared to drive it, whenever I get it back from the dealers service department!

- Ruskin, FL, USA

problem #51

Dec 012021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after filling the engine with oil, approximately 2 months later it was discovered the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact indicated that the engine oil was being consumed at a very rapid pace. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000. Consumer stated it was determined it was a valve cover gasket not pistons as a previous mechanic stated. So no need for recall.

- Minooka, IL, USA

problem #50

Jan 032022

Sonata

  • 40,913 miles
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started shaking inadvertently and would not exceed 25-30 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's mother was able to continue to drive the vehicle under 20 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,913.

- Mount Vernon, WA, USA

problem #49

Apr 222021

Sonata

  • miles
2018 Hyundai Sonata sport. Purchased vehicle 03/20/2021 and it has been in the shop 5 times for the same issue. Car starts to smoke and make a loud knocking noise, when checking the oil, it appears to have no oil in the engine at all. Every single time they have changed the oil and replaced it and within a 1,000 miles the oil has completely dissolved in the engine. They performed a consumption test and stated that they did a top engine cleaning for the combustion and that it should not happen again and if it did that they would reach out to Hyundai to start the process of replacing the engine. Took it back at the 1,000 mile mark and they stated that it was fine, but after only a few weeks to a month the car started smoking and knocking again, took it back and yes the engine was bone dry again no oil at all on the dipstick. This vehicle has been in the shop more than I was able to drive it. The oil light keeps jumping on and off and the dealer is aware of this issue and they stated that the manufacturer is aware of this issue as well. But it seems that they are refusing to rectify the issue with a new engine and just keep patching the problem, that I would have to keep taking back every 1,00 miles for a consumption test. The oil ight was present when they sold me the vehicle but the dealership stated that they had performed an oil change and it needed to be reprogrammed but that did not fix the problem.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #48

Apr 012021

Sonata

  • 37,291 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the change the oil was changed every 3,000 miles instead of ever 3,500. The contact stated that there was no oil leak found. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,291.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #47

Jun 052021

Sonata

  • miles
6/5/21 2018 Hyundai Sonata - less than 20K miles Turning left into parking lot at very low speed Car completely lost all power and brakes - all dashboard lights etc went out No warning of any kind - nothing evenly remotely like this has happened before Was able to glide into parking spot and stop but only with extreme pressure on brake Key was still in on position - put car in park, set parking brake, turned key to off Car started again and was able to drive about 1/4 mile back home Immediately called dealer from whom we purchased and had car towed No diagnosis as of yet

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #46

Mar 122021

Sonata

  • miles
The oil consumption is out of control for their vehicles I've had more oil changes that I've ever done on a vehicle I've done oil construction tests and they always say it's just at the 1 quart that they allow who's is bull I've checked my oil cold and it's hardly on the stick and the oil light has come on numerous times I'm no genus but I do know it's more than a quart low when your oil light comes on. At 1,100 miles it was 2.5 quarts low and I was forced to do another oil change when I only had 1,100 miles on this one. The first pic I've attached is cold oil level at 1,100 miles after oil change. The car only has 53K on it and I want to know how many times do we have to do oil consumption tests to get it fixed under the lifetime engine replacement and forget about the roadside assistance from Hyundai they tow 20 miles that's it and the rest is on you how is that fair when it's not your problem to begin with.

- Norwich, NY, USA

problem #45

Jan 182021

Sonata

  • miles
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.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #44

Jan 032021

Sonata

  • 20,000 miles
While driving car on an interstate highway engine power suddenly declined and vehicle had no pickup. I was unable to keep up with the highway traffic, I had to tow the car to the dealership for repairs. I was informed by the Hyundai service department that my car required a computer software upgrade to correct the condition. Apparently they are aware of this problem but there are no recalls concerning this problem.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #43

Dec 072020

Sonata

  • 99,000 miles
I was driving in another city and my car went into limp mode. I had it towed to nearby dealer and they said I was low in oil, after having it changed an month before. They did oil consumption test and found it to be 1 quart per 1000 miles and left there and 2 months later had another consumption test done after seeing my car was one in the class action on engine and bearings. They found this one to be 1.1 qts per 1000 miles. Dealer said no way will they send info to get a new engine under warranty. A qt a 1000 miles seems very excessive. Dealer said that you need to be at 1.5 qt per 1000 which would be almost no oil when I go have an oil change. The vehicle is only 3 years old and 100000 miles. This seems like too much oil to be burnt. And they know they have engine issues and will not rectify

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #42

Dec 032020

Sonata

  • 147,000 miles
In Feb 2020 my Sonata went into safe mode after exiting highway and dealer ended up replacing "knock sensor". in December 2020 my engine "stuttered" throwing me forward as if I had hit brakes hard. No warning lights or messages occurred and after a few seconds car acted normally mostly. A few days later after exiting highway again the engine warning light (orange) came on along with error message "possible condition with engine control system" has been detected. Car did not go into "safe mode" and seemed to be operating normally. I contacted dealer who assured me safe to drive over hundred miles back to dealership in this condition to check. I drove back from East coast fl to West coast fl to turn car in. I believe engine issue experienced is related to the theta engine issue and repair would be covered under settlement. Dealership disagrees and has indicated issue is with fuel pumps (both are being replaced) and charging me $2300.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #41

Sep 232020

Sonata

  • 10 miles
I turned on my car and the malfunction indicator light turned on my dash board. I put the car in reverse and ignored it. Kept driving. The car turned off completely when I was turningin in a busy intersection. I turned it on again and it didn't want to excelerate.

- Miami, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »