YearToAvoid

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

20/100

#5 most-complained of 6 Ioniq Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid ranks 5th out of 6 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 20 and a verdict of 'Best' relative to other years. It had 13 complaints, 2 recalls, and 0 deaths.

Complaints
13
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine5 (38%)
  2. Electrical System3 (23%)
  3. Other3 (23%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain3 (23%)
  5. Airbags1 (8%)
  6. Brakes1 (8%)
  7. Steering1 (8%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)

What owners report

  • Cruise control fails to stop accelerating when the driver requests more speed, forcing the driver to brake hard to regain control.
  • Transmission shifts itself from drive into sport mode unexpectedly while moving, usually in first gear after starting from a stop.
  • Electrical system glitches include the car getting stuck in park, a fuzzy backup camera, dropped Apple CarPlay connections, and an inaccurate tire pressure warning.
  • Air conditioning and instrument cluster settings work only intermittently, and the remote key entry failed even with a strong fob battery.
  • Brakes produce a clicking noise under the engine when the pedal is pressed, sometimes continuing after the car is parked, along with a sluggish pedal feel and a dashboard brake warning.
  • Engine stalls with the warning light on, followed by smoke filling the cabin and engine bay, later traced to a hole in the engine block.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2018Oct 2018Jan 2019Dec 2020Aug 2023Oct 2024Nov 2025
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Nov 2025; peak Aug 2023 (3).

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V459000Jun 28, 2022Fuel System10,575 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.

    Risk: An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

  2. NHTSA 18V704000Oct 5, 2018Fuel System10,575 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

    Risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.

2018 compared with other Ioniq Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Avoid80413—
2018Best20132—
2019Avoid100161—
2020Good40170—

All Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?
Among the 6 model years with data, 2018 ranks 5th worst with a complaint index of 20 and a 'Best' verdict relative to other Ioniq Hybrid years. It logged 13 complaints and 2 recalls.
What problems does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have?
NHTSA complaints point to the Engine as the top problem area (38% of complaints), followed by Electrical System (23%) and Transmission & Powertrain (23%). Median mileage at failure was 2,000 miles overall.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have a recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2018 Ioniq Hybrid, both tied to the Fuel System and the Power Relay Assembly, which may overheat or have inadequate internal connections. Neither recall is a do-not-drive order.
How does the 2018 Ioniq Hybrid compare to other years?
The 2018 model has a complaint index of 20, better than 2017 (60), 2019 (80), 2020 (40), and 2022 (100), and slightly worse than 2021 (0), which is the best year.
Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2018 Ioniq Hybrid?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries linked to 2018 Ioniq Hybrid complaints, with no reported deaths or fires.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.