2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
7/100
#14 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
The 2018 Sonata Hybrid ranks 14th out of 15 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 7 and just 9 complaints, making it one of the best years for this model. It has 1 recall, for a trunk latch issue, and no crash or fire reports.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 41.5
- 39.5 city / 45 hwy
Top 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (56%)
- Electrical System4 (44%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (22%)
- Airbags1 (11%)
- Fuel System1 (11%)
- Other1 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (11%)
What owners report
- Low-beam headlights create dark notches or a sharp light/dark line, leaving parts of the road ahead poorly lit.
- Some owners report the hybrid system suddenly failing while driving, with a warning message, loss of power, and the vehicle stalling.
- One owner reported total loss of power on the freeway along with dashboard warning lights and a loud beeping alert, requiring a tow.
- Engine failure was reported around 75,000 miles, with abnormal noises and a warning light leading to a dealer diagnosis requiring engine replacement.
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking activated unexpectedly on a clear day near an underpass with no other vehicles nearby.
- One airbag non-deployment was reported after a front-right impact crash at about 45 mph.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V619000Aug 6, 2021Structure & Body348,158 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
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."
Risk: 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.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 39.5 MPG
- Highway
- 45 MPG
- Combined
- 41.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,575
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Sonata Hybrid ranks 14th out of 15 model years, with a complaint index of just 7 and only 9 complaints, earning a 'Best' verdict relative to other Sonata Hybrid years.
- Does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall covers a trunk latch that could become damaged and prevent the trunk from opening; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid?
- Engine complaints make up 56% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 47,000 miles, followed by electrical system issues at 44% of complaints, often reported around 9,500 miles.
- How does the 2018 Sonata Hybrid compare to other bad Sonata Hybrid years?
- Years like 2012 (complaint index 93) and 2011 (index 79) are rated 'Avoid,' while the 2018 model's index of 7 is far lower, making it one of the better years for this model.