YearToAvoid

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

0/100

#4 most-complained of 4 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years

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

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has 0 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall, ranking 4th of 4 model years by complaint index (0). It compares favorably to 2017 (complaint index 100, Avoid) and 2016 (67, Caution), sitting close to 2019 (33, Good).

Complaints
0
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
39
37 city / 42 hwy

Top 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems

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

No component data.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V166000Mar 12, 2018Fuel System2,840 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

    Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
37 MPG
Highway
42 MPG
Combined
39 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular Gas and Electricity
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 Plug-in Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Caution6726240
2017Avoid10032239
2018No verdict00139
2019Good335039

All Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 1 recall for the 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, giving it a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 4 model years with data.
What recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall, campaign 18V166000, covering the fuel system. It involves a Voltage Protection Device tied to the high voltage battery module, and Hyundai's remedy replaces the VPD switch with a new Battery Management System.
How does the 2018 model compare to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years?
The 2018 has a complaint index of 0, better than 2016 (67, Caution) and 2017 (100, Avoid), and roughly in line with 2019 (33, Good).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
EPA rates it at 39 mpg combined (37 city, 42 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $1,650.

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.