YearToAvoid

2018 Hyundai Sonata Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 26 Structure & Body complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of its 373 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 38,088. A related recall (21V619000) covers a trunk latch that can prevent the trunk from opening.

Structure & Body complaints
26
7% of 373
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
38,088 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Trunk latch fails or breaks, sometimes preventing the trunk from opening or closing, and recurring even after replacement.
  • Owners waited extended periods for the 21V619000 recall part to become available to fix the trunk latch.
  • Sunroof glass shattered suddenly while driving on the highway, scattering glass inside the cabin.
  • Exterior antenna detached and blew off the vehicle while driving.
  • Door handle broke off in hand when opening the front passenger door.
  • Exterior paint peeled off in sheets while driving down the highway.

When 2018 Hyundai Sonata body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 9, 2018, latest Aug 16, 2026.

2018 Hyundai Sonata structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2018Jan 2021Feb 2022Nov 2022Dec 2023Mar 2025Apr 2026
26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Sep 2022 (3).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

  1. 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.

Structure & Body complaints by Sonata model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200532 (19%)
  2. 200663 (6%)
  3. 200741 (6%)
  4. 200827 (6%)
  5. 200947 (10%)
  6. 2010171 (50%)
  7. 201198 (3%)
  8. 201244 (3%)
  9. 201353 (3%)
  10. 201424 (3%)
  11. 201566 (6%)
  12. 201638 (5%)
  13. 201754 (7%)
  14. 201826 (7%)
  15. 20197 (4%)
  16. 202030 (17%)
  17. 20216 (5%)
  18. 20225 (5%)
  19. 20235 (6%)
  20. 20245 (11%)
  21. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there structure and body problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA lists 26 Structure & Body complaints for the 2018 Sonata, making up 7% of all complaints filed for the year. The median mileage at failure was 38,088.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata trunk latch?
Yes. Recall 21V619000 covers a trunk latch that can become damaged and prevent the trunk from opening. Hyundai's remedy is to replace the trunk latch base free of charge; this recall is not marked do-not-drive or park-outside.
Did the 2018 Sonata structure and body issues cause crashes or injuries?
No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 26 Structure & Body complaints for the 2018 Sonata.
How common are body complaints on the 2018 Sonata compared to other years?
The 2018 Sonata's 7% share of complaints in this area is similar to 2017's 7% and higher than 2019's 4%, but well below 2010's 50% and 2020's 17%.

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.