How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 40 complaints in this category for the 2018 Sonata, which is 11% of the 373 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?

No related recalls are listed under Transmission & Powertrain for the 2018 Sonata, though some owners mention a separate engine-related recall campaign for rod bearing wear.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2018 Sonata?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 40,537 miles.

Did any 2018 Sonata transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the complaints filed.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 40 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 11% of its 373 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 40,537. No related recalls are listed for this component category, though owners reference an engine-related recall campaign.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 40; 11% of 373
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 40,538 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report hard downshifting and a jolting or thumping feeling from the engine and transmission when braking to a stop between 10 and 15 mph.
Drivers describe sudden shuddering or stuttering on acceleration from a stop, with the check engine light sometimes blinking.
Several owners report the vehicle entering limp mode shortly after a dealer performed a software update tied to a rod bearing wear campaign, with hesitation and bucking afterward.
Some report a hybrid warning (P2600 code) telling them to shut down the car, with the gasoline side of the motor cutting out and multiple noises until several ignition cycles pass.
Owners describe a hesitation or flat spot when the throttle is pressed, comparing it to a manual transmission being operated by an inexperienced driver.

When 2018 Hyundai Sonata transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 2, 2018, latest Aug 16, 2026.

40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2026 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sonata model year

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

201021 (6%)
2011173 (5%)
201297 (6%)
201394 (5%)
201454 (7%)
2015134 (12%)
201659 (8%)
201755 (7%)
201840 (11%)
20198 (5%)
202024 (13%)
202124 (18%)
202224 (26%)
202316 (18%)
20246 (13%)
20253 (19%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?: NHTSA lists 40 complaints in this category for the 2018 Sonata, which is 11% of the 373 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?: No related recalls are listed under Transmission & Powertrain for the 2018 Sonata, though some owners mention a separate engine-related recall campaign for rod bearing wear.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2018 Sonata?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 40,537 miles.
Did any 2018 Sonata transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the complaints filed.