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2018 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and reliability
An average Sonata year.
382 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Sonata?The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 382 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure: complete transmission replacement reported around 87,000-95,000 miles on some 2017-2018 models.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sonata years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Sonata?
Across the 30 Sonata model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (1996) to 3,472 (2011). With 382 complaints, the 2018 Sonata sits above the model's median of 223.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Sonata
latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Campaign 21V619000Hyundai 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
- IsolatedTransmission failure
Complete transmission replacement reported around 87,000-95,000 miles on some 2017-2018 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sonata. See the full Sonata owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sonata listings typically run $10,598–$20,175.
Other Sonata model years
Compare every Sonata year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonata against its rivals
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