2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

1 recalls, 553 complaints - 277 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Defect Description

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 F... Read more

Consequence

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.

348,158 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

553 total complaints 32 crashes 17 fires 19 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	114
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	63
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	59
POWER TRAIN	45
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	26
SERVICE BRAKES	26
STEERING	23
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	20
STRUCTURE:BODY	14

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

My car stalls while driving and then I try to restart it but nothing happens. After reading online about the fuel pump issues and extended warranty related to the fuel pump I took the car in for repair. My car has 75,000 miles and the extended repair on this is for 150,000 miles/15 years. The dea... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Since I had Service Campaign 9C2 completed, the car hesitates to start, does a mini-lurch upon cold start and runs rough. Two weeks ago, it was put in park, lurched backwards, then died. The starter and battery have been replaced but this has not helped. The car ran fine before this update was done.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

I recently had the 9C2 Emissions recall update performed on my car, and since the update my car drives like total garbage after a cold start. It hesitates to accelerate, it bucks when trying to accelerate, and it’s to the point the engine is about to stall. I took it back to the Hyundai dealership... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2022

The paint on all parts of the car is completely coming off down to bare metal. It’s as if the car wasn’t prepped to receive paint. Every Hyundai I pass that’s white the paint is coming off. There is also an internal engine oil leak where I’m losing 4qts of oil a week.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Incident date: Jul 15, 2022

Incident date: May 11, 2026

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

*The black water tank of our 2024 Forest River NoBo 20.4 was found to be leaking. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the factory installed tank heating pad applied to our black water tank suffered a severe electrical and structural malfunction. The carbon fiber heating element inside the pad wa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

Dealership signed off on NHTSA Recall 22V671 / Nissan Bulletin NTB22-085 in 2023 as 'reprogramming not needed.' The vehicle's transmission software is currently mismatched/corrupted, causing transmission fault codes. The manufacturer (Nissan Consumer Affairs) and the local dealer are refusing to hon... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed uphill, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was operating at a high speed,... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 10, 2025

BCM module failure. Keyless entry error. Vehicle dashboard lit up with many errors. Car alarm went on and off. Car will not start . Disconnect battery toe reset. Drove home and the car doesn’t want to stop running or idling. Disconnect battery till it turns off.

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALONG WITH OTHER LIGHT. I AM GETTING THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM PROBLEM, REDUCED TRACTION AND HANDLING. HILL START ASSIST PROBLEM VEHICLE MAY ROLL UPON BRAKE RELEASE, COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEM, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEM. STEERING AS... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

My display screen (infotainment) that has almost all the setting to my car on it has been glitching every single time I drive my car. It has what is being described as "ghost touch". It will just flick back and forth between all different settings to my car, turn on and off the radio and go between ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine. I was driving on a major 2 lane state road going 65 miles an hour when the warning light came on that the engine was overheating and pull over immediately. There was no prior warning. As soon as I stopped I looked at the temperature indicator and ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

I hit a deer and it totaled my vehicle and the Airbags did not deploy

Crash

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact owns a secondary 2018 Ford Edge vehicle and had received a notification of NHT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

We were at full stop with Auto Hold feature enabled. Car lurched / jumped forward with no depression of the gas pedal. This caused us to strike the car in front of us.

Crash

Incident date: May 14, 2026

Subaru part # 63269SG002 "hatch lift support / stay tailgate (rear gate, right)". Pin that attaches hydraulic lift to rear tailgate snapped in half when closing trunk - available for inspection. Lift extended fully, preventing closure of rear tailgate. Failure left tailgate solely held up with (1)... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: May 14, 2026

The driver seat pops and shifts around unexpectedly when driving. It feels like I am going to loose control of the vehicle as I have to adjust my seating position while the car is in motion. And this movement is very distracting. Visited dealership twice already and dealer says this is common issue ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

Engine has a terrible shake, and I was informed by a mechanic that it has a misfire and no compression in piston number seven

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

Evap purge valve stuck open, coolant pooling in spark plugs, and oil combusting rapidly causing fire and explosion fears. Heavy smell of gasoline to where i didn't feel safe to start or drive

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

Water pump failed after replacement in 2013 with 30k miles, car had only 93k miles when failed again in 2016. The potentiometer part failed, there is corrosion in the part. Was in freeway when it failed. I have reported this to different representatives. I was charged more 1.5k for a replacement of ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2024

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes in... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2024

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

While flat towing my 2022 Ford F‑350 behind a motorhome using Ford’s Neutral Tow Mode procedure, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic transmission failure. The Ford dealer documented this clearly on the service invoice: “HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS FLAT TOWED.” After the tow, the truck had... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

Since 2021, I've replaced both CV Boot Axles twice and I do not go off-roading. Urban and highway mileage.

Incident date: Jan 28, 2018

While driving at approximately 20-25 mph, the panoramic sunroof glass of my vehicle suddenly shattered without any warning. There was no impact from road debris, no visible chip, and no prior damage to the glass. The glass appeared to explode outward, creating a loud noise and causing shattered gla... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2025

I bought a brand-new GMC 1500 6.2L AT4 back in 2025. Never have an engine recall. At 39K miles, lost power, and ended up replacing the camshaft and lifters. 2K miles later went back to the dealer for engine replacement.

Incident date: Nov 4, 2025

I have 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L engine, approx. 81,500 miles. Date into service 05/26/2018. Diagnosed on 04/18/2026 at Ford dealer (see attached) with Coolant Intrusion into engine. Ford dealer states that Ford will not assist with repair/replacement of engine because vehicle has been in service mor... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2025

On April 11 2026, I was involved in a serious accident involving my 2026 Tesla Model Y. At the time of the incident, I was returning home from my daughter’s event in downtown and had just entered my residential driveway. As I approached the driveway, I applied the brakes and slowed the vehicle. Wh... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE purchased June 2025. Multiple pre-existing safety defects confirmed by dealership personnel were never disclosed at time of sale. POWER TRAIN: Torque converter failure — vibration documented at pre-sale inspection, never disclosed or diagnosed. Axle bracket corroded so sev... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

Infotainment center making popping and cracking sounds during every drive. System will completely shut down and not work at all. No access to navigation, phone or infotainment center at all. Audio will completely cut out during music and phone calls.

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

Passenger airbag shows airbag as off very often. There will be a passenger over 65 pounds and still indicates that the airbag is off.

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

Door is making a popping noise when opening and closing the door. Does not close smoothly. Appears to be a known issue with spot welds that go bad.

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

Vehicle caught fire while engine was running, vehicle idling. Vehicle is a total loss. Prior NHTSA complaints regarding these vehicles causing fire from electrical components under the hood. Unknown if fire was due to electrical or leaking fuel issues under the hood. Major safety risk to occupants... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a new safety incident involving my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe after completion of the repair associated with Recall 68C. The Recall 68C repair was completed on January 28, 2026. After that repair, the vehicle experienced new and serious operating failures. The ve... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

Incident date: Dec 27, 2025

A recall was issued for a roof leak defect that allowed water intrusion into my vehicle. The recall repair was performed at Autonation Toyota of Weston dealership, where the roof was replaced due to water staining. However, water intrusion which led to black mold growth into the interior carpeting a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

Axle clicking initially only while making turns left and right - now when it drives straight the axle sometimes clicks as well.

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

I've noticed periodically when the car is braking at start stop traffic in autopilot mode, the brake is very jerky and I can actually hear the pedal jerking and engaging. I wrote it off at the time in my head as normal operation of the car. I have brake pressure offset codes and brake booster mia co... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

Axle clicking initially only while making turns left and right - now when it drives straight the axle sometimes clicks as well.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

This is a 2019 Ford Edge in great condition. I just purchased the vehicle with roughly 90000 miles on it. After roughly 2 weeks of driving, I noticed the vehicle struggles to get up to speed, and the gears shift roughly, especially after a cold start. Additionally, while driving, the gears would str... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

initially filed XXX (1/2/2026) 2nd (additional info) filed XXX (2/10/2026 3rd (3 page service report) XXX (2/11/2026) Vehicle is registered to Christopher Rojik, however it is my car that I drive, etc. today I am filing this for you folks that since I filed the complaint with Kia Corp. and sent t... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2024

The horn on my 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited failed without warning in mid January 2026 and no longer functions. This creates a serious safety risk because I was unable to warn another driver while they were merging into my lane on the highway. Without a functioning horn, I cannot alert other drivers ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2024

The ABS control module has failed. Anti-lock brake and stability management systems, in addition to vehicle descent control are malfunctioning. This renders the vehicle extremely unstable and difficult to drive. Stellantis is aware of the problem and reports no replacement parts are available and ha... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2025

Vacuumed pump replacement oil leakVacume Brake fluid leaked into power booster Complete brake failure . Complete Brake failure while pulling 6000 lb trailer Family in vehicle . Coolant leaks, water pump,heater hoses, exaust turbos ,and blow off valve.

Showing 50 of 553 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

2018 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.5%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	35.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	32.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 316.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

277 manufacturer communications from 143 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	42
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	39
350000 EQUIPMENT	32
100000 POWER TRAIN	24
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	19
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	16
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	14
010000 STEERING	10

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in res

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic and 2) Install two anti-theft decal

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operati

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update. Thi

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a a??Crank/No Starta?? condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an internally leaking fuel pump filter housing. For vehicles exhibit

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993) in response to an increase in thefts of certain Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. In November 2

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Certain 2015-19MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L Turbo GDI engines need the Electronic Control Module (ECM) software updated to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for oxygen sensor aging and control tailpipe emi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information related to an Electronic Control Module (ECM) software update to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for O2 sensor aging and control tailpipe emissions within applicable standards.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

160000 STRUCTURE

Certain 2017-2018MY Elantra (ADa), Sonata (LFa), and Santa Fe Sport (AN) vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (a??HMMAa??) may exhibit peeling or bubbling of the white paint in various areas of the vehicle, most comm

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.

190000 TIRES

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale

010000 STEERING

Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit

100000 POWER TRAIN

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related input/output speed sensor and harness.

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and valve body harness.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit Abnormal Noise or No Crank/No Start condition. Follow the procedure to inspect the ve

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of fi

010000 STEERING

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Electric Waste Gate Actuator (EWGA) equipped vehicles listed below. Refer to the applicable Engine Control / Fuel System sections in the Shop

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

The warranty coverage for certain Theta II engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subseq

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

When asked to provide the Modem Information, the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) may not be available. This TSB# 21-01-080H describes the 3-part software to correct this condition and activate Blue Link Services.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When asked to provide the Modem Information, the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) information is not available. This bulletin describes the 3-part Software to correct this condition and activate Blue Link Services.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On certain 2018 MY Sonata (LF) equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0L Turbo engine, the starter M-Terminal nut may become relaxed and loosened. If this condition exists, the vehicle may experience a no crank condition in colder ambient temperatures

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Variable Charge Motion Controllers (VCM) equipped in the applicable vehicles listed below. This bulletin also provides information on the use

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain vehicles may experience 504 Time Out errors when using the Blue Link Mobile App. When asked to provide Modem Information (IMEI/USIM), the Head Unit (HU) displays all zeros. This bulletin describes the procedure to update the Head Un

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

010000 STEERING

The rack-mounted dual pinion Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system components can be replaced separately from the complete assembly. This bulletin provides information on the separate components and the replacement procedure of these co

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the TCU for a rough idle in Drive with Neutral Control enabled. The rough idle may occur only at a stop in Drive with the A/C off and the ATF temperature between 158~210A?F (70~99A?C). This upd

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for the engine long block for engine repairs or replacement related to connecting rod bearing damage as described in Campaign T3G (Seized and/or BCT No Pass Result Only) has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles f

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Showing 100 of 277 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Air bags may be disabled during crash

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyun... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Electronic Parking Brake

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area.The vehicles subject to the investigation ... are equipped with an optional Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). In this system, an electric motor applies the parking brake by moving the rear brake pads (pads) against the brake rotors (rotors) when activated by the EPB control switch. The EPB is released by the control switch or by selecting a drive gear with the transmission shifter when the ignition is on.If the EPB has not been used within 1000 kilometers (621 miles) the system is designed to perform an Automatic Adjustment Function (AAF) of the pads to check for proper clearance. This function is a pad adjustment only and is preformed with the vehicle in park with the ignition off. It does not set the parking brake or turn the brake indicator light on. Hyundai has identified an error within the EPB control logic that can cause the pads to remain in contact with the rotors at various levels of force after the AAF is completed. This condition could cause the rear brakes to drag at the next drive cycle and may generate some levels of heat and smoke. The EPB control logic error affects model year 2016 vehicles produced from the start of production through March 16, 2016.Vehicles produced from March 17, 2016 incorporate an updated EPB control logic to prevent brake pad drag. On May 11, 2016 Hyundai notified its dealer network of Service Campaign TFF to update the EPB control logic in the affected vehicle population. Dealers will reflash the EPB software to prevent brake pad drag.There are no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this issue. The incident that alleged fire could not be confirmed as there were no repairs to the vehicle other than replacement of the rear brake rotors and pads.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's Service Campaign of the affected vehicles and in consideration that the the effect of brake drag in this instance does not appear to present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa/complaints under the following identification (ODI)numbers: 10820359, 10854476, 10875764, 10892736, and 10928478Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction

On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner s... ystem, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, seRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 7 complaints and field reports and 10 warranty claims on the subject vehicles that allege the intermediate steering shaft became loose or in some cases separated from the upper steering column and/or the steering gearbox, causing (or potentially ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD

THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION.THE RECALL AFFECTS 91,202 MY 2002-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2002, THROUGH MARCH 22, 2003.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION WAS DEFINED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S USE OF A NEW SUPPLIER FOR THE CHRO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE08-029, ON APRIL 22, 2008, BASED ON 40 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES.COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IN THE A... REA WHERE THE RIGHT-FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS ATTACHED.IN SOME VEHICLES, SUB-FRAME CORROSION HAS CAUSED COMPLETE OR PARTIAL DETACHMENT OF THE CONTROL ARM, RESULTING IN WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION. IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE08-029, HYUNDAI PROVIDED OWNER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA FOR APPROXIMATELY 197,906 MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES SOLD OR LEASED IN THE UNITED STATES.THE BASE WARRANTY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO THE ROAD SALTS MAY RESULT IN CORROSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUBFRAME.HYUNDAI REDESIGNED THE SUB-FRAME EARLY IN THE MY 2004 PRODUCTION (NOVEMBER 2003) TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE CORROSION OF THE CROSSMEMBER NEAR THE RIGHT-FRONT SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF BOTH COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SONATA VEHICLES SHOWS THAT THE FAILURE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 PERCENT OF VEHICLE SALES AND OVER 90 PERCENT OFCOMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT (NOTE:FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTS IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME AND THERE IS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE DETECTED (BY INSPECTION, STEERING FEEL OR TIRE WEAR ANOMALIES) AND REPAIRED BEFORE IT REACHES A STATE WHERE A SAFETY RELATED INCIDENT MAY OCCUR.HYUNDAI IDENTIFIED 4 ALLEGATIONS OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT AND 1 ALLEGATION OF A CRASH; WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND DROVE INTO A YARD.THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES.ODI RECEIVED A SEPARATE ALLEGATION OF A CRASH, WHERE THE COMPLAINANT ALLEGED THAT WHILE DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME FRACTURED AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT OFF THE ROAD.AGAIN, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE THAT THE SUB-FRAME CORROSION RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR A VEHICLE DISABLEMENT DUE TO WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-016) COVERING MY 1999 THROUGH EARLY-2004 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES IN SALT-BELT STATES AND EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT SUB-FRAME DESIGN TO FURTHER ASSESS THE FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE05-059, BASED ON NINE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES.THE ALLEGED VALVE STEM FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) TIRE (MICHELIN 205/65R15 ENERGY MXV4 PLUS) TO ... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999

IMPROPER FRONTAL AIR BAG PERFORMANCE

HYUNDAI HAS RECEIVED 49 REPORTS FROM CUSTOMERS STATING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.EXAMINATION OF SUPLIMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ODI BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPORTED CASES IT APPEARED THAT THE NECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET.THE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1989

PASS.RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SONATA across all model years (1989, 2026).

141 Total Recalls

22,306 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

1,220 Reported Crashes

675 Reported Fires

28 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	2	View
2025	0	21	View
2024	1	74	View
2023	2	140	View
2022	3	142	View
2021	4	184	View
2020	4	275	View
2019	0	213	View
2018 (current)	1	553
2017	3	1,003	View
2016	6	998	View
2015	9	1,665	View
2014	7	1,081	View
2013	9	2,657	View
2012	8	2,280	View
2011	14	4,627	View
2010	2	415	View
2009	2	612	View
2008	5	554	View
2007	7	906	View
2006	11	1,422	View
2005	1	217	View
2004	1	288	View
2003	6	249	View
2002	7	407	View
2001	3	293	View
2000	4	378	View
1999	4	187	View
1998	1	68	View
1997	2	74	View
1996	1	37	View
1995	2	93	View
1994	1	7	View
1993	1	46	View
1992	1	43	View
1991	1	41	View
1990	3	25	View
1989	3	18	View
1987	0	4	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
ELANTRA	133	11,853	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models