2018 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

43 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 15% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 79,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
43
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
2
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
79,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system40
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer1
Electrical system:starter assembly1

Electrical System complaints across Hyundai Sonata years

520069320081242010901112012135772014112722016514320181240202017172022121820241
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k3100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 20, 2026NCBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The only thing that made it stop was to unplug the abs but then other parts of the car stopped working like the speedometer and the sensors around the car. So we got the abs replaced but…
    NHTSA complaint #11732415 · source
  2. Filed Mar 15, 2026FLCrashElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance. Before the incident, the vehicle showed signs of malfunction, including instability while driving and loss of normal performance. These symptoms…
    NHTSA complaint #11724392 · source
  3. Filed Feb 14, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine
    To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am formally escalating serious ongoing issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Despite repeated attempts to resolve these concerns through the dealership, my vehicle continues to experience excessive oil consumption, engine failures, and additional mechanical issues, all while under warranty. I am now seeking immediate corporate intervention. Timeline of Events and Mismanagement: •2024(~62000 miles): First reported oil leak and…
    NHTSA complaint #11718006 · source
  4. Filed Jan 29, 2026GAFireElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and potential for burning or even death. Other drivers could have been at risk if traffic had not allowed for quick movement to side of the road. No warning lamps had been on prior to the drive and none…
    NHTSA complaint #11714245 · source
  5. Filed Dec 28, 2025TXElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Intermittent no-crank, no-start condition. Dash lights illuminate, push-button start produces no response. Brake pedal applied. Vehicle becomes immobilized without warning. I’ve been stranded on multiple occasions. Unable to commute to work, or home. Most recently on December 19,2025 the car completely shut off while driving on the highway.
    NHTSA complaint #11707411 · source
  6. Filed Nov 5, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Unknown. 2018 Hyundai Sonata engine has failed. Only purchased the vehicle in December 2024, and the engine is defective. There is much information, via research, indicating that Hyundai is aware of the engine issues with this year vehicle, but are unwilling to make amends. Vehicle has 100,189 miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11697623 · source
  7. Filed Sep 25, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Oil consumption was ridiculously high, changing oil/topping off oil constantly. Car would not accelerate over 30 mph without sputtering and rumbling. I had mechanic diagnose bad sparks plugs due to sitting in oil from leaking. After I had them repaired/replaced the car drove great for 1 day, then decided to die in the middle of a busy intersection while I had my teenage son in the car with me. My son and I had to PUSH it out of the busy intersection onto a side street to get…
    NHTSA complaint #11689709 · source
  8. Filed Sep 12, 2025148,000 miLAElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy while searching the vehicle history report. The contact stated that the odometer indicated several readings. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was unaware that at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 148,000. The contact stated that the mileage on the Title was blank, and the mileage on the registration was 75,519.
    NHTSA complaint #11686923 · source
  9. Filed Aug 18, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngine
    I first noticed that my vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of motor oil, with the oil change light coming on every 1,500–2,000 miles. I routinely had to add oil between changes to keep it running. On May 30th, while driving on surface roads, I heard clanking noises from the engine. When accelerating, the vehicle clanked heavily, and then went into “limp mode,” limiting acceleration to about 10 MPH before struggling up to 30 MPH. I added oil, but a local shop diagnosed…
    NHTSA complaint #11681369 · source
  10. Filed Aug 3, 2025NMElectrical SystemEngine
    car turned off at light all lights work and turns on engine won’t roll over the battery and alternator and starter are all good
    NHTSA complaint #11678065 · source
  11. Filed Jul 8, 2025125,000 miALFireTowedElectrical System
    The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon her daughter reaching her destination, she observed brown smoke emanating from the engine compartment. Within a short while, the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames, prompting a bystander to attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. A fire report was filed, and it was indicated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11672013 · source
  12. Filed Jun 10, 2025OHElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    On 05/27/2025, my rear back-up camera started to malfunction. Last week my dash started to malfunction electronically. When I would start my vehicle, all of the lights would start to turn on and stay on on my dash. My speedometer would not move while I was driving, so I could not see how fast I was going. I believe this is a severe safety issue for myself as well as others. The tachometer would jump up and down and would not function correctly. My dash stated that I had low…
    NHTSA complaint #11666015 · source

Other 2018 Hyundai Sonata problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology