Vehicles · Insights
2018 Hyundai Sonata
2018 Hyundai Sonata: the engine dominates owner complaints
Owners filed 361 complaints with NHTSA. The engine is by far the most reported area at 56%, more than three times the next area, the electrical system (17%), followed by the power train (11%). No deaths are reported. The engine complaints also carry the most fires (7), so it is the clear area to check closely.
Most reported areas
Engine safety 56%
The dominant complaint by far: 203 reports (56%), with 7 fires, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries. The high fire count makes this the area to inspect most carefully.
Electrical System safety 17%
Second most reported: 60 reports (17%), including 4 fires, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries. Worth a careful check given the fire count.
Power Train safety 11%
39 reports (11%), tied to 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury. Owners describe hesitation when accelerating, so test the throttle response on a drive.
Fuel/Propulsion System safety 8%
29 reports (8%), with 1 fire and no crashes or injuries. A smaller but recurring complaint area.
Exterior Lighting0 6%
The fewest of the top five: 22 reports (6%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries. Owners cite headlight issues like condensation.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 361 complaints
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Get Vehicle Story Maintenance scheduleGeneral information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.