10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,064 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #115

May 192023

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle is disposing oil really fast every 3 weeks I put 2 quarts in. A whole lot of dark smoke comes out when the car is 1st cranked up. Oil light flases constantly off and on in like a second. You would miss it if you blink twice. At least it should stay on to warn you of that their is no oil in the vehicle. Check the oil stick, bone dry. No leaks, no cracks, I took it to the shop and the repairs is really a 1 new motor

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #114

Jan 122024

Sonata

  • miles
The engine of my 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been losing oil at a significant rate. By the time I take my car in for a regular oil change the oil is either completely out or nearly out. I contacted Hyundai regarding an oil consumption test which is what was recommended to me by Hyundai corporate when I called to report the problem. Hyundai has completed the oil consumption test and although they stated that it is consuming oil at a higher than normal rate, it still meets their -??standard-?? and the recommendation that they have was to fill up my oil every time I put gas in my car which is an unreasonable expectation. The safety risk is significant. Although Hyundai recognizes this is an issue, they have said that there is nothing they can do. For a vehicle that has only 79,000 miles on it, there is no indication of where the oil is leaking to. During my last oil change, valvoline stated that this is a known issue and that the oil leaks into the engine of the vehicle. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and again stated that although it is burning oil off at a higher than normal rate, their standards state that it is not burning off enough to warrant an engine repair. The oil warning light did appear just before my last oil change which was approximately January 2024. When the light came on, I immediately scheduled an oil change and that is when I was first made aware that this was a known issue with certain Hyundai models

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #113

Jan 152023

Sonata

  • miles
Severe oil leak into the oil pan has required frequent maintenance to keep oil in the car.

- Lanham, MD, USA

problem #112

Feb 232024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine failed, vehicle towed to Hyundai Daytona Beach Florida on [XXX], vehicle under warranty and part of class action suit. Multiple inquiries to dealer and complaint filed with Hyundai North America, Hyundai and dealer have failed to replace engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

problem #111

Jun 232023

Sonata

  • miles
I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 turbo I paid cash for it in [XXX] with 2011 miles on it for 24,000 cash didn-??t start having problems until 2022 then the I kept hearing a knocking on the left front wheel. I had it look at several places because the Hyundai of Louisville dealership kept telling me my title was branded I didn-??t know what that meant till I took my title to the tag office and had the sheriffs department check the title out and it was an still is 100 % clean then my engine kept getting worse an in may of 2023 the engine stopped working I had the car towed to the local dealership and they couldn-??t even look at it till Aug of 2023 the they told me I shot out a code 99 and they refused to update my software for the knock sensor system and wouldn-??t honor the regular 60,000 miles warranty my car only had 48,000 miles on it. They didn-??t bother telling me about the faulty GDI 2.0 turbo engine in August of 2023 I had to research it and find out on the internet that it-??s a excessive oil consumption problem with this faulty engine. I had my car stolen for 6 days in April of 2023 and everything was taken out of my glove box an trunk. My oil change receipts were kept in an envelope in the glove box and were stolen with all my car registration an insurance papers. So the dealership refused my free engine replacement because I don-??t have all my oil change receipts and blamed me for the oil being out of the engine which is due to the faulty GDI 2.0 turbo engine the dealership has now had my car 300 days I-??ve been walking to and from my work I can-??t afford a new engine all I want is me free engine replacement I have all the articles printed of all the engine problem with the cars catching on fire or just stop running period. I need some representation on having the Hyundai of Louisville Kentucky on Dixie highway to get me my free engine replacement they want 14,000$ for a new engine. I-??m extremely mad and frustrated with this entire situation I have retained a lawyer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O

- Louisville , KY, USA

problem #110

Mar 092024

Sonata

  • miles
I have an oil leak. After getting an oil change I have to add 1-2 quarts of oil before my next oil change. I do have my oil change as recommended. This has happened so far on the last 3 oil changes I-??ve done.

- Lewisville , TX, USA

problem #109

Oct 012023

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car continues to burn oil within a week of getting oil changes, the oil will be black and it will be low sometimes there will be no oil and there is not an oil leak. Right now we had to pay for a combustion test and have to drive 1,000 miles then check the oil at Hyundai again and already our oil is starting to burn and is low. Hyundai said if the combustion test comes back still burnt or low Hyundai would give me a new engine and yea it-??s low and already a tint dark not as dark as it used to get but still it-??s low with no leak and we did not get the promised new engine after paying almost 600$ for the test-?? Also electrical wise the computer randomly sounds like static when Siri talks also the music does not play and randomly the maps will close out we have tried new cords we have tried everything and it still happens.

- Fort Pierce, FL, USA

problem #108

Mar 062024

Sonata

  • miles
On [XXX] I was driving on [XXX] [XXX] from Rockville, Maryland when my vehicle (2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited) started to lose power and control and all dash lights started to show. I was able to move the vehicle to the highway shoulder before all power and control failed. Had I been moving at a higher speed or in heavier traffic, or been slower to react this could have led to a catastrophic incident. When the roadside assistance showed up they found that my alternator had completely detached from my vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the Sheehy Hyundai dealership in Waldorf, MD and examined on [XXX]. The maintenance staff informed me that there were 3 other similar cases they're working on, and that there is a flaw in the design of the alternator bracket using aluminum materials that failed, and that they've reported this systemic issue to the manufacturer but have yet to receive any indications that this would be considered for a recall despite the catastrophic impact this could have. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #107

Feb 062024

Sonata

  • 183,000 miles
The car was sitting in the parking lot and randomly black smoke started coming from it and then it turned into fire within in minutes. No one was in the vehicle and 911 was contacted.

- Bealeton, VA, USA

problem #106

Apr 272023

Sonata

  • miles
My car continues to consume oil and it-??s always low. There is no leak. I have been told that the engine is constantly consuming the oil. I have taken it to the dealership and they submitted a form but nothing came about it. This is a safety concern for how fast the oil is being consumed

- Mcdonough , GA, USA

problem #105

Jan 102024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car would not start. Odor of burning wires coming from the engine compartment with a little smoke. Had car towed to the Dealer who replaced the starter. Ok for two weeks then same thing. No Start and an odor of burning wires coming from the engine compartment. Had it towed to the Dealer again where it sits today.

- Medford, NY, USA

problem #104

Jan 212024

Sonata

  • miles
I have had a new engine put in my Sonata back at the beginning of 2023. For the past two days my car will jerk really hard, and then loose power not accelerating over 25 rpms and my check engine lights comes on when it jerks really hard.

- Morganton, NC, USA

problem #103

Jan 082024

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving on the freeway and my car lost all power. My indicator dash board flashed lights and a loud beeping sound. The warning lights flashed to check my hybrid system and turn engine off, HEV. My car immediately lost power and turned off. I was on the freeway, I almost got into an accident, cars were honking at me. My vehicle was towed by my insurance company. I receieved a phone call from the service advisor today, he informed me that I need an electical water pump and the cost quoted to me is $1908. When I complained to the advisor he told me that water pumps only last 3-5 years. I told him that my previous car was a 2013 Sonata and sold it with 100,000 miles and I never had water pump issues. My online research discovered that this has been a recurrent issue with 2018 Sonata's.

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #102

Dec 252023

Sonata

  • miles
We were heading to Lakewood NJ from Bucks County (North of Philly). Car trouble w/ hybrid system on Rt 1, just past I-95. Got off @ Fairless Hills & took back roads. We could only go 20-30 mph. IDK how many times I pulled over. Several lights on, including "Check hybrid system. Turn Engine off", engine light, low tire pressure, battery & 3 other unidentifiable lights. I turned around to try to make it home, as 2 years ago, I had a similar issue, which turned out to be the hybrid water pump failed. We finally stopped near a park & called AAA & towed to dealer. Prior to driving, we had no fluid on our driveway. My last synthetic oil change was April 19, 2023 @ 49,097mile. I now have about 57,000 miles. Today, dealer said no oil in the car & oil pan was all wet. They claim the oil filer was loose. Why would it take 8 months to loosen to lose oil? After adding oil & taking for test drive, they said the engine seized & would need to be replaced. Not under warranty.

- Southampton, PA, USA

problem #101

Aug 152023

Sonata

  • miles
Oil pan crack. Leaking oil can get on engine or underbody components causing fire or failure of breaking systems causing an accident resulting in death. Problem was identified by dealer and in fact the dealer rep said this was common. It has not been inspected by police or insurance reps. There is no warning systems in place for a cracked pan.

- Virginia Beach , VA, USA

problem #100

Dec 182023

Sonata

  • 83,920 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as designed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and then contacted the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,920.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #99

Dec 112023

Sonata

  • miles
I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL. I purchased the car in 2020 with ~17,000 miles on it. At ~50,000 miles the engine begin burning oil. It has progressively gotten worse. I can-??t bring myself to have anyone drive my car because of this issue. It is all to likely that the result of the car burning so much oil in a short period of time. That it can pose a serious risk to anyone driving the car if the oil wasn-??t checked. This is not a common problem with many cars, this is a problem with Hyundai vehicles. The negligence of not issuing a recall for this is horrible. I have taken my car to private mechanics and Hyundai service centers. The response I get is -??oh yeah they-??re know for burning oil and there-??s not much to do about it.-?? That-??s a ridiculous response to situation like this for the thousands of owners. How long will it take to issue a recall, until a life is taken? When the issue could have been fixed by issuing a recall. Complete negligence on Hyundai and the NHTSA.

- Mililani , HI, USA

problem #98

Dec 092023

Sonata

  • miles
Purchased this vehicle with about 64K miles. Vehicle, as per CarFax report, has been meticulously maintained. Upon delivery, we changed the oil and filter with full-synthetic Amsoil. We ensured oil levels were appropriate prior to returning to service. No more than 1,000 miles later, roughly incurred in about a month, we checked oil levels again. This time, it required about 1.25 quarts to return it to the appropriate level.We did research and apparently, there is a class-action lawsuit filed by owners of Hyundai vehicles with this specific enging, the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Here's an article making reference to apparently your organization already looking into these complaints. https://tuningpro.co/hyundai-2-4-oil-consumption/ Could you please advise if the NHTSA will take the necessary steps to request Hyundai to issue a recall? I have found multiple articles where Hyundai is rejecting to take any action on their own, in most cases, advising their customers that such level of oil consumption is 'normal'. That clearly contradicts their own owner's manual guidelines. I own a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500LT with 302K miles and the vehicle will go nearly 5K miles between oil changes while requiring no more than 1/2 quart of oil to keep it at the appropriate levels. I also own a 2019 Honda Accord 2.0T that normally requires oil changes every 10K miles and it seldom requires more than 1/8 of a quart to keep at the appropriate oil levels. There is definitely something definitely wrong with this engine type and requires governmental involvement to hold the manufacturer to provide adequate remediation. Thanks, Raul

- League City, TX, USA

problem #97

Nov 062023

Sonata

  • miles
My 2018 Hyundai Sonata began running low on oil around May 2022 when the car had 86,400 miles on it. I informed the local dealership where I bought the car and had all maintenance completed. The dealership and myself contacted Hyundai Corp. Hyundai Corp approved oil consumption testing which resulted in an induction cleaning in Sept. 2022. This did not resolve the oil burning issue. The dealership service staff informed me that I was given a lifetime warranty on the engine and to keep driving it and putting oil in as needed until the engine failed and then to bring it to the dealership for replacement engine. There evidently was not a fix for the problem. Most recently I have been putting oil in the car every Sunday. I sent an email message to Hyundai Corp about a month ago to request to talk with a case manager regarding this excessive oil issue. In the meantime I have taken my car to the dealership for all suggested maintenance and informed them of the continued oil consumption. Before I received a response from Hyundai, my engine failed. I pulled out of my drive way and my car was stalling and would not accelerate properly then my engine light came on. I drove the car about a quarter mile down the road and turned around and came home in this very scary condition. This is a safety issue due to pulling out on a road with no power to accelerate. I had it towed to the dealership. I was give a case manager from Hyundai. My car has burnt valves and excessive carbon build up from excessive oil burning. Hyundai will not cover engine replacement costs, or buy back the vehicle. This vehicle is available for inspection. I'm not sure if I should leave it at dealership or have it towed home.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

problem #96

Sep 062023

Sonata

  • miles
Engine is failing, stalls frequently. Dealership where I bought the car will not help, other dealership advised us to drive the car until the engine fails. I do not feel safe driving this car with my children.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

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