Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2018 Hyundai

Sonata Hybrid SE

Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L

Hyundai Sonata: best and worst years
2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2018.

PhotoHJUdallCC0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AM6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio
3.32
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
46 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
40 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
42 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$1,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
212 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
9/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
7/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
191 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
111 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,497 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
106 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
13 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
1
Owner complaints
358
Reported injuries
20

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE38%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 531 total.

Hyundai Sonata: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • EA19001opened Apr 19, 2019AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

    Electrical overstress

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

208 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 21, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-01-013H-2 TSB

    Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.

  • May 21, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-01-013H-2 DN

    Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.

  • May 19, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9C2 DCS 260518

    Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

  • May 19, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9C2 060518

    Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

  • Apr 28, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER26-BD-002H TSB

    Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by

  • Apr 28, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER26-BD-002H DN

    Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

  • Apr 18, 2026ENGINE26-EE-003H TSB

    Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.

  • Apr 14, 2026ENGINE9C2 OL

    Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) Software for vehicles equipped with the (2.4 GDI) Theta II engine to improve engine combustion and fuel trim adaptations.

  • and 200 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.