2018 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems
60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Apr 20, 2026
“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…”
filed Mar 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
26-01-013H-2 TSB · Service Campaign · issued May 21, 2026Following 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…
9C2 060518 · Service Campaign · issued May 19, 2026Following 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…
9C2 DCS 260518 · Service Campaign · issued May 19, 2026Some 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…
26-EE-003H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 18, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Sonata years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 17 | 40% |
| 2023 Sonata | 12 | 14% |
| 2022 Sonata | 15 | 16% |
| 2021 Sonata | 16 | 13% |
| 2020 Sonata | 35 | 21% |
| 2019 Sonata | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 Sonata | 65 | 9% |
| 2016 Sonata | 88 | 12% |
| 2015 Sonata | 166 | 15% |
| 2014 Sonata | 135 | 18% |
| 2013 Sonata | 260 | 14% |
| 2012 Sonata | 234 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.