121 complaints reported

2018 Hyundai Sonata Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
121
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jul 2025

My car is consuming oil. Hyundai knows this is happening with the theta II engines. I was told to bring it in and do an oil consumption test which shows my car is consuming 1 qt oil every 406 miles but was denied help due to it being high Mileage and not under warranty. My car has now started misfiring due to cylinder 1 & 2 consuming oil.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine oil warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact pulled over to check the engine oil level and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to Midas, and engine oil was added. The vehicle was later taken to another Midas, who found a crack in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that Midas had overtightened the oil pan during an oil change, so the warranty to repair the vehicle would not be honored. The vehicle was taken back to Midas, and the engine oil pan was replaced. The contact stated that he was currently in litigation with the dealer and the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2023
Jul 2025 Fire

My 2018 Hyundai Sonata caught fire unexpectedly while parked. The engine suddenly began smoking, then the vehicle ignited and was severely damaged. I am still financing the vehicle through Capital One. After researching, I discovered that my vehicle’s engine is part of a known Hyundai recall due to fire risk (Theta II engine defect). I had no prior warning or engine-related issues that would have predicted this. I strongly believe the fire was caused by a manufacturing defect, and I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s handling of this issue and ensure victims like myself are compensated — even if not physically injured. I can provide photos, a fire report, and additional documentation if needed. Please let me know the next steps or if I qualify for any related recall recovery programs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

I purchased this vehicle from the seller the vehicle then immediately gave me engine issues. I contacted the Hyundai dealership which the vehicle got recent services with. They told me that the claim was denied even though the car has an extended warranty until 120,000 miles and the vehicle has less than that due to a regular oil changes they recommended me call Hyundai corporate to see if they can help out. I then contacted Hyundai corporate, and they essentially stated the same thing saying that the vehicle did not qualify for the extended warranty due to outside factors which were the irregular oil changes. I let them know that the vehicle did not get regular oil changes and I provided them with a Carfax report they then told me that in order for the card to be classified as getting regular oil changes and maintenance is every 5000 miles and this vehicle got most of his oil changes done 10,000 and 15,000 miles now I am stuck with a vehicle with a engine that is knocking even though it should still be under warranty

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
May 2025

CAR STALLS; ENGINE IMPAIRED; OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

I have had to have the starter replaced twice, I have had to change the spark plugs 5 times. I have to put oil in it about every 3 weeks. White smoke comes out of the muffler. The mechanic said I need to have an oil consumption test, which Hyundai will not covet.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to have an oil change performed and then return the vehicle after 1,000 miles of driving. The contact stated that after returning the vehicle to the dealer, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

Purchased a 2028 Sonata Sport in 2022 not knowing oil consumption was an issue. After noticing that my oil was low after I would get an oil change made me very suspicious. Drove to a Hyundai Service Center and paid out of pocket for a diagnostic. Was told cracked oil pan but they never performed any of the standard diagnostics for the high oil consumption. We ordered the oil pan and scheduled service, told we were good to drive & still till this day of 9/5/2025 I’m still putting oil in my car because it just burns through it. I am scared that this car leaves me on the side on the road with my kids.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2022
Apr 2025

This engine consumes oil rapidly to the point i have to add quarts of it constantly . This results in the spark plugs deteriorating at a rapid rate and the coil packs as well. The car only has 75,000 miles but the problems began to start around 69,000 miles because of these issues and the engine and burning oil because of the rings and pressure it begins to shake rapidly and sputter and stall out.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Apr 2025

Possible engine recall engine makes nose continuously stay low on oil.Bulletin came out about possible engine recall

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2025
Mar 2025

The engine is burning through oil at a rapid rate. I probably get 2,000 - 2,500 miles before it needs a complete refill and the problem is getting worse. I was not due for an oil change recently around 2,500 miles and my engine started shaking, took it to the shop and the oil was gone without the oil light going off. This resulted in me needing to replace spark plugs and all engine coils. The repair shop recommended I sell my car because of the amount of Hyundai's he sees with this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the oil pressure was prematurely lower. The contact stated that while performing the oil change as an independent mechanic, the contact noticed that there was a significant amount of oil in the oil catcher, and the oil pan was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the oil pan replacement was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: DP22003 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 64,400.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2024
Mar 2025

2018 Hyundai Sonata Registered owner [XXX] Vin [XXX] Which qualifies for a replacement engine under the "recall" and "class action" due to engine oil consumption damage. On [XXX] I was driving home from California, and my 2018 Hyundai Sonata made a loud noise and stalled on me while driving on the freeway. On Jan 2, 2025 I towed my 2018 Hyundai Sonata to ABC Hyundai for repairs. I was told the engine failed or locked up. I have a drivetran warranty up to 150k. My vehicle currently has 115k. However, Hyundai denied the engine repair stating that I neglected the maintenance on the vehicle. They were requesting oil change receipts from 2018 when I bought the car. I've submitted all oil change documents that I could find. Most auto shops have purged their system, updated their software and also got entirely new systems, therefore those receipts were not found. Carfax also has a record of oil changes. I did not always take my vehicle to the dealer for oil changes since our family has a certified mechanic that can vouch for all the other oil changes done on the vehicle. Including tune-ups. The dealer and I have provided several oil change receipts approx. 18+ carfax, Hyundai, family mechanic and misc. receipts. That's should be more than enough evidence for Hyundai to honor their warranty. Please help. NOW HMA says t claim for oil consumption and repairs were denied due to the vehicle being outside of warranty based on time and mileage. Once a claim is denied that is the final decision from HMA. This is untrue my vehicle is NOT out of warranty. Due to the oil consumption class action, and faulty engine put in ny car, the drivetran warranty was extended to 150K, and my vehicle is only has 115K and 7 years old. Hyundai put a bad engine in my vehicle to begin with. A few months ago I got a oil change at Firestone, 4 weeks later there wasn't a drop of oil in my car, that is a problem. Everytime I got a oil change, I had to extra oil after 3-4 week INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2024
Mar 2025

It has oil consumption issues

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

Burning a lot of oil had car 11 months only drove a few month,now it’s a tapping sound dealer where i purchase will not help nor will Hyundai dealer 15,000$ out the window now I need to get the lifters fix I can’t take it. I feel like I’ve been had. Now I got to figure to fix the car out of pocket however o haven’t had the car 1 year yet 81,000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2025
Feb 2025

Car does not when temperature drops below 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) even when garaged so you cannot drive car and u have to be towed several times at night. Local dealer stated unaware of issues but there is forum of Hyundai owners who have this problem with 2018 sonata. A local mechanic studied issue and did replacement on the relay switch and starter and now car starts in cold weather. It took me four years is stress and I put in complaint to Hyundai and they did nothing to compensate me for parts. This is a very big issue to be somewhere called late at night and not have reliable transportation.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2022
Feb 2025

I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned from a Hyundai dealership on 09/10/2022 with 32,677 miles. Around 85,000 miles, it began burning an excessive amount of oil—about two quarts per month. Now, with approximately 101,000 miles, it still burns two quarts weekly, oil is being expelled from the muffler, and the exhaust has started to glow red. I have tried contacting Hyundai but have not received any response.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

2018 Hyundai Sonata with only 128k miles already needs a new engine due to oil consumption. I have done the regular maintenance on the car and have only put roughly 25k miles on the car since owning it

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2024
Nov 2024

Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, I was driving home and my oil light began turning on and off. This had never happened before. It was nighttime and I was only a few miles from home so I continued driving. The next morning, I checked the oil to find that the reservoir was bone dry. There had been no warning light whatsoever prior to this incident. At this point, the vehicle had about 65,000 miles on it. I had to put 2 quarts of oil in before it would even register on the dipstick so I could get it to my mechanic. Upon arriving to his business, he explained that Hyundai is well aware of this ongoing issue of oil consumption but they are doing nothing about it. I had not driven excessive miles without an oil change and faithfully get it changed between 3,000-5,000 miles, which is perfectly acceptable for this vehicle. I have all receipts from these changes. I have begun to maintain a record indicating the oil that I have added over the last 1,700 miles. It has been 2.5 quarts. The morning I brought the car to my mechanic I reached out to the Hyundai dealership and was told I would need to pay for a diagnostic, then two oil consumption tests. I declined and promptly reached out to Hyundai corporate. They told me the same nonsense and then offered to have their consumer division reach out to me. Ultimately, that person told me I would need to do the same thing, so they were entirely useless in facilitating any reasonable resolution. I subsequently found out about the oil consumption problem that thousands of people have reported in various models and years. I joined a few Hyundai oil consumption groups on Facebook and now realize how many people have been impacted by this issue. I still owe $5,600 on the car but feel that the issue will not be handled by Hyundai and don't wish to have ongoing concerns with driving the car and constantly topping it off with oil. As a result, I feel that I am forced to pay off this car and buy something else.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2024
Nov 2024

Car is having a misfire in cylinder 4 . Carbon is being built up in my spark plugs and causing gas build up in the spark plugs . Engine burning oil fast.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2022
Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings. The contact was informed that metal was observed within the engine and that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and approved the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light continued to flicker on the instrument panel. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the most recent failure The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2024
Sep 2024

While driving on the freeway the car would not accelerate over 45 mph and then began to lose acceleration all together. The oil and engine lights came on and we were able to pull to the shoulder. Turned the engine off and then was unable to restart. Losing power on the freeway would be considered a safety risk. The car was towed to the mechanic who checked the oil and found it was three quarts low, however, two months prior the oil had been changed along with the oilpan being replaced as it was cracked. It was then towed to the dealership and after three months of diagnostics and inspections I was told the engine needed to be replaced. The Hyundai dealership is unwilling to share any communications between them and Hyundai USA. In 2019 the ECM was updated per recall 953. The car is available for inspection at your convenience. I think it's important to note that this is a six-year-old vehicle with under 55,000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2024
Sep 2024

As detailed in the attached letter to Hyundai, the car has had multiple engine issues that the company refuses to resolve even though they are well aware of the on-going engine problems in Sonatas. The problem started in August 2023 and is on-going.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2023
Sep 2024

Car has an engine defect and consumes too much oil. Hyundai Sonata is denying the repair or engine replacement

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has 121 Engine complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.