2018 Hyundai Sonata Driver assistance Problems

About a year and half ago, a lot of my engine trouble lights turned on while driving. It was sleeting at that time when the lights turned on and they're still on today. I paid to have the Hyundai dealer to check it out soon after the trouble lights first turned on. They diagnosed the problem as a faulty HECU. I would have had them replace this, but they estimated it would cost about $3800 to fix. This HECU malfunction is causing the following issues: ABS does not work, traction control does not work, forward collision prevention does not work, brake auto hold does not work, cruise control does not work probably because it can't auto brake any more. I've had some scary times driving and trying to stop when the roads have been wet or snowy.

NHTSA ID

11681116

Incident

Feb 2, 2023

When starting car warning lights came on for ABS, AEB, Cruise Control. Cruise control is locked out and not working due to these warnings.

NHTSA ID

11673638

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

On 05/27/2025, my rear back-up camera started to malfunction. Last week my dash started to malfunction electronically. When I would start my vehicle, all of the lights would start to turn on and stay on on my dash. My speedometer would not move while I was driving, so I could not see how fast I was going. I believe this is a severe safety issue for myself as well as others. The tachometer would jump up and down and would not function correctly. My dash stated that I had low tire pressure, that I was having problems with my traction control, that my BSD system was not working, that my ABS was not working, that my emergency brake was on even though it was not. It also stated that I did have functioning air bags, which is a severe safety hazard in the chance that I could've gotten into a wreck and they might not have worked. It also stated that I was not in Drive even though I clearly was. It also stated that I had no power steering while I was driving, before the light would turn off and I could properly steer again. This is a severe safety issue that could put me at risk. Finally, my check engine light turned on and stayed on. Yesterday on 06/09/2025 I was able to take it a vehicle maintenance shop so they could run a full diagnostic test. They discovered that I did not have power steering even though there was fluid due to the electrical problems with my dash. They also discovered the C-CAN buss was off and that my vehicle was losing communications with the TCM and HVAC. It was discovered that this was due to my rear view back-up camera malfunctioning, causing the C-CAN network to short out. They had to unplug my rear back-up camera to return everything to normal. I have found on hyundai recall forms that other years of hyundai models had similar problems and I believe that 2018 hyundai sonatas are also having the same problem. I wanted it to be made aware because online, people have stated they are having the same issues. Attached gif that shows part of problem.

NHTSA ID

11666015

Incident

Jun 3, 2025

BSD system stopped working one day along with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.The button which operates system does not come and system does not work. Warning lamp lit on instrument panel and said" check B SD system" meaning the whole system doesn't work. Took to my local shop and they couldn't repair as they stated the system is a proprietary system the had no software. service bulletin #19-BE-009H was issued in 5-19 by Hyundai for this issue with car. So there is a know problem

NHTSA ID

11648673

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

My car is part of a campaign due to rod-bearing failure where the engine experiences problems such as complete failure, vibrating, hesitating, engine light on, and oil light on. I've been communicating with Hyundai who is not helping me with this issue. I was advised by them to continue driving the car "until the engine seizes", or I hear "a loud knocking noise". Upon inspection, three local Hyundai employees "agreed 100%" I need a new engine. However, per these employees Hyundai Corporate will not approve the replacement even though the vehicle is constantly experiencing the above symptoms above, simply because there is not a "loud knocking noise" coming from the engine. Even though ALL the other issues are present. This is very unsafe. I have a minor child I take to school daily, for an advisor to advise to drive the vehicle until "the engine seizes" is extremely dangerous, especially when they are aware my VIN is associated with engine replacement. My car exhibits symptoms of a rod-bearing failure and this multi-billion dollar company is taking advantage of hard-working urban mothers, by turning a blind eye and trying to require me to pay thousands of dollars up front for a problem THEY created by selling a vehicle with faulty engine. Again, the technicians indicated i in fact do need the engine replaced, but that Hyundai Corporate will require me to pay for a diagnostic test, rod-bearing test, and engine compression test because Corporate does not take their word for it. The fact a auto manufacturer is advising people to drive in such an unsafe manner is disheartening. If my child and I get injured in an accident by following their advice, our blood will be on their hands!

NHTSA ID

11622145

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Vehicle 1 operating normally in traffic on [XXX] in Westfield MA. Operator 1 notices alert on dashboard. As Operator 1 looks down briefly and returns eyes immediately to the road, she sees Vehicle 2 braking to slow or stop. Operator 1 depresses brakes, but vehicle does not slow as it usually does, nor does Automatic Emergency Braking engage as it always has in the past. Front of Vehicle 1 makes contact with rear of Vehicle 2. Dashcam footage appears like brakes did not activate at all, either manually or automatically. Vehicle 1 airbags deploy. Westfield Police respond, as well as Westfield Fire, who cut the battery cable. Vehicle towed to Interstate Towing, Inc. Yard 5, 20 Clifton St, Westfield, Ma 01085. (413) 593-1900 interstatetowing.com. Owner 1 viewed vehicle at tow yard, and noted that the battery was completely melted, with only portions of the plastic casing along with internal plates visible. Much of the plastic and rubber components immediately adjacent to battery location were melted and deformed. As a layperson, it almost appears as though the battery was in the process of shorting out just prior to the collision, possibly rendering many of the safety systems inoperable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11571357

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11566992

Incident

Jan 21, 2024

ABS module stopped working and the ABS module light is on. Car automatically brakes by its self sometimes or locks up at stop lights creating dangerous driving situations

NHTSA ID

11556945

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

157,000 mi

Warning lights keep coming on for ABS and Blind Spot Detection. Please help as I know this has been recalled in other 2018 Sonatas. So why is my VIN # not included in these recent recalls?? I FEAR for mine and my daughter's safety as she turned 16 in February 2023 and started driving this car in August 2023. PLEASE HELP!!

NHTSA ID

11556365

Incident

Oct 3, 2023

RIGHT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED IN FEB 2023 NOW LEFT REAR WHEEL SENSOR HAS FAILED IN AUG HAS 50486 MILES

NHTSA ID

11539612

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

My 2018 sonata has been stalling out while I’m driving more so when I accelerate.I have a baby that I’m scared to drive with in the car because it does it randomly. It has been happening more & more everyday. I got new parts/starter etc. No codes on dash. Have an appointment next week with Hyundai to take a look.

NHTSA ID

11530300

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

Engine takes a long time to start up, about 10-15 seconds of pushing the start button starts engine which is probably not good for the car. Also, the car jolts/ wants to stop while driving. Has been an ongoing issue since the week of 9/5/22. Loss of motor power issue sounds like what is going on with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11486734

Incident

Sep 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle drove forward and crashed into a brick post. The contact's daughter did not sustain any injury but later received medical attention. There were no airbags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the dealer later picked up the vehicle and took it to their location. The contact was unaware of what was repaired since the dealer did not provide a work order and she had to sign a power of attorney for the dealer to release the vehicle. The failure recurred with unintended acceleration up to 25 MPH, immediately after the brake pedal was released. The vehicle was not repaired. The insurance company did not deem the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11461329

Incident

Mar 13, 2022

Mileage

41,000 mi

when the car is cold it would not start. I checked what the problem can be online and it turns out that there are a lot of out cars with the same problem. The problem is starter. sever people after changing the starter there vehicle was fixed. Another problem is sometimes the blind spot warning system does not work. These problems are reported by people with the same car but not by dealers.

NHTSA ID

11442446

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while braking and pulling into a parking space, the vehicle reeved up, accelerated forward, and crashed into a wall. There were no reported injuries, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure after a road test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Consumer stated crash was due to electronic malfunction. Auto will be assessed by Hyundai Corp case still open.

NHTSA ID

11436410

Incident

Oct 6, 2021

Mileage

20,000 mi

THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF IT ON WHEN I TURN ON HEAT THE RADIO STATION GOES STATIC VERY BAD ENGINE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON GO TO DEALERSHIP THEY KEEP ON RESET INSTEAD OF FIXING IT YESTERDAY MY STARTER BURN OUT .JUST OUT THE BLUE WITH NO WARNING SIGN IT WAS GOING OUT

NHTSA ID

11301284

Incident

Jan 22, 2020

Mileage

51,160 mi

2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED OVER CONCRETE PARKING BARRIERS INTO AN EMBANKMENT WITH SHRUBS AND WAS STOPPED BY A TREE ANGLED UPWARDS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS

NHTSA ID

11289436

Incident

Nov 5, 2019

ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE WILL LOOSE POWER AND ABILITY ACCELERATE WITH A FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. THESE INCIDENTS HAVE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED THREE TIMES BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 60MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND THE ABILITY JUST STOPS QUICKLY WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS BEEN HAVING THE RPMS DROP TO 0 AND SHOOT BACK UP WHILE BRAKING, AND WHILE DRIVING IT IS TOUGH TO ACCELERATE AND THEN YOU WILL FEEL A NOTICEABLE 'KICK' AND THE RPMS WILL SHOOT UP DRASTICALLY BEFORE IT WILL ACCELERATE. I HAVE HAD 2 SOFTWARE UPDATES DONE, A NEW WIRE HARNESS, KNOCK SENSOR CLEANING AND A KNOCK SENSOR REPLACEMENT. THE ENGINE CODE IS ALWAYS THE SAME 1326.

NHTSA ID

11279846

Incident

Jul 6, 2019

Mileage

7,500 mi

ON 2 DIFFERENT DAYS THE CAR KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY. BOTH TIMES THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT. LOOKED AT IT. THE FIRST TIME, THEY SAID THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT WAS WORKED ON A FEW MONTHS PREVIOUS, HAD A GLITCH IN IT. THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED. WHILE DRIVING THE RPMS WILL RACE UP BUT THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE MUCH. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T DO THAT WHEN THEY DROVE IT. ALSO SINCE THE FIRST SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS DONE , IF I DRIVE 80MPH (ON THE INTERSTATE HWY.) THE SEATS SHAKE.

NHTSA ID

11279212

Incident

Nov 6, 2019

Mileage

24,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. ON A SECOND OCCASION, WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 2 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDMOND HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 14137 N BROADWAY EXT, EDMOND, OK 73013, (405) 696-4950) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAIL HAD GONE INTO LIMP OR FAIL SAFE MODE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN CABLE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

NHTSA ID

11245162

Incident

Aug 7, 2019

Mileage

4,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME SLUGGISH, DECELERATED, AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 40 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON'S VALLEY HYUNDAI (4333 OGDEN AVE, AURORA, IL 60504, (630) 851-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CASE NUMBER: 15704477 WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11203661

Incident

Apr 22, 2019

Mileage

19,000 mi

I OWN THIS 2019 SONATA SINCE 1/16/19. WAS RUNING GOOD AT THE FIRST. BUT COUPLE TIMES START SHOWING THE ENGINE LIGHT FOR SECONDS. BUT ON APRIL SUNDAY 14 2019 MY CAR SHOWS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TIRE CONTROL STABILIZER AT THE SAME TIME THEN THE CAR START SHAKING LOSSING SPEED,THE BRAKES GETTING HARD AND POWER STEERING. . LUCKY I WENT AT 10MPH TO 15MPH.THE VEHICLE WILL BE PLACED IN A TEMPORARY ENGINE PROTECTION MODE WITH REDUCED POWER AND ACCELERATION. NO SPEED NO ACCELERATION THEN I PARK IN A PARKING LOT FOR TOWING AT THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. TECHNITIA FOUND CODE( P0638 ) ACTIVE CODE AND (P211935002A00 THROTTLE BODY CARBON CLEANING- ADJUSTMENT AND FOUND RUBBER GROMMET STUCK IN THE THROTTLE BODY ROVED GROMMET. THIS CAUSE TROUBLE WITH THE INTAKE AND INJECTORS MAKING THE CAR LIMP AND STATE IN PROTECTION MODE. I HAVE LUCKY I WASN'T IN THE FREEWAY AT 55,60 TO 65 MPH. O CAN BE A DIFFERENT RISK AND DANGEROUS FOR ME AND OTHERS DRIVERS. PLEASE TAKE THIS NOTE SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMETHING WORSE CAN HAPPEN TO OTHERS DRIVERS . THANK YOU SO MUCH.

NHTSA ID

11197218

Incident

Apr 14, 2019

Mileage

2,787 mi

I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED MY WIFE'S CAR NEEDS THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CAMPAIGN NUMBER 953 PERFORMED ON HER CAR. SEE BELOW LINK. HTTPS://AUTOSERVICE.HYUNDAIUSA.COM/CAMPAIGN953/MICROSITETEMPLATE/MICROSITETEMPLATEVINVALIDATE/3402 MY CONCERN IS IF THIS SOFTWARE UPDATE IS PERFORMED ON HER CAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THIS CAR GOES INTO THE SAFETY MODE? IF THIS CAR SLOWS DOWN AND REDUCES POWER WITH NO WARNING WHAT MAY HAPPEN? WHAT IF MY WIFE IS PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND THE CAR GOES INTO THE ENGINE SAFETY MODE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC? I FEAR ONCE THE CAR GOES INTO THE SAFETY MODE WITH REDUCE POWER AND NO ADEQUATE WARNING SHE ME BE HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHAT MEASURES HAS HYUNDAI TAKEN TO ENSURE A DRIVER HAS ADEQUATE WARNING OF THE VEHICLE GOING INTO SAFE MODE SO THEY CAN GET OUT OF HARMS WAY OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC TO ENSURE THEY WILL NOT BE HIT BEFORE THE VEHICLE GOES INTO SAFE MODE AND REDUCES POWER? ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS PREVENT A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WHEN THIS CAR GOES INTO SAFE MODE.

NHTSA ID

11184662

Incident

Mar 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PALM TREE. AN INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED, BUT NOT A POLICE REPORT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE INJURY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A SORE NECK AND A POSSIBLE WHIPLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. KEARNEY MESA HYUNDAI (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) WAS CONTACTED AND A VOICE MESSAGE WAS LEFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. *TT CONSUMER STATED BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED MULTIPLE TIMES AND SHE DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.*JB

NHTSA ID

11173563

Incident

Jan 31, 2019

Mileage

8,916 mi

SINCE THE YEAR 2017 WHEN USING A PORTABLE AUDIO DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE POWER OUTLET THE SYSTEM TURNS ON AND OFF.DRIVERS FOG LIGHT BEEN REPAIRED TWICE IN JULY 2018.LEFT FOG BULB BEEN REMOVED PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED FOUND BURNED GREASE WAS ADDED TO SOCKET GREASE WAS ALSO PUT ON SENSOR ON DRIVER DOOR BECAUSE RADIO SYSTEM WAS STAYING ON AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF,CLOSING DRIVER DOOR AND AFTER CLICKING THE ALARM TO LOCK DOOR RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING. DRIVER BRAKE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEPTEMBER 2018 REMOVED AND REPLACED THE FOG LAMP/DRL ASSEMBLY THE SOCKET FOR THE BULB MELTED,CAUSING THE PLASTIC TO WARP AND THE CONNECTOR WITH NEW BULB WOULD NOT LOCK IN.NOW THE WIPERS ARE BAD. I'M ALSO HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND GAS MILEAGE BUT BECAUSE IT CAN NOT BE DETECTED I'M BEEN TOLD IT'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.JUST LIKE WHEN I TOLD THEM IT WAS SOMETHING GOING WITH THE LIGHTS BUT IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO I'M NOT A MECHANIC BUT I KNOW THAT I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH BRAND NEW 2018 MODEL I DIDN'T HAVE DO THIS MUCH REPAIR ON USE CAR. I BEEN COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY JUST BEEN GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND TELLING LIKE THE GAS MILEAGE READING IS NOT GOING TO ACCURATE YOU SOMETIMES HAVE TO JUST ESTIMATE OR THINGS GO OUT. I HAVE TWO HYUNDAI SONATA THE DIFFERENCE IS ONE JUST ANOTHER COLOR AND I'M NOT HAVING ALL THESE ISSUES WITH IT.AT LEAST NOT YET.

NHTSA ID

11154848

Incident

Nov 29, 2018