Is the 2018 Sonata Reliable for the Long Haul

I’m the second owner of a 2018 Sonata SE with 37,000 miles. Recently, I had to replace an engine sensor, which cost me $800 and shook my confidence in the car a bit. My wife and I are considering buying a new family vehicle, and we’re torn between keeping the Hyundai or selling it. We also have a 2014 Sorento that faced a known engine issue and had its engine replaced in late 2018 (now at 125,000 miles).

My Sonata has very little wear and tear, so I’m inclined to keep it, but I’ve heard a lot about engine problems with these models, and I’m not sure if my model is affected by the Theta II issues common in earlier cars. I’m looking to see if there are known issues with this model or if it should hold up fine with proper maintenance. I’m out of warranty with Hyundai since I’m the second owner and my coverage ended in January. Our Kia runs well, but it’s showing its age.

Should I keep the Hyundai or sell it while the value is still decent? CarMax offered me $16,000.

Sorry if I mixed up any technical terms, and I really appreciate any feedback!

Sorry to hear you’re dealing with the notorious Theta engine recall. This model is included in that recall list. Good luck.

Mika said:
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with the notorious Theta engine recall. This model is included in that recall list. Good luck.

Haha yep, just my luck—a potentially failing engine that’s also a theft target.

@Parker
Definitely consider getting an alarm and engine immobilizer on that car asap.

@Parker
In the US, that makes sense, but elsewhere you might be fine from theft.

@Parker
You’re in a risky area; engines can fail between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. My mother has gone through three engines.

@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

This list is scary. I’m looking for an affordable older car for someone and most in the price range seem to be Hyundais. Are these just time bombs? Why use model codes instead of names?

@Nyle
Honestly, if you’re looking for pure reliability, Hyundai and Kia may not be the best choices. I’ve had good luck with mine, but many older models, especially pre-2020, have the Theta II engine, which is known to fail. Some may last, but the risk is high.

The codes on the list are often the model names used overseas, and this only includes Hyundai models with problems, not Kias.

@Noor
After one engine replacement (mine failed at 99,000 miles), should I expect to face the same issue 50,000 miles later?

@Noor
Failures in Sonata engines reportedly began in 2011.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

I’d trade it in. When the Kia Boys come to take their vehicle, you’ll be out of luck.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

Better to get rid of all Hyundais and find something else.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

I have a 2015 Sonata Limited, and I started having engine issues around 70,000 miles. I spent 20,000 miles arguing with the dealership about excessive oil consumption, but I finally got them to fix it under warranty.

@Kirby
How did you get them to cover it? I’m currently trying to make them change mine for the same issue.

Finn said:
@Kirby
How did you get them to cover it? I’m currently trying to make them change mine for the same issue.

A lot of persistence with the dealership. Ask for an oil consumption test. What’s your warranty policy say?

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

I’m a sad former owner of a 2018 Sonata. Bought it brand new and babied it, but it was a headache from the start. I got rid of it over a year ago and never looked back.

You should run away from it.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

You’re still covered under warranty. As part of the class action lawsuit, the lifetime warranty for the engine was extended. Keep all oil change records, and if it fails, they’ll replace it for free.

I’m in the same situation and have chosen to keep my Santa Fe. It’s treated me well, and my local dealer has a solid reputation for handling engine replacements. Getting a new engine at 100k miles feels like a win to me.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

Consider getting a same year or newer Mazda 6. You won’t have to worry about reliability or thefts, and they’re excellent cars.

Noor said:
@Parker
Here are the models with known engine failure issues:

  • Accent: 2013-2019
  • i30: 2012-current
  • Elantra: 2017-2020
  • Sonata: 2007-2019
    …and more.

The known engine failure is the main concern for reliability. Unfortunately, it’s a major issue to worry about. I currently drive a 2018 Optima (mechanically similar) and have had no problems at about 70,000 miles, but I know someone with a 2018 Sonata who is starting the engine replacement process due to oil consumption issues.