Is the 2018 Sonata Reliable for the Long Haul

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.

Since you’re the second owner, I suggest selling. I own a 2018 Sonata Hybrid and had a conflict with the dealership over warranty coverage. They claimed I was the second owner and ineligible for warranty claims.

I’m currently in the second stage of oil consumption testing for an engine replacement. I purchased the car with my spouse, but the dealership only used one name in their system. I had to provide original paperwork to prove I was the first owner.

Our plan is to sell as soon as we can, but I don’t want to sell a car that burns a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.

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.

Get rid of that car. It’s a Hyundai, known for unreliability, plus it’s a theft target. Insurance may not even cover easily stolen Hyundais unless you already have a policy on it.

I have a 2005 Toyota Scion tC with 173,000 miles and have had no issues outside of regular fluid changes.

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 bought a 2018 Sonata Hybrid in 2019 for a great deal. I follow all maintenance, including oil and transmission fluid changes, with the Hyundai dealership. I’ve put on 46,000 miles over the last five years. So far, it’s been good, but I’ve heard about engine issues; if I had to replace it, I’d need a whole new engine.

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.

Mine got stolen and I got it back, but the engine blew a year later.

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.

Sorry to hear you’re having issues with your 2018 Sonata. I bought a new Sonata and a new Tucson in August of 2018 but had many recalls. The Tucson started peeling paint, and they refused to warranty it. Recently, my daughter was driving the Sonata with only 40,000 miles when it quit on her. It’s been costly and stressful. After a recall, the dealership wouldn’t return the car, forcing her to travel back and forth to pick it up. Many love their Hyundais, but I’m not impressed with their support and will get rid of both as soon as possible.

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 2018 Sonata with push-button ignition, which is supposedly theft-proof. I’m paranoid about the engine, though. I bought it at 40,000 miles in 2021 and am now at 85,000 with no major issues. I’d prefer a Toyota for reliability, but I’m happy with Hyundai’s tech and interior.

@Vince
How’s your 2018 Sonata doing now that it’s been 299 days since your last comment? Any engine issues or major problems? Also, is it the SEL trim? Thanks.

Zen said:
@Vince
How’s your 2018 Sonata doing now that it’s been 299 days since your last comment? Any engine issues or major problems? Also, is it the SEL trim? Thanks.

It was an SEL trim. As of June 2023, I had a limp mode issue while visiting Colorado. After diagnosing the issue, it turned out I ran out of oil. Following that, my oil consumption increased, and now I need oil changes every 3,000 miles instead of 5,000. The repair shop found a hairline crack in my oil pan. Valvoline covered the repair, but I decided to trade it in for a 2009 Toyota Venza after dealing with all the oil problems.

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.

That CarMax quote of $16,000 sounds like a solid offer. Have you tried listing it elsewhere?