Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Back up lights. The lights constantly burn out causing the harness light holder to burn out. The lights will not come on even after replacing fuse and lights There are not back lights to warn patrons on the road for turning or stopping Yes it was taken to a dealership No it has not been inspected my either , but there is a recall on models of the same car but years 2011-2014 No there were no warnings , someone told me they were out
THE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAMS ARE DANGEROUS AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ASAP? After his death, I acquired this vehicle from my father who had stopped driving at night thinking he had developed a vision issue. The first time I drove it at night I discovered the low beams are defective, and that was the problem, not my dear old Dad's vision. The light emitted does not extend far enough in front of the vehicle to light a large enough safe distance. There are also large black areas at the far edge of each light that float from side to side with the beam while making turns. This also causes the areas on one side or the other to loose lighting. While turning they are often facing the wrong direction making it virtually impossible to see the unlit areas. We live in the country down a 20 mile long two lane road with many turns and minimal lighting compared to city driving. …
While driving my vehicle at nearly 70 MPH on the freeway, my car suddenly felt like I hit a brick wall and my check engine light came on and began flashing. I was then unable to accelarate past 55 and felt my car had a very sluggish response when stepping on the gas pedal. I was nearly hit by another car because there was no warning (break lights) when my car immediately slowed down. I then had to have my car towed 50 miles from where I was to the dealership near my home. When I brought in my car they said they had another car with the same exact issue. I called after my car had been there for approximately three days to get a status update and they said they still didn't know what was causing the issue, but that a third vehicle had now been brought in for the same issue. …
The headlights on my 2018 Hyundai Sonata limited have condensation in them. It has been there from the day I bought the car on 10/1/18. That day the dealership took pictures to send to Hyundai and 1 month later replaced the headlights. But the new headlights were worse than the original and the day after they were installed I returned to the dealership where the parts manager took more pictures for Hyundai. I spoke with someone from Hyundai directly who is my contact regarding this problem. I was advised Hyundai is trying to figure out the problem and while they do I am still waiting for new headlights. I have found other cars in my area with the same problem. At night the moisture covers a good portion of the glass giving a distortion to the projected headlight beam. I feel this is a safety issue not just during good weather, but especially in bad weather.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 50 MPH, the headlights flashed and the brake and reverse lights went out. The contact could not see the road and smelled an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to stanley parma Hyundai (7115 brookpark rd, parma, oh 44129, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed replacing. The vehicle was repaired five times; however, the failure recurred each time. The vehicle was then taken to elyria Hyundai (845 leona st, elyria, oh 44035, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the computer needed an update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The headlights on my 2018 Hyundai Sonata show two black notches and a black line about 30 feet in front of the car in low light conditions. It is very distracting and dangerous as these shadows dart across your path as you make turns or go up hills. Hyundai service could see the notches, but said "the system is working within specifications at this time". Something needs to be done before someone is killed because of these unsafe lights.
I have a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. I took it in for service because my headlights look like they are partially shaded and each light has a notch hanging down over it. The service manager told me the lights have an anti glare system and that's how they are supposed to work! This is a very dangerous feature. When I drive at night on a dark road I can see about 15 - 2 feet in front of me. This is an accident waiting to happen. Please do something.
The low beam headlights are useless can't see 30 feet in front of vehicle when turning can't see anything or limited in front of you. Have to drive with high beams on in order to see. Dealer says headlights adjusted correctly. There is definitely a problem. The vehicle is not safe to drive at night causing this to be a danger to drivers and pedestrians. When turning it's impossible to see in order to make safe turn.
From the time of purchase in June 2018, the low beam headlights are aimed very low and project only 15 to 20 feet in front of the car. When traveling on dark roads, it allows for no reaction time to any hazards, such as animals our pedestrians. Hyundai claims it is designed to not blind oncoming drivers, but this poses a danger to the occupants of my car and anyone that May be near the car.
There is a black line across the road with two bumps in it when you are driving at night.it also seems that there is limited field of vision compared to my other car.also the headlights fog up inside occasionally. Brought it in to dealer, they said nothing is wrong.it occurs when driving the car,when it is stationary you can see the black bumps when shining the lights against a wall.
Headlight complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, 6% of the model year's 374 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Hyundai Sonata headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Sonata headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 0 miles, and 93% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.