Pre Purchase Inspection for 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Engine failure and rod knock, oil use, and dual-clutch behaviour. We check the known trouble spots before you pay.

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Buying a 2018 Hyundai Sonata? Smart move to check it first. The engine it has changes what matters most.

Transmission: 6-speed automatic (7-speed dual-clutch on the 1.6). Facelift with a new front and rear end.

Engines for 2018

2.4L 4-cyl
1.6L turbo
2.0L turbo
2.0L hybrid

Known problem areas — what we check

Costly Safety Common Verify

Engine failure and rod knockCostly

Some 2.4 and 2.0 turbo engines wear a bearing and knock, and a few seize entirely. There were recalls and extended warranties covering it.

WE CHECK We listen at idle for a deep knock, check oil condition, and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.

Knock sensor software campaignSafety

A software campaign was issued to detect bearing wear early and protect the engine.

WE CHECK We check whether the campaign was applied and scan for stored engine faults.

Oil consumptionCostly

These engines can use oil, and low oil is what kills the bearings.

WE CHECK We check the oil level and ask directly how often it needs topping up.

Dual-clutch behaviour (1.6 turbo)Verify

The 1.6 turbo uses a 7-speed dual-clutch that can feel jerky at low speed.

WE CHECK We drive it in slow traffic and feel how it takes up and shifts.

Electric power steeringCommon

Some earlier cars had power steering noise and faults.

WE CHECK We test the steering at low speed and listen for noise.

Paint and clear coatCommon

Some cars lose clear coat on the roof and hood.

WE CHECK We look over the horizontal panels in daylight.

Before you look at a 2018 Sonata

Listen at idle for a deep knock — this is the big one
Ask whether the engine was ever replaced under warranty
Check the oil level and condition
Confirm the engine recall and software campaign
Road test the dual-clutch at low speed

Safety record (live from NHTSA)

2018 Hyundai Sonata · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov

Recalls

366

Complaints

318

Service Bulletins

Loading the latest federal safety records…

Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & Drivability85

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · Automatic34

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & Body199

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.

Common questions

Is it true Sonata engines fail?

Some did, and there were recalls and warranty extensions covering it. A car with a replaced engine can be a good buy. One with an original untouched engine and a knock is not. We tell you which you have.

How do I know if the engine was replaced?

Service records, and there are physical tells. We look for both.

Where do you inspect?

All 48 states.

Do you pull recalls?

Yes, plus service bulletins.

Buying this one?