7.7

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,859 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Hyundai Sonata lights problems

lights problem

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #19

Jan 052021

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The lock for the trunk, open automaticly, it stay lock and wont open....

- San Juan, PR, USA

problem #18

Dec 202018

Sonata

  • 0 miles
Headlight lens has a projection in the middle of the lens that interferes with and is very distracting to the lighted field of vision. Hyundai mechanics have tiold me they've gotten many complaints from drivers, but Hyundai refuses to correct it. I filed a formal complaint with Hyundai, and they gave a very dubious and weak excuse for the defect. They responded in writing to me "the black half-moon triangular image is designed to prevent glare to the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Hyundai motor America is unable to replace the headlamp assembly for concerns related to the half-moon/triangular shadow." This response defies logic and it appears to be an after the fact fabricated response so that they don't have to correct the design flaw. This flaw is obviously only observable during night driving.

- Mcdonald, PA, USA

problem #17

Mar 122018

Sonata

  • 20 miles
Dim headlights are very weak, not aimed correctly or poor design. Not enough candle power to see dividing lines on highway. With bright lights things are good. I have talked with 3 other people who have Sonata's, different year models, they have the same complaint. Not safe! I would like to know how this high safety item passed the ntsb!!!!

- Stockbridge, GA, USA

problem #16

Dec 032019

Sonata

  • 2 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #15

Sep 292019

Sonata

  • 9,500 miles
I just bought this car and the low-beam headlights are set way too low and there is a definite line between the lit and unlit upper area.. it is not possible to see more than 1/2 of a city block ahead. It is a great concern to me because I could easily hit or run over something that appears to late to react to. I also live in an area with a very high number of deer accidents. I absolutely need to be able to see better at night. The high-beams are very good.

- Monticello, UT, USA

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problem #14

Jul 012019

Sonata

  • miles
Defective headlights. A black projection protrudes down into the middle of each headlight in the line of sight. Very, very distracting. Must use hi-beams at all times to eliminate this sight hazard, which then can become a danger to oncoming vehicles. Hyundai says "sorry about that, nothing we can do". they should at least be required to offer a replacement headlight, which would eliminate this hazard.

- Mcdonald, PA, USA

problem #13

Jul 092019

Sonata

  • 55 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Jamestown, OH, USA

problem #12

Aug 052019

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
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, (216) 749-2525) 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, (440) 374-8700) 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.

- Eliria, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 112019

Sonata

  • 8,100 miles
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.

- Shaker Heights, OH, USA

problem #10

Feb 212019

Sonata

  • 2,134 miles
I purchased the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T on 8/27/18. After we were able to experience different driving conditions and situations, my husband and I noticed that (1) at night, while driving on the highway, the windshield appeared very dark as if it was heavily tinted, and making it difficult to see the road. (2) when driving on highway or road, with normal beam headlights, we noticed that the line of demarcation from headlight to dark road was very close to the front of the car. The reason given by the maintenance dept was that this was so cars in front wouldn't be blinded by the headlight. To us, it seemed that the headlights were aimed too low. I should be able to see more than 20 feet in front of my car. We were told that nothing could be done. Also, when making a turn, the area opposite the direction of the turn is completely dark because of the way the headlights work on a turn. This is extremely dangerous-should someone decide to walk there or if there is an animal, I will not be able to see anything. Again I was told there was nothing they could do. (3) my husband put rain-X on all the windows of the car. It worked on every window except the windshield. We thought there was some sort of coating placed by the manufacturer. I was told no there was not. They could not understand why the rain-X didn't take. They told me that they spent quite a bit of time "scraping the windshield", but nothing came off. We still do not know why it should do that. (4) I noticed. Whether I was driving in smart or sport mode, their is an annoying hesitation when I step on the gas. When the stoplight turns green, it takes several seconds before the car is able to move at normal speed. We were told that they received lots of complaints about that, but no offer for a fix.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #9

Mar 012018

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was one of the first people to drive off with this 2018 Sonata 2.0T trim in ending of 2017. Fast foward to now, I have been having electrical, lighting and engine problems. When driving at night, it is hard to see what's 30 feet from you on the ground because there's some parts that the light doesn't illuminate very well. When I have my car's interior lights on auto meaning to turn on, whenever I open the driver's door, it doesn't turn on. Sometimes my headlamps won't turn on neither, when I press the unlock button from my keys. Couple of months back and still is happening to this day my cars engine will start up funny or start up a couple of seconds late after pushing the start button. It even happens when I let my car sit for a day without driving. I've been to the dealer now and told them about the issue with the interior lights and I am waiting on them to get me some new lights for the interior (pretty sure that's not the problem). I know now that it's something electrical seeing all these comment/issues left on here. I paid too much to have this happening to my car. Maybe I should of just stuck with Japanese smh. Help please.

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #8

Feb 142019

Sonata

  • 13,000 miles
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. Today a week later, I called to get an update and the other two vehicles they are fixing with a new wiring harness; however mine they stilll are unsure what the issue is. This is now the third issue I've had with my car in less than 13,000 miles. Previously my car was having trouble starting the dealer said everything was fine. Also my front running light burned out at nearly 7K miles.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

problem #7

Dec 122018

Sonata

  • 286 miles
The projected angle of the headlights do not project out far enough when driving this vehicle. The headlights only project out one vehicle in front of the driver, leaving a vast amount of darkness in front of the driver in the Hyundai Sonata. This is a safety hazard for the owner of this vehicle.

- West Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #6

Nov 292018

Sonata

  • miles
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.

- Terrell, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 042018

Sonata

  • 7,500 miles
Distinct shadows with notches on top affecting night vision with low beam headlights on. Very distracting especially when turning.

- Beachwood, OH, USA

problem #4

Jun 052018

Sonata

  • 300 miles
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.

- North Myrtle Beach, SC, USA

problem #3

Mar 222018

Sonata

  • 200 miles
When driving at night with low beam headlights there is very distinct shadows in front of car. It is very distracting and Hyundai tsb 18-be-003 says it is normal with led and instructs dealers to not try adjustment

- Rotonda West, FL, USA

problem #2

Jan 052018

Sonata

  • 200 miles
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.

- Inver Grove Heights, MN, USA

problem #1

Oct 012017

Sonata

  • 25 miles
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.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

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