HyundaiSonata2018Overview/hyundai/sonata/2018/base/

2018 Hyundai Sonata

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Sonata.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a passenger car that requires 4.8 quarts of 5W-30 API oil for service, representing the seventh generation of this long-running nameplate that spans model years 1990 through 2026. Across that history, owner complaints have ranged dramatically from a peak of 3,368 in 2011 down to just 2 in 2026, and the 2018 model finds itself well below those extremes with 364 total complaints recorded, with engine-related issues cited as the primary concern alongside a single recall. This complaint volume positions the 2018 Sonata as a notably more mature and refined product compared to earlier generations, benefiting from over two decades of incremental improvements and addressing many of the reliability concerns that plagued the model's earlier years.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 2630035505. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tire sizeP205/65R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter2630035505
Spark plug1884911070 alt 1885709085
Front wiper blades99H09AKA26H alt 99H09AKA18H

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length191.3 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase110.6 in
Curb weight3252 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sonata of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8–7.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2018 Limited 2.0T
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018Limited 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.30 sec245 hpFWD
2018Limited 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.30 sec245 hpFWD
2018SEL 2.4L I-47.40 sec15.80 sec185 hpFWD
2018Limited 2.4L I-47.90 sec16.10 sec185 hpFWD
2017Plug-in Hybrid Limited Blue Drive 2.0L I-4 + Elec 9.8-kWh7.70 sec16.00 sec202 hpFWD
2016Sport 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.50 sec245 hpFWD
2016Plug-in Hybrid Limited Blue Drive 2.0L I-4 + Elec7.60 sec15.90 sec202 hpFWD
2016Hybrid Limited Blue Drive 2.0L I-4 + Elec 38-kW 1.6-kWh8.10 sec16.20 sec193 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidGL-4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity2.0
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity7.5
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)21.7-28.9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)630 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.10-1.30 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.47-3.17 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.11-1.20 lbs.
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum290.1 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum2175.6 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)69.6-72.5 Low Pressure Fuel Line. psi
RPM69.6
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum290.1 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum2900 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)69.6-72.5 Low Pressure Fuel Line. psi
RPM69.6

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .921; Rear: .330
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .0016; Rear: .002
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.039; Rear: .330
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .0016; Rear: .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148-54 ft. lbs., Step 2: 43-4748–54 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148-54 ft. lbs., Step 2: 43-4748–54 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees; Apply liquid gasket on the edge of the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. Threebond 1217H or equivalent. Assemble the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder head within 5 minutes after applying sealant.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees; Apply liquid gasket on the edge of the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. Loctite 5900H or equivalent.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees; Apply liquid gasket on the edge of the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. Threebond 1217H or equivalent. Assemble the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder head within 5 minutes after applying sealant.90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miAir Intake System (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect)
Every 7,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 22,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 24,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
Every 67,500 miDrive Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record for the Hyundai Sonata shows a general downward trend in complaints and recalls following a significant peak between 2011 and 2015. The 2018 model year reflects this improvement, reporting 364 complaints and only 1 recall, a sharp decrease from the 758 complaints and 3 recalls seen in 2017. While complaints continue to drop in subsequent years, such as 153 in 2019, 2018 represents a pivotal point of stabilization in the generation's reliability arc. Engine issues were the primary source of dissatisfaction for 2018 with 115 complaints, although the data does not specify the root cause of these failures. The year also recorded 18 crash complaints and 13 fire complaints. Given the significant reduction in recalls and complaints relative to the preceding years, 2018 is a good year to buy.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
204
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
364
Owner complaints
18 involved a crash · 13 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 364 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine115
Unknown Or Other33
Electrical System,Engine15
Exterior Lighting15
Structure11
Engine & Engine Cooling11
Power Train,Engine9
Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V619000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchReported 06/08/2021

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk… Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 204 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
26-01-013H-2 DN2026-05-20Electrical SystemCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles…
26-01-013H-2 TSB2026-05-20Electrical SystemCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles…
9C2 0605182026-05-18Electrical SystemFollowing completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain…
9C2 DCS 2605182026-05-18Electrical SystemFollowing completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain…
26-BD-002H TSB2026-04-28Unknown Or OtherCertain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sonata. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Sonata take?

4.8 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Sonata have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.