Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems
Owners filed 14 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid with NHTSA between Jan 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (3).
Complaints
14
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine3
- Power train3
- Electrical system3
- Service brakes2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Air bags1
- Steering1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
2
1
0
1
1
3
1
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
3 reports
“My 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has a safety-critical transmission defect. The vehicle slips violently from 1st to 2nd gear, loses acceleration, and causes unpredictable hesitation. This creates a danger when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. Hyundai refused goodwill assistance, denied escalation, and directed me to BBB Auto Line, but BBB does not accept 2018 vehicles. This defect matches known DCT failures in Hyundai hybrid models and presents a significant safety risk, especially when transporting my two young children ( we lost mother during the childbirth .”
Power train
3 reports1 crash
“The clutch failed and the clutch and I believe the clutch actuator had to be replaced. It was not available for inspection upon request. My safety and the risk of others were compromised by the constant jerking and sputtering, of the gears that took place during vehicle operation. My acceleration was laggy and at some points nearly unresponsive. The vehicle was inspected by service technicians. A warning light saying: Warning please check Hybrid Driving System, Do not drive vehicle was illuminated. Mid to late October 2023”
Electrical system
3 reports
“My lcd screen constantly goes black. A couple times the steering wheel locked the wipers and washer fluid went off at the same time. I had to hit the brakes and power the car on and off to reset it while making a turn. When having my window motor replaced for the SECOND time my dash where the speed is at all when black while driving on the freeway. I had to pull over and restart the car. My paint and my clear coat is separating on my trunk. It looks white not oxidation just separating and white. My driver side door button to lock the car kept getting stuck and was locking and unlocking. this left the possibilities of my car getting stolen from the door lock and the window motor leaving my window half down. My safety and the safety of others is obviously at risk with the electrical malfunctions. My local dealership left my issue’s unresolved for currently FIVE months with little to no compensation. I guess the life of my family and everyone else on the road is only $420.”
Service brakes
2 reports
“I am reporting a potentially serious braking system safety defect involving a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid with approximately 72,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced recurring, intermittent ABS warning lights that illuminate unexpectedly and then disappear without a predictable pattern. In addition to the warning lights, the brake pedal intermittently pulsates, vibrates, and pushes back against the driver's foot during normal braking on dry pavement. These symptoms occur under conditions where ABS activation would not ordinarily be expected, raising concerns about the reliability and proper operation of the braking system. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who identified the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (IBAU) as the suspected source of the malfunction. The mechanic also advised that Hyundai has issued a technical service bulletin concerning this braking system component. No specific diagnostic trouble code was provided. The intermittent nature of this problem is particularly concerning because the warning light may disappear even though the underlying issue remains unresolved. The combination of unexpected brake pedal pulsation and…”
Vehicle speed control
2 reports
“WHILE DRIVING THIS MORNING (SMART CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED BY THE WEATHER), I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND EVERYTHING WAS WORKING OK. I CANCELLED DUE TO TRAFFIC AND REENGAGED WITHOUT ISSUE. WHEN I REQUESTED ADDITIONAL SPEED WITH THE INCREASE CONTROL, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING UNTIL I HIT THE BRAKES AND CANCELLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. I EXPECT THIS FIXED AND WILL CONTACT THE NHTSA AND ALSO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND IT IS ONLY DUE TO MY ABILITY TO QUICKLY REACT DID I AVERT AN ACCIDENT IN SNOWY CONDITIONS! ***** I AM CHECKING THE NO CRASH BUTTON ONLY BECAUSE MY QUICK ACTION AND RESPONSE AVERTED AN ACCIDENT, BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! *****”
Forward collision avoidance
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.