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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 179.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

95 reports with mileage · 225 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 196 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports8 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

196 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFire

While sitting in park at a restaurant parking lot eating lunch, an Employee noticed smoke coming from my hood area on my vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames coming from the hood area, The employee attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire to no avail. Fire department arrived on scene and extinguish …

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While sitting in park at a restaurant parking lot eating lunch, an Employee noticed smoke coming from my hood area on my vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames coming from the hood area, The employee attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire to no avail. Fire department arrived on scene and extinguish fire. Vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership for further investigation.

NHTSA ODI #11485296

115,000 miles · Sep 15, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the compressor was faulty and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failur…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the compressor was faulty and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the next available appointment for a diagnostic test was in December. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11484630

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2022
Engine

Excessive oil consumption. Engine has no leak and in between oil changes having to put in 4-6 quarts of extra oil.

NHTSA ODI #11477670

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

2018 Santa Fe Sport had been leaking a few little oil spots in my garage . First noticed the problem at about 80k miles. Took it for an oil change and the technician told us he had a lot of complaints on this model vehicle. Fast forward a few months at our next oill change (3 thousand miles later) and the technician told us we w…

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2018 Santa Fe Sport had been leaking a few little oil spots in my garage . First noticed the problem at about 80k miles. Took it for an oil change and the technician told us he had a lot of complaints on this model vehicle. Fast forward a few months at our next oill change (3 thousand miles later) and the technician told us we were almost completely out of oil. We took the vehicle to the Hyundai dealership and we were told there was nothing wrong, no oil leaks detected. We were then having to bring the vehicle in to the oil change place in between regularly scheduled oil changes and top off the oil (sometimes taking 3-4 quarts in between oil changes). Coming home from the ballpark a few weeks ago we exited the freeway and the vehicle started shaking and losing power and the check engine light came on. I coasted in to the gas station and checked the oil and the dipstick was bone dry (except for the oil that looked like it had burned to the dipstick). I bought / put in 2 quarts of oil and limped the vehicle home. Took the vehicle to the local Hyundai dealership and now we are being told we need a new 10k dollar engine and now that the vehicle has almost 120k miles it is no longer under warranty. Everyone I have talked to about the issue says this is a common thing for this make / model and that the engines need to be replaced. How is there not a recap for this? Any advise / assistance would be appreciated

NHTSA ODI #11477492

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2022
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion System

Heavy oil consumption. Burning oil. Constant oil replacement needed. Airbag light stays on. Passenger air bag turns off when person is sitting in seat.

NHTSA ODI #11476443

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
Engine

Car seized up on my way home from work. Was towed to dealership where it sat for two weeks. Dealership says I need a new engine. The engine I have has not been recalled! I am only able to get my car fixed because of warranty. This is 3rd time I have had this problem and I have only had my car a year. Bought it with 50k miles on …

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Car seized up on my way home from work. Was towed to dealership where it sat for two weeks. Dealership says I need a new engine. The engine I have has not been recalled! I am only able to get my car fixed because of warranty. This is 3rd time I have had this problem and I have only had my car a year. Bought it with 50k miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11475037

68,000 miles · Jul 8, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for oil changes, she was informed at each occasion that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that an overnight soak p…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for oil changes, she was informed at each occasion that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that an overnight soak procedure needed to be performed to compensate or resolve the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The consumer stated the have to fill the vehicle with oil every 2 weeks between oil changes.

NHTSA ODI #11472958

64,000 miles · Jun 17, 2022
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted without warning. The vehicle continued to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator as the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to th…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted without warning. The vehicle continued to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator as the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where she was informed that the vehicle needed a long block and turbo replacement. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11469830

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2022
Engine

I own a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. In November, 2021 I began noticing the vehicle using an abnormal amount of oil between oil changes. Fast forward to April, 2022, I was instructed by the Hyundai dealership to bring it in for an oil consumption study. After the first 1,000 mile interval, I was told to submit my service records…

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I own a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. In November, 2021 I began noticing the vehicle using an abnormal amount of oil between oil changes. Fast forward to April, 2022, I was instructed by the Hyundai dealership to bring it in for an oil consumption study. After the first 1,000 mile interval, I was told to submit my service records. I submitted as requested. I was then told Hyundai was requiring the service department to remove my valve cover and take pictures of valve train to submit. I left the vehicle for required work. I picked up the vehicle after close of business hours and made it less than a mile from the dealership when the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle would barely run. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. A diagnostic test was conducted where I was told the high pressure fuel pump was bad. I was charged $1150 for repairs and “assured” it was nothing the dealership did. After researching myself and speaking to other Hyundai service departments, I learned the high pressure fuel pump needed removal to pull the valve cover. The dealership has yet to take responsibility or refund my money.

NHTSA ODI #11466436

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2022
EnginePower Train

Oil light does not come on despite being completely empty of oil. After oil changes the oil is burned and empty at 500-600 miles. Hyundai dealership did a consumption test and said yes their is a problem but won’t fix under warranty. They also stated it is a defective known engine problem but Hyundai won’t fix.

NHTSA ODI #11465583

Official recalls

4

22V810000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Oct 27, 2022

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

17V801000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 13, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.

17V577000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

Sep 20, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.