I had no warning lights or messages and then the engine threw a rod and my car just died on the side of the road. It had apparently been burning oil. I get it back after 2 months and it needs a battery. Now the check engine light is on and it has affected the catalytic converter.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe Sport years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
33 reportsApril 17th 2023 my cars decelerate, wouldn't accelerate above 60 mph and would randomly decelerate as low as 15mph. The check engine lightvwas constantly flashing and the rmp wouldn't go above 2. I called motorworld and Hyundai. Motorworld said I needed a knock sensor replacement. They replaced the knock sensor. I called Hyun…
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April 17th 2023 my cars decelerate, wouldn't accelerate above 60 mph and would randomly decelerate as low as 15mph. The check engine lightvwas constantly flashing and the rmp wouldn't go above 2. I called motorworld and Hyundai. Motorworld said I needed a knock sensor replacement. They replaced the knock sensor. I called Hyundai again to see if I could be reimbursed. They said no. Hyundai then told me that because I paid to replaced the knock sensor my engine was now covered for life. A I ri 14th 2023 the exact same thing happened to my car again. I had it towed to motorworld. A week later I was told that they recommended an $800 oil consumption test because they said the oil was very low. I told them that my oil light never came on. The car was failing. I told the that I just had an oil change and that I thought the prior mechanic cheated me out of oil because my oil light came on 2 weeks after getting an oil change. This whole week I've been going back and forth with Hyundai re: this problem with is noted on websites. I was told that there is nothing they can do. I asked them to replace the motor. This is an engine problem and the engine is covered under power transmission and because I paid to replace the knock sensor. However it is not the knock sensor. The car did what it was supposed to do if tge engine is in danger of failing. So why did the charge me $583 for the knock sensor replacement and now they want me to pay $800 for an oil consumption test. It's obvious that the vehicle is consumption oil. There are no oil leaks. I spoke with Hyundai again yesterday. I told her that Hyundai needs to replace the engine and I feel that they stalling and putting me in danger. If this happens again I'm in danger, especially on the highway. Motorworld called to confirm that I was told on several occasions that because I paid for a knock sensor my engine is under warranty for life. Motorworld tod her that it's not. This occurred in April and again 5/14/23
Car uses an excessive amount of oil. Have to add more than a quart every 1000 miles
The check engine light has gone on three times in the last 18 months. Vehicle has 62,000 miles on it. The first 2 times the issue was with the fuel injectors. All 4 injectors were replaced the first time about 31,000 miles on car and the 2nd time needed to cleaned manifold and reset injectors. today's issue was malfunctioni…
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The check engine light has gone on three times in the last 18 months. Vehicle has 62,000 miles on it. The first 2 times the issue was with the fuel injectors. All 4 injectors were replaced the first time about 31,000 miles on car and the 2nd time needed to cleaned manifold and reset injectors. today's issue was malfunctioning high pressure fuel pump that leaked into the crank case. The codes for the two most recent repairs are available at Lia Huyndai 645 central ave albany ny. All 3 cases have been confirmed by dealer (Fucillo or Lia). There is one common theme "fuel" involved in all of the warning light problem/code. I have also have a case opened in customer affairs with Hyundai Case #21254176
The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no war…
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The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no warnings lights or vehicle notifications. After several attempts to bring it to the dealership, they are never able to replicate the issue. The OBD scans show no issues. It has never been a constant problem, however it remains as a "hit or miss" issue. Could be days of no problems and then popping back up every stop.
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
Heavy oil consumption. Burning oil. Constant oil replacement needed. Airbag light stays on. Passenger air bag turns off when person is sitting in seat.
I WAS DRIVING A FEW MONTHS AGO AND AFTER GETTING FUEL MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I DROVE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT CLEARED ITSELF. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO IT CAME ON ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT AND GOT IT CLEARED BY SOMEONE WITH OBS II READER. SINCE THEN IVE PUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON MY CAR AND IT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 50 M…
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I WAS DRIVING A FEW MONTHS AGO AND AFTER GETTING FUEL MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I DROVE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT CLEARED ITSELF. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO IT CAME ON ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT AND GOT IT CLEARED BY SOMEONE WITH OBS II READER. SINCE THEN IVE PUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON MY CAR AND IT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP MAKING SURE IT WENT ON CORRECTLY BUT NOTHING. I SMELT LEAKING FUMES WITH THE GAS CAP ON. IM TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP TOMORROW TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT.
SEVERE ACCELERATION HESITATION AFTER STOPPING, WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS AND AFTER HITTING SLOW SPEED DIPS OR BUMPS. VEHICLE GIVES INTERMITTENT WARNING OF ROLLOVER OR EXCESSIVE VEHICLE ANGEL. THIS OCCURES DURING GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOWEVER, THIS BEHAVIOR CREATES COLLISION AND SAFETY HAZARDS, AS THE FUEL SYSTEM APPEARS TO…
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SEVERE ACCELERATION HESITATION AFTER STOPPING, WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS AND AFTER HITTING SLOW SPEED DIPS OR BUMPS. VEHICLE GIVES INTERMITTENT WARNING OF ROLLOVER OR EXCESSIVE VEHICLE ANGEL. THIS OCCURES DURING GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOWEVER, THIS BEHAVIOR CREATES COLLISION AND SAFETY HAZARDS, AS THE FUEL SYSTEM APPEARS TO BE SHUT DOWN AS IF A ROLLOVER HAS OCCURED, WHEN IT HAS NOT!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE DRIVING WITH A HALF TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO STALL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND THE VEHICLE RAN COMPLETELY OUT OF FUEL AS SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE STATE POLICE PULLED UP BEHIND HER AND ORDERED HER TO GE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE DRIVING WITH A HALF TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO STALL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND THE VEHICLE RAN COMPLETELY OUT OF FUEL AS SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE STATE POLICE PULLED UP BEHIND HER AND ORDERED HER TO GET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FUEL AND FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO M.J. SULLIVAN HYUNDAI (452 BROAD ST C, NEW LONDON, CT 06320, 860-437-6179) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT TWO FUEL INJECTORS WERE STUCK OPEN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL WAS IN THE OIL PAN DUE TO THE DIPSTICK. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT THEY REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS, DRAIN THE OIL, AND PLACE NEW OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS ALL THEY WOULD DO TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO GET A CASE FOR A POSSIBLE BUYBACK. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE BUYBACK REQUEST AND OFFERED ONE MONTH CAR PAYMENT TO RESOLVE THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THE CONTACT REACH OUT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETRIEVED AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,210. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Official recalls
422V810000 · 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
2AQ23002 · 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.
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