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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

Service Brakes complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.

NHTSA ODI #11728648

130,000 miles · Mar 23, 2026
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact’s son stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal depressed with no warning light illuminated. The contact’s son stated that the ABS braking system failed, and the brake pedal did not function when attempting to stop the vehicle. As a result of the failure, the cont…

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The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact’s son stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal depressed with no warning light illuminated. The contact’s son stated that the ABS braking system failed, and the brake pedal did not function when attempting to stop the vehicle. As a result of the failure, the contact’s son collided with the highway pavement. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. The contact’s son also stated that the air bags did not deploy during the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and was deemed a total loss by AAA due to severe front-end damage. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11726456

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

Driving on the highway my Hyundai begins braking and cannot be stopped even though the Automatic braking system was disengaged. Dealt with the dealerships and they all provide no help at all. I have brought this to two different dealerships and they just have excuses. This is a known issue with Hyundai and needs to be address…

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Driving on the highway my Hyundai begins braking and cannot be stopped even though the Automatic braking system was disengaged. Dealt with the dealerships and they all provide no help at all. I have brought this to two different dealerships and they just have excuses. This is a known issue with Hyundai and needs to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI #11612483

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

I just got Hyundai SUV last December and already cause problem with engine and abs, after I found out that it is recalled a while ago. First ABS, I was going to fix that but all attention to me is engine light then found out it is High pressure fuel pump then burning oil that I smelled something isn't right. I feel it's not safe…

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I just got Hyundai SUV last December and already cause problem with engine and abs, after I found out that it is recalled a while ago. First ABS, I was going to fix that but all attention to me is engine light then found out it is High pressure fuel pump then burning oil that I smelled something isn't right. I feel it's not safe to drive and I spoke to mechanic, He told me take it back to dealership that they gave me a lemon Hyundai.. I talked to the dealership mechanic shop and never tell me anything how much for high pressure fuel pump? SO I already saw my SUV problem and I decided to check website for Hyundai recalled, that what I had right now.. It's only 6 years old and only 90,000 mileages on that SUV. That smell is very odd and it will cause engine fire..

NHTSA ODI #11582150

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2023
Service Brakes

I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE NEW I 2018 IT ONLY HAS 5,518 MILES THE THE ABS LITE CAME ON I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT SHOWES THE R R WHEEL BEARING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BAD / IT SHOULD BE WARRANTYED OF TIME IVE HAD FOR 63 1/2 MONTHS IT SHOULD BE CLASSED AS A FACTORY DEFECT /IT HASNT CAUSED ANY PROBLUM BUT WOULD OF HAD…

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I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE NEW I 2018 IT ONLY HAS 5,518 MILES THE THE ABS LITE CAME ON I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT SHOWES THE R R WHEEL BEARING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BAD / IT SHOULD BE WARRANTYED OF TIME IVE HAD FOR 63 1/2 MONTHS IT SHOULD BE CLASSED AS A FACTORY DEFECT /IT HASNT CAUSED ANY PROBLUM BUT WOULD OF HAD I BEEN ON A TRIP IT COULD OF CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THEY GAVE EST TO REPAIR AT 676.44 FOR PARTS AND 289.98 LABOR / A TOTAL OF 966.42

NHTSA ODI #11544069

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2023
Electrical SystemService Brakes

Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty wo…

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Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty work. The car is nice but have lost confidence in vehicle due to constant reminders to dont drive often and do not park in garage. We have been in fear for over a year and they do nothing. Now they say I have to file a legal case for lemon law and pay the expenses. They promised loaner or rental plus any out of pocket but it was all a lie. They promised to find another repair dealer and again, lied. always saying "we're having difficulty contacting the dealer" then go dark.

NHTSA ODI #11514872

35,000 miles · Nov 21, 2022
Service BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, the brakes malfunctioned causing the vehicle to slide off the road hitting a mailbox and stopping in the neighbor's yard. The contact indicated that when depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle beg…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, the brakes malfunctioned causing the vehicle to slide off the road hitting a mailbox and stopping in the neighbor's yard. The contact indicated that when depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to slide and the pedal became hard when pressed a second time. During the incident, no injuries occurred. The vehicle was pulled from the yard by a tow truck but was still drivable. A police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 22V810000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11494374

68,000 miles · Nov 17, 2022
EngineService Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change and the accelerator failure was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessiv…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change and the accelerator failure was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil however, no leaks were found by the independent mechanic. The contact then stated that while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started to shake with a loud noise. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where engine failure was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The contact related the failure to Manufacturer Service Campaign Number: 953. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11493967

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2022
Service Brakes

As you can see from the attached Recall Repair Invoice the item was repaired on 6/20/22. My problem is the ABS light and the other problems associated with the repair have come on after 1 month and has stayed on all of this time. I called the dealer to see if the RECALL was a problem and they said the speed sensor in the wheel …

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As you can see from the attached Recall Repair Invoice the item was repaired on 6/20/22. My problem is the ABS light and the other problems associated with the repair have come on after 1 month and has stayed on all of this time. I called the dealer to see if the RECALL was a problem and they said the speed sensor in the wheel hub was the problem and may have to replace sensor or the entire hub depending on type of unit with a cost of $300.00 plus or the entire hub unit for $600.00 plus. It appears that the RECALL caused the other problem to make money for the dealer and Hyundai. The problem of bad speed sensor is also in other vehicles and is not unique to Hyundia. A friend with a Kia Sportage had the same problem 2 days after the ABS unit was installed, he had the unit replaced not think it was related to ABS RECALL, he and others I have talked with have had the same problem in a short time after replacement of ABS repair was made. I don't know if this is a safety problem but extension of the ABS RECALL and causing a problem to benefit dealers.

NHTSA ODI #11478975

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2022
Electrical SystemService Brakes

It’s been 3 months since recall notice and Hyundai still is not able to fix my auto. Concerned over possibility of it catching fire!

NHTSA ODI #11463344

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.