IllustrationEngine-Excessive oil consumption. Other-backup camera does not work and hasn’t for some time is 2028 sant fe sport included in recall
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
340–25K
825–50K
1450–75K
1375–100K
23100–150K
3150K+
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
38 reportsWhile parked the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered.
I have been experiencing issues with oil consumption, having to get oil changes every 2 months and sometimes monthly with no reported leaks from 2 different mechanics. I have been very high maintenance over my oil. While I was driving on the highway, my vehicle began to shake and a knocking sound was heard. I felt the vehicle b…
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I have been experiencing issues with oil consumption, having to get oil changes every 2 months and sometimes monthly with no reported leaks from 2 different mechanics. I have been very high maintenance over my oil. While I was driving on the highway, my vehicle began to shake and a knocking sound was heard. I felt the vehicle begin to jerk but no warning lights were on. I was no longer able to drive and had to pull over and wait for a tow to my mechanic's garage. The mechanic let me know there was an issue with the engine, specifically the 3rd cylinder and the piston. It does not put out as much pressure as it is supposed to. I brought the vehicle to the dealership after and they confirmed this was an issue and quoted me $8700 in repairs. There were no warning lights and no engine lights prior to this happening. I was informed by my mechanic that this is a known issue with Hyundai in their 2018 models having failing engines. I purchased the vehicle certified pre-owned with a guarantee from the dealership that I was purchasing a reliable vehicle that should have no issues of this degree.
I pulled into my driveway, put car in park, left the car running to leave the ac for a minute, my granddaughter was in the backseat. I got out of the car , let my granddaughter out , i then was standing outside of the drivers side, reached in , turned off the car, removed the keys and it started rolling. I couldn't get out o…
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I pulled into my driveway, put car in park, left the car running to leave the ac for a minute, my granddaughter was in the backseat. I got out of the car , let my granddaughter out , i then was standing outside of the drivers side, reached in , turned off the car, removed the keys and it started rolling. I couldn't get out of the way and fell , car ran over right leg. Was taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment. I haven't taken the car in for evaluation by dealer , insurance or other auto specialist
I was driving down the road when the check engine light began to flash. The vehicle started to decelerate and began to sputter. This was a serious safety issue as there were vehicles behind me which put myself and other drivers at risk. I was able to pull over on the side of the road. I cut the vehicle off and waited a few minut…
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I was driving down the road when the check engine light began to flash. The vehicle started to decelerate and began to sputter. This was a serious safety issue as there were vehicles behind me which put myself and other drivers at risk. I was able to pull over on the side of the road. I cut the vehicle off and waited a few minutes. I cut the vehicle back on and the check engine light was still blinking. I was able to drive the vehicle back to my home but was not able to go over 40 mph and had to repeatedly pull over to ensure my safety. Diagnostic of the vehicle indicated a code P1326. The vehicle was taken to a local Hyundai Dealership to get a second diagnostic. This was truly terrifying for me. I’m glad I didn’t have my son in the car with me at this time. Also done research and it states that the P1326 code in Hyundai Santa Fe sport vehicles, particularly those with 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines, is linked to a recall concerning connecting rod bearing wear and potential engine failure. This issue is addressed through a recall or a product improvement campaign, which may involve engine replacement or software updates. The knock sensor detection system (KSDS), associated with code P1326, is designed to detect excessive bearing wear and activate engine protection mode. My Hyundai only has 82000 miles on it. So I’m writing this to let you know that this is a big safety issue and needs to be addressed and fixed on my Hyundai.
In May while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warran…
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In May while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its slow to accelerate. Fast forward about a month later the starter goes bad in the car and now its completely unoperable.
Back up camara is shorting out due to the location it is getting wet and corroding. Without the camara it can be a safety Hazzard. In doing research this seems to be a common problem due to the location of the camara. Poor design and could cause an accident. Failed after only 69k miles.
My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, eve…
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My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, even if there is no oil light on.
I got into my vehicle and when I closed my door, my rear window exploded. There was no one around the vehicle. There were no other vehicles broken into, it literally exploded on its own.
I experienced unintentional acceleration twice. Today, the second incident happened while slowly pulling into a handicap parking space. The car accelerated and went over the concrete parking block and knocked down the wooden pole with the handicap sign. I was fortunate that no person nor car was in the vehicle's path and I and m…
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I experienced unintentional acceleration twice. Today, the second incident happened while slowly pulling into a handicap parking space. The car accelerated and went over the concrete parking block and knocked down the wooden pole with the handicap sign. I was fortunate that no person nor car was in the vehicle's path and I and my passenger were not hurt. I will be taking the car to the dealer service department as soon as possible. I am afraid to drive this vehicle anywhere now. This incident happened with no warning.
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.