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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

What owners actually said

320 reports
120,700 miles · Jan 22, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer by a friend. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer by a friend. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,700.

NHTSA ODI #11637770

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2025
Engine

I bought my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport from Toyota of Scranton as a certified pre-owned vehicle. I was told by the sales representative, Doug, that the car had been “checked and serviced, everything down to a full tank of gas”. In March, my oil light quickly flashed. When I checked it there was low oil, so I did an oil change. …

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I bought my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport from Toyota of Scranton as a certified pre-owned vehicle. I was told by the sales representative, Doug, that the car had been “checked and serviced, everything down to a full tank of gas”. In March, my oil light quickly flashed. When I checked it there was low oil, so I did an oil change. In June the oil light quickly flashed again. I informed Toyota of Scranton and they recommended an oil change and changing the drain plug. They reimbursed me after I did so because I had bought the car so recently so I “likely bought it that way”. However, the issues continued and I had it looked at by Kost Tire & Auto Service to rule out a leak. On November 6, 2024 I brought it to Toyota so they could diagnose the issue, as I am still in the mileage window for my warranty. I picked up November 8, 2024 to begin a 1,000 mile oil consumption test. I brought the car back November 27, 2024 and it was established that the car was “excessively burning oil”. -- The engine has failed. -- The dealer confirmed the issue. -- The warranty company says they do not consider this issue a "mechanical failure" and will not cover the damage. -- Toyota tore down the engine and the warranty company inspected it. The car is still sitting at Toyota torn down.

NHTSA ODI #11636697

111,000 miles · Jan 14, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the r…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was notified of a misfire in cylinder #1 and #2 which caused damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ODI #11635927

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

In May 2024, the vehicle's oil light came on while slightly turning the wheel or braking. When taken to a dealership, they stated that the car only had one quart of oil remaining, which was 4,000 miles after my last oil change and not due for another 1,000 miles. They stated there was excessive oil consumption and recommended th…

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In May 2024, the vehicle's oil light came on while slightly turning the wheel or braking. When taken to a dealership, they stated that the car only had one quart of oil remaining, which was 4,000 miles after my last oil change and not due for another 1,000 miles. They stated there was excessive oil consumption and recommended the vehicle be taken to Hyundai dealer. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealer in August 2024 because the car was making a rattling sound when accelerating from 0-40mph along with the car jerking between 30-40mph if accelerating except when only applying light pressure to the accelerator. Hyundai dealer stated there was no oil remaining in the vehicle, which was why the vehicle was shaking and rattling when accelerating. They began a claim process with Hyundai as the vehicle was under 100K warranty. After two consumption tests, it was deemed the vehicle was not consuming oil as previously thought. After the last consumption test in October 2024, the oil light began to come back on with me braking the vehicle. Hyundai dealer stated there was nothing further they could do to assist and stated I'd need to reach out to Hyundai customer care to file a report. I did this 10/18/24, and in December, Hyundai customer care told me to take the vehicle back to Hyundai dealer. Hyundai said at that time that now there was an oil leak from the oil pressure sensor, which allowed oil to pass through the entire main wiring of the engine until it reached the PCM. They said I need to replace the PCM, oil pressure switch, and engine control harness for $7,000, not covered by the warranty. Parts are also on backorder for over a year. My car's oil light continues to come on, and now the engine light is coming on while my car shakes when I reach 45mph or greater. It is deemed no longer safe to drive the vehicle, especially with my children in the car. When I checked the dipstick, it was completely out of oil, which was 1500 miles after they performed oil change.

NHTSA ODI #11635497

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2025
Engine

In 2024, I initially suspected that my car was being improperly serviced at local Jiffy Lubes. Later, I thought it might be an oil leak, so I took it to the dealership. They informed me that there was an oil pan gasket leak and replaced it. However, when I returned the car a week later and said it wasn't fixed, they inspected it…

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In 2024, I initially suspected that my car was being improperly serviced at local Jiffy Lubes. Later, I thought it might be an oil leak, so I took it to the dealership. They informed me that there was an oil pan gasket leak and replaced it. However, when I returned the car a week later and said it wasn't fixed, they inspected it and claimed everything was fine. As months went by, I found myself consistently adding oil to the vehicle whenever the warning light came on. Whether I added 1 quart or 3 quarts at a time, the oil light would come on again about a week later, and I continued this cycle of adding oil. It was not until I found social media platforms/forums about a reoccurring problem with Hyundai vehicles burning oil. I have not talked to the dealership since so many people have stated in these forums that there is no solution because Hyundai denies there is a problem. I have 110k miles on the car and as long as there is no recall, I am forced to have the engine replaced at my cost. I am a retired, disabled veteran and cannot afford to have such expenses. There has to be a resolution to this problem with all of these peoples reports.

NHTSA ODI #11635307

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
Engine

For the past 1.5 months my oil light has come on intermittently. This is odd because the vehicle has regular oil changes still not due for almost 2000 miles. 4 bottle of oil was added recently. Today the car stopped working while on the NJ turnpike when checked there was no oil in the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11633565

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
Seat Belts

Driver seat belt will not latch properly. I have not spilled anything into it an have checked it for debris. If you jiggle and push slightly on the unlatch button while trying to insert the buckle it will sometimes latch

NHTSA ODI #11632908

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2024
Engine

2018 Hyundai Santefe 2.4L engine burned oil at a high rate and due to this caused 4k oil changes obsolete. The car need an oil change every 2k miles and still would have high build up. Hyundai claimed engine failure was due to gaps in the oil changes them being done around 4.5k miles in the start. Many people have had engine fai…

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2018 Hyundai Santefe 2.4L engine burned oil at a high rate and due to this caused 4k oil changes obsolete. The car need an oil change every 2k miles and still would have high build up. Hyundai claimed engine failure was due to gaps in the oil changes them being done around 4.5k miles in the start. Many people have had engine failures with these car and they are still selling them with the defective engine to this date and not warning the buyers about the problems with these cars and are forcing the second hand buyers to pay $6-12k outta pocket to repair these cars after a year of owning them. I think Hyundai should be held accountable for these actions after they know these engines are defective and they still have them on their car lots for someone to stroll in and buy a $17k car with previous owners that will fail within the next year of ownership. Attached is maintence record for the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11632459

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2024
Engine

Driving on highway, when accelerator failed to maintain, the car started to jerk. After blocking traffic behind me, I was able to pull car over on the side of the busy highway, with smoke coming from hood. This was well after dark, and it was towed to a local and dependable mechanic. He had told me the engine was cracked. I am i…

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Driving on highway, when accelerator failed to maintain, the car started to jerk. After blocking traffic behind me, I was able to pull car over on the side of the busy highway, with smoke coming from hood. This was well after dark, and it was towed to a local and dependable mechanic. He had told me the engine was cracked. I am in the process of finding out if I am eligible for the extended warranty, for I meet all requirements

NHTSA ODI #11632138

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2024
Engine

I was on the highway and pressed the gas and the car started shaking. Wouldn’t go up in speed so I pulled off the highway and parked it. Checked the oil and it was almost empty even though I had an oil change about a month ago. Service center says it need a whole new engine at 108k miles. How is this possible? They say there we…

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I was on the highway and pressed the gas and the car started shaking. Wouldn’t go up in speed so I pulled off the highway and parked it. Checked the oil and it was almost empty even though I had an oil change about a month ago. Service center says it need a whole new engine at 108k miles. How is this possible? They say there were pieces of the valve in the fourth cylinder which also had lots of oil in it. I bought this car used and am only the second owner. Surely there is something Hyundai can do if they know about this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11631656

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.