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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
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Air Bags

The front passenger curtain airbags has failed and created a warning light that dealer indicated caused code B174900 and requires replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11620802

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2024
Unknown Or OtherFire

Stopped at a red light and car caught on fire under the hood

NHTSA ODI #11613143

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2024
Engine

Q1. The car is shaking and making rumbling noises upon driving and a check engine light is turned on. It seem like the car will abruptly stop and may result in a crash on a highway. Inspection by multiple mechanics indicate that the engine is misfiring and there seems to be an engine oil leakage issue, imbalance of engine or som…

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Q1. The car is shaking and making rumbling noises upon driving and a check engine light is turned on. It seem like the car will abruptly stop and may result in a crash on a highway. Inspection by multiple mechanics indicate that the engine is misfiring and there seems to be an engine oil leakage issue, imbalance of engine or some part of it. The engine configuration is the same as with the engine recalls (under recall number-17V226000) made on 2013 and 2014 models of Hyundai Santa Fe sport which is GDI, 2.4 Liter and was also manufactured in the USA. Yes, the car is available to inspect on request. Q2. The car was shaking and rumbling while driving even at 40mph. We had to pull up to the side because it felt risky and then had to drive slowly to reach home. It was scary and felt life-threatening with a risk of crashing due to abrupt halting of the car. Q3. Yes inspected by the manufacturer- Hyundai. Q4. The check engine light has been coming on and off for over 10 months period. The car has been inspected and checked by multiple mechanics including 2 times visit to the Hyundai service center. They first appeared in Oct 2023 and is an ongoing issue every other month costing me ~$1000. I have been filling up with 4 quarter of engine oil after driving ~200 miles since it was suspected to be an engine oil leakage issue. However, nothing has been resolved and this issue fits the description and problems seen the Hyundai 2013 and 2014 Santa Fe sports- which have been recalled (under recall number-17V226000).

NHTSA ODI #11612592

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 · Sep 3, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11612276

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2024
Engine

The oil light has appeared to light up in the car while I am driving it. The first time was January 2023. I pulled over and checked my oil and had literally no oil in my car. I immediately went to Auto Zone (or Advance/O'Reilly's-I'll check my receipts) and poured 5 quarts of oil in the car and called Hyundai (this was within …

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The oil light has appeared to light up in the car while I am driving it. The first time was January 2023. I pulled over and checked my oil and had literally no oil in my car. I immediately went to Auto Zone (or Advance/O'Reilly's-I'll check my receipts) and poured 5 quarts of oil in the car and called Hyundai (this was within the timeframe of oil changes). They had me bring my car in and stated they needed to change oil and do an oil consumption test, so I had to drive 1,000 miles, bring my car back in and repeat. In the end, they said nothing was wrong with my car. In early August, this year, the same thing happened and I am having to go through this again.

NHTSA ODI #11611213

50,000 miles · Aug 21, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where an oil consumption test was completed, and the results were that the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil for every …

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where an oil consumption test was completed, and the results were that the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil for every 640 miles driven. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated the dealer contacted the manufacturer to request that the engine be replaced; however, the manufacturer declined to approve the engine replacement due to previous services being performed by independent mechanics. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11610091

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I got my oil changed 98,161 March 1 2024 at mechanic shop Mechanic shop checked oil March 29 2024 at 98,867 a total of 706 miles driven since last oil change. They added 2.5 quarts of oil. So i did my own research online found out the Hyundai 2018 Santa Fe Sport Turbo 2.5 Theta engines has excessive oil consumption problems that…

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I got my oil changed 98,161 March 1 2024 at mechanic shop Mechanic shop checked oil March 29 2024 at 98,867 a total of 706 miles driven since last oil change. They added 2.5 quarts of oil. So i did my own research online found out the Hyundai 2018 Santa Fe Sport Turbo 2.5 Theta engines has excessive oil consumption problems that will cause Engine to seize/lock up, catch on fire, and other mechanical problems. I have an extended warranty TXXI and TXXC. Oil consumption leaks into the pistons and rod bearings and will cause a knocking in the engine. The oil is already in spark plugs and pcv valve which i replaced. But it will continue to keep happen over and over. I don't want my engine to catch on fire with me in it or at all that's why i am proactive in getting this solved now its already a problem. I contacted Wilson Hyundai dealership they did an 2 month oil consumption test Oil change i had to drive it for 1000 miles It failed. Then they did combuster chamber cleaning i had to drive it for another 1000 miles it failed again. So they submitted claim to corporate that i needed an engine. Corporate declined saying i was over my miles they had the wrong mileage it was a way just to deny me but dealership had correct miles so they could not follow through with that lie. So Corporate made Dealership send another claim in this time corporate denied it saying i was over my warranty. No i was not i started this at 98, 867 miles When 2.5quarts had to be added. I also had to wait a week to get into Wilson dealership because they were backed up in appointments i was at 100,212 miles and so where other Hyundia dealerships others were 1-2 months out in appointments. I had to be in a rental car for 2 months had to pay for it and still pay car note paid for oil testing which i was told i would be reimbursed for repairs and car rentals but they did not honor it nor did they pay goodwill pay for all of my inconvenience 2 month long testing and it failed and they still denied/ lied

NHTSA ODI #11607979

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2024
Engine

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the significant oil consumption issue with my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. My vehicle was part of a class action lawsuit settlement that provided extended warranties and reimbursement for repairs related to oil consumption defects. I first reported the oil consumption issue in …

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I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the significant oil consumption issue with my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. My vehicle was part of a class action lawsuit settlement that provided extended warranties and reimbursement for repairs related to oil consumption defects. I first reported the oil consumption issue in 2022, while my vehicle was still within the warranty period. Despite my multiple attempts over the past two years to have an oil consumption test conducted, Hyundai dealerships only agreed to perform the test in January 2024. The test confirmed that my vehicle has an oil consumption issue. However, Hyundai has refused to cover the necessary repairs, claiming that my vehicle is now past 100,000 miles and out of warranty. This refusal is unfair, as the issue was acknowledged within the warranty period, and the delays in testing were beyond my control. I must consistently add oil to my vehicle several times a month and get oil changes before the recommended timeframe to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly without damage.

NHTSA ODI #11607840

100,000 miles · Aug 8, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and after an oil consumption test, it was determined that the vehicle was consuming…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and after an oil consumption test, it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming 2-quarts of oil every 700 miles and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11607290

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.