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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 · Nov 13, 2023
Engine

Engine consuming excessive oil which puts it and me at risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire either of which could cause an accident, injury or death to myself; other passengers and individuals nearby. This issue has been going on since shortly after purchase and Hyundai says it is a maintenance item and not a warranty or …

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Engine consuming excessive oil which puts it and me at risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire either of which could cause an accident, injury or death to myself; other passengers and individuals nearby. This issue has been going on since shortly after purchase and Hyundai says it is a maintenance item and not a warranty or recall. I first informed them in July of 2021. I have since found out this has been a known issue and there was a class action suit in Ca. And numerous complaints to NHSTA. I went thru a series of Oil consumption test performed by and at the Hyundai dealership I purchased at- it failed all tests. Below are the dates mileage and how many quarts down it was each time VIN [XXX] DateMileageOil Added (QTS Down) 4/25/202381467fullStart tests 5/22/2023823261.7 6/22/2023838233.5 7/26/2023848432.5 8/15/202385567 Deep Clean 9/19/2023867613.0 10/25/2023878443.0 There should have been or should be a recall for this issue but Hyundai is avoiding responsibility INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11554844

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2023
StructureVisibility/wiper

On November 2nd of 2023, I was driving approximately 5 miles away from home when all of a sudden the sunroof glass shattered. It sounded like an explosion of glass. I was driving at 45 miles per hour which is the speed limit in the area. It was very alarming when the sunroof glass shattered, I was nervous and thought that someo…

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On November 2nd of 2023, I was driving approximately 5 miles away from home when all of a sudden the sunroof glass shattered. It sounded like an explosion of glass. I was driving at 45 miles per hour which is the speed limit in the area. It was very alarming when the sunroof glass shattered, I was nervous and thought that someone threw a rock at the car. I wasn't sure whether to stop the car or keep on driving. Thank GOD there was no traffic, otherwise it would have been a very dangerous situation. I safely pulled over into a gas station to check what had happened. There was nothing other than broken glass on top of the car. The sunroof looks like it had pressure from the bottom up.

NHTSA ODI #11554278

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2023
Engine

Engine is consuming 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles. Just had spark plugs replaced as the plugs fouled out due to oil leaking into cylinder. Dealership says the engine must blow for them to approve a new engine under warranty. This is a family vehicle with young children. If the engine fails, the vehicle will lose power brakes an…

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Engine is consuming 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles. Just had spark plugs replaced as the plugs fouled out due to oil leaking into cylinder. Dealership says the engine must blow for them to approve a new engine under warranty. This is a family vehicle with young children. If the engine fails, the vehicle will lose power brakes ans steering .

NHTSA ODI #11552365

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

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.

NHTSA ODI #11552356

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

I have been conducting regular maintenance on my vehicle, getting oil changes, on average around every 6,000 miles. I have had the car since August 2021 and have had no accidents and haven't missed an oil change. My car is a little over 100K miles and the oil light began to come on close to 90k miles. The car is also leaking oi…

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I have been conducting regular maintenance on my vehicle, getting oil changes, on average around every 6,000 miles. I have had the car since August 2021 and have had no accidents and haven't missed an oil change. My car is a little over 100K miles and the oil light began to come on close to 90k miles. The car is also leaking oil and all the service agent could tell me is that the are burns oil at an accelerated rate. Even though the oil light was on, NONE of the service agents mentioned any issues with the oil and nothing was mentioned when I purchased the car. I still have yet to receive the report from my last oil change from 10/06/2023. Also, the ABS light came on after I got the car serviced for a recall for the brakes and potential electrical fire while the car is parked. Each time I checked for a recall, nothing was found, even though this car clearly has an issue with oil consumption, well the engine in general.

NHTSA ODI #11550281

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2023
Lane Departure

Blind Spot Detection System failed without warning. No obvious indication it has failed. No warning lamps, messages appeared at any time. In operatioin, neither left nor right side provided warning of cars in blind spot and no audio alert was sounded when changing lanes with turn signal on and car in blind spot. (BSD failure…

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Blind Spot Detection System failed without warning. No obvious indication it has failed. No warning lamps, messages appeared at any time. In operatioin, neither left nor right side provided warning of cars in blind spot and no audio alert was sounded when changing lanes with turn signal on and car in blind spot. (BSD failures - and any advanced safety system failure - should be readily made apparent with an alert or indication of some kind) This safety system can prevent many accidents. However, as more advanced systems are in automobiles and used, the drivers rely on them functioning properly. When they fail without indication - and the driver assumes it works, it can lead to accidents that might otherwise be avoided. If the driver is aware that the system is not working - extra vigilance, for instance, could be used. The car may be made available for inspection upon request. The problem will be reported to dealer on 10 October 2023 for analysis and repair. The car, as of this moment has not been inspected by others.

NHTSA ODI #11549126

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
Engine

major engine oil leak caused by defective drain plug receptacle. replaced washer and plug twice. still leaks. could cause engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11548977

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2023
Structure

In may july of 2023 a bubble in the paint came up about size of a large egg. It has since gotten larger every week and broke open leaving exposed metal and paint falls off while driving hitting windshield I reported to Hyundai motor company but as soon as they could get me in at a dealer mid October. I have pictures from the …

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In may july of 2023 a bubble in the paint came up about size of a large egg. It has since gotten larger every week and broke open leaving exposed metal and paint falls off while driving hitting windshield I reported to Hyundai motor company but as soon as they could get me in at a dealer mid October. I have pictures from the beginning of the bubble until now showing how it looked when it started and how much worse it’s been getting every week

NHTSA ODI #11546672

77,000 miles · Sep 20, 2023
Service Brakes, AirService Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive …

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure but replaced the ABS fuse. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed a failure with the ABS module. The contact was informed that the module was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred; the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that the traction control had activated, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. The contact stated the vehicle was taken back to the dealer the ABS module was replaced 3 times since January 2023, it was defective. Hyundai USA was contacted but each time there was a problem and they refused to do anything.

NHTSA ODI #11545651

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2023
Engine

Oil leaking from drain plug, Threads in the oil pan look okay after being verified by my mechanic,had the drain plug replaced three times and the issue persists.

NHTSA ODI #11544972

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.