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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 8, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other

Purchased a new car from Plaza Hyundai dealership in Brooklyn NY 5/25/2019, had problems a year later but due to covid, dealership wasn't open. Called Hyundai Consumer affairs May 2020 as I also found out there was an open recall that was supposed to be done with the ecm & cluster update-engine monitoring logic product improveme…

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Purchased a new car from Plaza Hyundai dealership in Brooklyn NY 5/25/2019, had problems a year later but due to covid, dealership wasn't open. Called Hyundai Consumer affairs May 2020 as I also found out there was an open recall that was supposed to be done with the ecm & cluster update-engine monitoring logic product improvement for Santa Fes from 2011-2019. There was and still is an open recall listed from 08/09/2018 that the car was still at Plaza Hyundai dealership for. In 2020, I was told that a buyback wasn't possible due to there not being any record of active recalls. On September 22, 2021, our car broke down on the highway, with it being the engine issue that is currently on recall. We have an unusable car still being paid for, a car that shouldn't have been sold to us because it was on recall, a car that should've been buyback but wasn't due to greed, and no answers as Hyundai is saying that the buyback period has ended since the first use was February 2018, even though we became owners of the car 5/25/2019. The component that failed was the engine. Its currently in Plaza Hyundai's service lot. Our safety was put at risk not once but twice, but the most recent being 9/21/2021, we were on a major highway at 70mph when the engine started to slow down, smoke, and vibrate violently. The vehicle is currently being serviced for parts, but they don't think its the engine. There were previous issues but I would have to recollect on the memory of when.

NHTSA ODI #11439655

80,000 miles · Oct 13, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the oil warning light illuminated while driving at various speeds. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that his vehicle was consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where an oil consumption …

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the oil warning light illuminated while driving at various speeds. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that his vehicle was consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where an oil consumption test was performed, and the mechanic informed him that the oil consumption was normal. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided him the same information as the dealer. The vehicle and yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11436673

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2021
Exterior Lighting

Early 2020, I had multiple reports that my driver side brake light was not functioning properly/off when I brake. I replaced the brake light bulb in summer 2020. Not long thereafter, I heard the same complaint from other drivers who noticed and were able to notify me while at a stop. I had it checked at a local oil change shop a…

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Early 2020, I had multiple reports that my driver side brake light was not functioning properly/off when I brake. I replaced the brake light bulb in summer 2020. Not long thereafter, I heard the same complaint from other drivers who noticed and were able to notify me while at a stop. I had it checked at a local oil change shop and they found nothing wrong. This year, I was told at separate times that it was not turning on. A couple of days ago, I had someone I knew report that the night brake lights function but when I brake, the driver side light is off. It could be an internal wiring issue or something else I can't reach. Either way, it is a brand new car I bought and should not experience issues this early. The earliest they can get my car into the dealership service department is November 16, 2021.

NHTSA ODI #11436287

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2021
Engine

On 9/22/21, was driving on a major highway when gears started spinning loudly, acceleration went down to 30mph from 65mph, car started vibrating and smoke coming from the exhaust. Made it safely to the next exit without incident by a prayer and slowly made our way to a Hyundai dealer at 5-10mph, any faster would shut down the ca…

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On 9/22/21, was driving on a major highway when gears started spinning loudly, acceleration went down to 30mph from 65mph, car started vibrating and smoke coming from the exhaust. Made it safely to the next exit without incident by a prayer and slowly made our way to a Hyundai dealer at 5-10mph, any faster would shut down the car. We barely made it and tow truck came and towed it to original dealer that sold it to us. Previously we told them about the recall update but it went on deaf ears from the dealer and Hyundai. Now we don't have a car, and most likely needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI #11434362

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The Pearl White paint is chipping from the hood of my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The issue is getting worse, with new chipped spots appearing monthly. This should not be an issue with a vehicle that is garage kept and barely 3 years old. This is due to poor paint quality and Hyundai should assume responsibility for correcting …

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The Pearl White paint is chipping from the hood of my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The issue is getting worse, with new chipped spots appearing monthly. This should not be an issue with a vehicle that is garage kept and barely 3 years old. This is due to poor paint quality and Hyundai should assume responsibility for correcting this painting defect. This issue is rampant across the country and significantly impacts a consumer's resale value.

NHTSA ODI #11431754

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021
Engine

First my car started consuming and alarming amont of oil at 40000 to 50000 miles in 2020. I have been put through 3 oil consumption test and every 1,000 miles i took it in it was consuming more oil. One time it had lost 4 quart of oil in 1,000 miles with no oil leaks detected. They never did anything about it. Early 2021 While …

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First my car started consuming and alarming amont of oil at 40000 to 50000 miles in 2020. I have been put through 3 oil consumption test and every 1,000 miles i took it in it was consuming more oil. One time it had lost 4 quart of oil in 1,000 miles with no oil leaks detected. They never did anything about it. Early 2021 While i was on the highway in traffic going 70 miles per hour. Mile car started to sputter and slowed down to 30 miles per hour in the middle of the highway at night. I was so afraid that i would be hit. Another time it slowed down on the highway 1 day after i got an oil change and i was out of town on a sunday. The car was struggling to get up a highway hill at 25 miles an hour with other cars going well over the 70 mile speed limt. I was terrified. The dealer finally admitted that the engin is bad but Hyundai will not replace it. Help please!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11428615

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2021
Engine

Desde hace 3 meses la camioneta ha estado presentando el encendido de la luz de testigo de aceite lo cual indica que el el motor a quedado sin aceite lo lleve al concesionario para que revisen cuál es la falla y para que la garantía de Hyundai tiene 100000 millas y aún no las tengo y me indican que el fabricante no cubre la gara…

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Desde hace 3 meses la camioneta ha estado presentando el encendido de la luz de testigo de aceite lo cual indica que el el motor a quedado sin aceite lo lleve al concesionario para que revisen cuál es la falla y para que la garantía de Hyundai tiene 100000 millas y aún no las tengo y me indican que el fabricante no cubre la garantía, también tengo una garantía extendida y le han indicado que el concesionario debe revisar el problema y tampoco he logrado que lo hagan, me siento de manos atadas dos garantías y ninguna quiere cubrir el problema

NHTSA ODI #11426931

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2021
Air Bags

Defective Passenger Airbag,the Airbag warning light flickers on and off periodically I was told by a Licensed Mechanic the Sensor for the front passenger seat may not deploy during a Collision

NHTSA ODI #11424007

45,000 miles · Jun 16, 2021
EngineFire

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the gasket, engine plug, and replenished the oil. After return of the vehicle, the contact…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the gasket, engine plug, and replenished the oil. After return of the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, there was an abnormal odor of burning engine oil. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where metal shavings were discovered in the oil pan. Due to the failure, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11421146

22,000 miles · Jan 17, 2021
Visibility/wiper

ON THE NIGHT OF 01/13/2021 I LEFT MY SUV PARKED OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 DECREE WEATHER . THE NEXT MORNING AT 5AM I STARTED MY CAR BY REMOTE START TO GET THE ICE OFF THE WINDOWS . I THEN DROVE TO WORK AND PARKED MY SUV. WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE AT 3PM THE REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERING YOU COULD EVEN HEAR IT CRACKING ALL OVER IT…

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ON THE NIGHT OF 01/13/2021 I LEFT MY SUV PARKED OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 DECREE WEATHER . THE NEXT MORNING AT 5AM I STARTED MY CAR BY REMOTE START TO GET THE ICE OFF THE WINDOWS . I THEN DROVE TO WORK AND PARKED MY SUV. WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE AT 3PM THE REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERING YOU COULD EVEN HEAR IT CRACKING ALL OVER IT IT BLEW A HOLE IN IT ! THERE WAS NOT O PIECE OF THE REAR WINDOW THAT WAS NOT SHATTERED . MY SUV WAS PARKED WITH THE REAR WINDOW FACING THE SUN. MY SUV HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEPT IN MY HEATED GARAGE AT NIGHT UNT THE NIGHT IN QUESTION ! I DO NOT KNOW IF THE HEAT FROM THE SUN CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN DO TO THE WINDOW BEING SO COLD! BUT I DO KNOW IT WAS PARKED IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT WITH NOTHING AROUND IT ! I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INPUT ON THIS MATTER! THANKS

NHTSA ODI #11388556

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.