ONE DAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE BSD SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. *TR
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 212.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe 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
37 reports with mileage · 71 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 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
108 reportsTHE REAR CAMERA HAS A BLUE SCREEN THIS IS KNOWN FOR HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. ALSO MY SUV RAN HOT WHILE DRIVING. THE SUV IS ONLY 2 YEARS WHY IS THE ANTIFREEZE/COOLANT RAN OUT. IT WAS BONE DRY. TALK TO CAR SHOP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WATER PUMP USUALLY HO OUT ON THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. ALSO MY SUV ACT LIKE IT DONT WANT EXCEL…
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THE REAR CAMERA HAS A BLUE SCREEN THIS IS KNOWN FOR HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. ALSO MY SUV RAN HOT WHILE DRIVING. THE SUV IS ONLY 2 YEARS WHY IS THE ANTIFREEZE/COOLANT RAN OUT. IT WAS BONE DRY. TALK TO CAR SHOP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WATER PUMP USUALLY HO OUT ON THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. ALSO MY SUV ACT LIKE IT DONT WANT EXCELLARATE AND SWITCH GEARS ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING.
DRIVING A RENTAL CAR AT 4:30 A.M. ON COUNTRY ROAD ATTEMPTING TO CATCH OUR FLIGHT BACK HOME. AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 20 MINUTES, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WE HAD NO VISIBILITY, ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE, LEFT PAVEMENT AND STRUCK A TREE. DURING OUR WEEK RENTAL OF THIS VEHICLE WE DID HAVE ISSUES WITH SUV LOSING POW…
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DRIVING A RENTAL CAR AT 4:30 A.M. ON COUNTRY ROAD ATTEMPTING TO CATCH OUR FLIGHT BACK HOME. AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 20 MINUTES, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WE HAD NO VISIBILITY, ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE, LEFT PAVEMENT AND STRUCK A TREE. DURING OUR WEEK RENTAL OF THIS VEHICLE WE DID HAVE ISSUES WITH SUV LOSING POWER WHEN CLIMBING A HILL, BUT NOT A STEEP ONE AT ALL. SUV WOULD DROP AT LEAST 10 MPH WHEN DOING SO. NOT SURE IF THESE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED AT ALL.
6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASE A BRAND NEW 2018 SANTA FE GRANDE MY VEHICLE START CUTTING OFF WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL A CERTAIN WAY I REPORTED IT TO THE COMPANY IT WILL NOT DETECT ON THE MACHINES SO THEY CANNOT FIX IT SO I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT CONTINUE TO CUT OFF AND NOBODY KNOWS WHY
STEERING EXHIBITS "STICTION" AFTER DRIVING FOR 20-30 MINUTES. THIS BECOMES WORSE AS SPEED IS INCREASED. SMALL MOVEMENTS OF THE WHEEL PRODUCE NO STEERING EFFECT BUT RESISTANCE IS FELT. WHEN THE RESISTANCE IS OVERCOME, THE RESULT IS SLIGHT OVER STEER. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN STRAIT LINE AS CONSTANT CORR…
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STEERING EXHIBITS "STICTION" AFTER DRIVING FOR 20-30 MINUTES. THIS BECOMES WORSE AS SPEED IS INCREASED. SMALL MOVEMENTS OF THE WHEEL PRODUCE NO STEERING EFFECT BUT RESISTANCE IS FELT. WHEN THE RESISTANCE IS OVERCOME, THE RESULT IS SLIGHT OVER STEER. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN STRAIT LINE AS CONSTANT CORRECTIONS AND RE-CORRECTIONS ARE REQUIRED BACK AND FORTH. THE EFFECT IS THAT THE STEERING FEELS TO "FREEZE" UNTIL A MINIMUM BREAK OUT FORCE IS APPLIED, RESULTING IN AN OVERSHOOT PAST THE INTENDED POINT. IT IS SIMILARLY NECESSARY TO APPLY A POSITIVE RETURN TO CENTER FORCE TO RETURN TO STRAIT, AS THE NORMALLY PRESENT SELF CENTERING FEEL IS NOT PRESENT FOR SMALL STEERING ANGLES. THE PROBLEM CAN SOMETIMES BE DETECTED AFTER BEING AT REST FOR A FEW MOMENTS BUT IS NOT INTRUSIVE AT SLOW SPEED. HOWEVER, FROM ~40 UP IT IS VERY TIRING TO STAY IN LANE. HAVE WORKED WITH ONE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A SAS CALIBRATION WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY CLAIM "CANNOT REPRODUCE" BUT SPEND MOST EFFORT TRYING TO PERSUADE ME THAT THE STEERING IS NORMAL. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE DID NOT SHOW UP UNTIL ~ 10,000 MILES WHICH INCLUDED LONG ROAD TRIPS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH NO ISSUES. HAVE REFERRED ISSUE TO HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHO HAVE ASKED ME TO WORK WITH ANOTHER DEALER - CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A CALL BACK.
SLOW TO ACCELERATED I HAVE TO RE PRESS THE PEDAL JUST TO TRY AN SPEED UP ON THE HIGHWAY IM GETTING HONKED AT TRYING TO GO UP HILLS I HAVE TO PRESS IT TO THE FLOOR TO GO UP HILLS AN IT IDLES OUT AN ITS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY I CANT GO PAST 50MPH AN I USE SPORT MODE ITS DOSNT HELP IT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IN ALL …
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SLOW TO ACCELERATED I HAVE TO RE PRESS THE PEDAL JUST TO TRY AN SPEED UP ON THE HIGHWAY IM GETTING HONKED AT TRYING TO GO UP HILLS I HAVE TO PRESS IT TO THE FLOOR TO GO UP HILLS AN IT IDLES OUT AN ITS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY I CANT GO PAST 50MPH AN I USE SPORT MODE ITS DOSNT HELP IT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IN ALL THE HYUNDAI CARS .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FATHER WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS HOME, THE CONTACT OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD BURNED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY FLAMES. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FATHER WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS HOME, THE CONTACT OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD BURNED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREEN HYUNDAI (1200 S DIRKSEN PKWY, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703, (217) 525-1370) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT COVER WAS CUT BY AN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE SEAT AND CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS BURNED BY A FAULTY SEAT WARMER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,845. *LN*JB *TP
A RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI ON MY 2018 SANTA FE ON A KNOCK SENSOR TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP THEY DID WHAT EVER THE RECALL WAS 3 MILES DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR WENT INTP LIMP MODE TOOK ME FROM 70MPH TO 30 CALL THE DEALER HAD TO LIMP IT BACK THEY HAH IT FOR 3 WEEKS HAD THE WIRE HARNESS REPLACED ASKED THEY HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THIS AS …
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A RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI ON MY 2018 SANTA FE ON A KNOCK SENSOR TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP THEY DID WHAT EVER THE RECALL WAS 3 MILES DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR WENT INTP LIMP MODE TOOK ME FROM 70MPH TO 30 CALL THE DEALER HAD TO LIMP IT BACK THEY HAH IT FOR 3 WEEKS HAD THE WIRE HARNESS REPLACED ASKED THEY HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THIS AS WE WERE GOING ON VACATON THEY SAID NO HALF WAY THROUGH OUR TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA IT WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN THIS TIME THE SPEED WAS 80MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I CALLED HYUNDAI DOESNT SEEM THEY CARE IF WE WERE KILLED OR NOT OFFERED A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS OUR VACATION WAS RUINED I DONT FEEL SAFE IN THIS SUV BUT CANT SEEM TO GET HELP FROM HYUNDAI I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE
I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT A HOT SMELL IN MY CAR ON TUESDAY. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE INSPECTION. THURSDAY MORNING THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AFTER. APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS TO TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER THE CAR CAB WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SHERIFFS DEPA…
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I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT A HOT SMELL IN MY CAR ON TUESDAY. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE INSPECTION. THURSDAY MORNING THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AFTER. APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS TO TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER THE CAR CAB WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT BOTH ARRIVED ON SCENE.
ENGINE NOISE WHEN STARTING HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2018 STATIONARY
Official recalls
222V056000 · 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.
18V118000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Feb 17, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.
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.
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