Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
825–50K
1450–75K
1375–100K
23100–150K
3150K+
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 · Jun 15, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. A local dealer was contacted but was unable to service the vehicle for several months. The contact stated that the manu…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. A local dealer was contacted but was unable to service the vehicle for several months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11527238
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2023
Engine
My truck started making very funny noises out of the engine area, two nights ago, and the next day, the noise persisted, and the car stalled. When we checked the oil, it was bone dry. There was no oil light warning. This car is very well-maintained.
NHTSA ODI #11527135
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2023
Engine
Engine is consuming at least 1quart of oil every 750-1000 miles with no oil leaks.
NHTSA ODI #11527090
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2023
Engine
My engine is burning about 3-4 quarts of oil between oil changes.
NHTSA ODI #11526972
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2023
Engine
ENGINE IS CONSUMING 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. I ADD 1/2 QUART EVERY 500 MILES IN ORDER TO BE SAFE. IF THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN A PERSON LIKE ME WHO CHECKS THE OIL LEVEL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL DUE TO LACK OF OIL. THE DEALER WANTS $150 TO CONDUCT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST! SEVERAL DEALE…
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ENGINE IS CONSUMING 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. I ADD 1/2 QUART EVERY 500 MILES IN ORDER TO BE SAFE. IF THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN A PERSON LIKE ME WHO CHECKS THE OIL LEVEL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL DUE TO LACK OF OIL. THE DEALER WANTS $150 TO CONDUCT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST! SEVERAL DEALERS TELL ME THAT THIS CONDITION IS OK, REALLY?
NHTSA ODI #11526763
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2023
Engine
Consuming 5 quarts of oil in less than 1000 miles, stalling. Not starting
NHTSA ODI #11526168
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling
2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT-Consumer is writing in with concerns and questions about the engine oil light indicator. Consumer checked the oil and it was dry. Consumers questions are: Why the engine oil light did not come on until there was almost no oil in the oil pan? There are no oil leaks under the vehicle. I am a retired A…
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2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT-Consumer is writing in with concerns and questions about the engine oil light indicator. Consumer checked the oil and it was dry. Consumers questions are: Why the engine oil light did not come on until there was almost no oil in the oil pan? There are no oil leaks under the vehicle. I am a retired Automotive Technician with 37 years for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC., and I have never seen this before. What happen to the warning and where did the oil go? Is there a recall on the Engine Oil Warning Light?
NHTSA ODI #11525801
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2023
Engine
Oil consumption is SUPER high. Not even 1 month after oil change have to add 2 quarts of oil. Have replaced gaskets in the engine but the head gaskets are also needing replaced when car not even that old. No oil leaking to be seen from engine. Oil consumption causing failures of other parts costing more in repairs.
NHTSA ODI #11525712
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2023
Engine
Oil consumption burn extremely lot of oil after or before one month of iol change.
NHTSA ODI #11524120
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2023
Engine
Oil and filter was changed the 1st or 2nd week of March. (Mobil 1 full syn. 5W-20, with a Hyundai filter) A. Oil black, which was typical for the car (approx 1 qt low, topped off multiple times in the approx. 5000 mi since the last oil filter change) Note: On 12/21/22 Rowe Hyundai of Westbrook, ME, performed the ABS Recall, and …
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Oil and filter was changed the 1st or 2nd week of March. (Mobil 1 full syn. 5W-20, with a Hyundai filter) A. Oil black, which was typical for the car (approx 1 qt low, topped off multiple times in the approx. 5000 mi since the last oil filter change) Note: On 12/21/22 Rowe Hyundai of Westbrook, ME, performed the ABS Recall, and we had the 2nd Carbon BG fuel injection flush performed. They noted oil was low and appeared dirty. Oil topped off that same day. I also asked the service manager why the engine burned/ leaked so much oil, and was suggested to try the Hyundai oil filter, in which I bought two. Because of the continued leakage of oil around the oil drain cover plate, I asked for a new oil plug washer and was told there was one taped to each one of the oil filter boxes. The first Hyundai filter and washer was installed the first of March 2023. All prior oil / filter changes the oil plug was never loose. I, [XXX] dad, [XXX] have been changing my oil and filters on all my cars for the last 10+ years (not to include when I was younger) est. >60 changes, and never have I had a loose oil plug. new Hyundai filter and drain plug washer were used. Installation was performed to manufacturer’s spec. B. 5/13/23 added 24 oz. of Mobil 1 full syn. (had approx. 1000 miles since above oil change, this was the typical oil burn) C. 5/17/23 [XXX] left for Baltimore, and 2 hrs into trip (on rt. 15 Merrit Pkwy) noticed the red oil light come on, stopped the car and shut the engine off. Called tow truck, found Hyundai dealer with a good reputation. Police stopped and pushed her to a safer location. Car towed to Balice Hyundai of Fairfield. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
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.
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.
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.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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