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 · Mar 31, 2023
Electrical SystemService Brakes
Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty wo…
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Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty work. The car is nice but have lost confidence in vehicle due to constant reminders to dont drive often and do not park in garage. We have been in fear for over a year and they do nothing. Now they say I have to file a legal case for lemon law and pay the expenses. They promised loaner or rental plus any out of pocket but it was all a lie. They promised to find another repair dealer and again, lied. always saying "we're having difficulty contacting the dealer" then go dark.
NHTSA ODI #11514872
135,000 miles · Mar 30, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two different independent mechanics, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #11514638
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no war…
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The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no warnings lights or vehicle notifications. After several attempts to bring it to the dealership, they are never able to replicate the issue. The OBD scans show no issues. It has never been a constant problem, however it remains as a "hit or miss" issue. Could be days of no problems and then popping back up every stop.
NHTSA ODI #11513762
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
Within the last few weeks my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV has been experiencing few noticeable issues. 1st my vehicle doesn’t want to start when I turn the key, I have to open the door close it then try again and it will turn over to start. 2nd recently driving on the highway my vehicle slowed all the way down and started jer…
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Within the last few weeks my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV has been experiencing few noticeable issues. 1st my vehicle doesn’t want to start when I turn the key, I have to open the door close it then try again and it will turn over to start. 2nd recently driving on the highway my vehicle slowed all the way down and started jerking like it wanted to cut off. I would push my accelerator down as far as possible and it will still go slow and not speed up.3rd my vehicle is making a throttle/knocking noise and a blinking check engine light is on as well.
NHTSA ODI #11512567
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2023
Engine
I noticed at roughly about 120,000 miles the vehicle started slowly consuming oil. Vehicle now consumes excessively at 1 quart of oil about every 800 to 1000 miles. Oil level needs to be checked daily for fear of further damage. I recently changed the oil on 3/12/23 and checked oil on 3/15/23 and vehicle was a half quart low.
NHTSA ODI #11512090
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2023
Electrical System
The electric windows motor on the left back window was heating up it was making this unique sound every 2-4 min till I finally got tired of it and had someone find out what it was. We had to unplug the motor because It would of caught on fire while I was driving eventually
NHTSA ODI #11509637
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was…
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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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect
NHTSA ODI #11508908
77,600 miles · Feb 22, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the oil warning light was blinking. The contact checked the oil level and noticed that there was no oil in the engine; the contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The valve cover gasket was repla…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the oil warning light was blinking. The contact checked the oil level and noticed that there was no oil in the engine; the contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The valve cover gasket was replaced, and more oil was added to the engine. On another occasion, the contact checked the oil level and notice there was no oil in the engine again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the dealer stated that a consumption test needed to be performed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the oil maybe leaking through the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle needed an oil consumption test performed. A case was filed. The failure mileage was 77,600.
NHTSA ODI #11508596
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2023
Unknown Or Other
2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
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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