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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.

About this comparison →

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 · Apr 4, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes. Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes. Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11459530

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 #11459132

80,000 miles · Mar 7, 2022
FirerelatedFire

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like there was a flat tire. The vehicle then lost motive power and caught fire. The fire started from under the hood. There was no injury sustained and no medical treatment was received. The fire depar…

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The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like there was a flat tire. The vehicle then lost motive power and caught fire. The fire started from under the hood. There was no injury sustained and no medical treatment was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, and a fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a copy of the bill of sale. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. While driving car was totaled due to an engine fire.

NHTSA ODI #11455559

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2022
Electrical SystemService Brakes

RECALL ON ENGINE COMPARTMENT , SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC,

NHTSA ODI #11451654

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact was informed by his friend of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated t…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact was informed by his friend of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer has not been made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11451389

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Unknown Or Other

This vehicle has had regular oil changes and at 73000 miles the oil light came on. The oil had been changed recently, and it was only 1000 miles after that change so it should NOT have been out of oil. When checked, it was down 3.5 quarts. Added oil, and made an appointment to have it checked. Learned of oil consumption issue, a…

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This vehicle has had regular oil changes and at 73000 miles the oil light came on. The oil had been changed recently, and it was only 1000 miles after that change so it should NOT have been out of oil. When checked, it was down 3.5 quarts. Added oil, and made an appointment to have it checked. Learned of oil consumption issue, and of a recall issued for up to 2017 with this engine but nothing for 2018. Dealership began an oil consumption test and vehicle was brought in at intervals to check consumption, which was excessively high at 2. to 2.5 quarts for 1000 miles. Continued the oil consumption testing, then moved on to an engine cleaning with a Valvoline product through the dealership and HPP as a recommended "fix" despite this engine being recalled in earlier years. After that cleaning the car stalled twice at stoplights, and if you sit long enough at a stop sign or light the engine feels as if it wants to cut out. The car shakes and sometimes makes a noise as it does this. Brought it to the dealer after 500 miles and it was down a half quart, and they told me that was not enough and to drive it more. They topped off the oil, and after 2000 miles the oil light came on every single time I turned left, and when checked it was down 4 quarts. Brought it back to the dealership and they said that is definitely problematic, started the process of going through HPP and are currently dropping the oil pan to check for metal shavings, etc. Car now has 88000 miles and is consuming oil excessively in a detrimental manner, shakes intermittently at stops (even when car is warm and has been driven for some time), sometimes hesitates between first and second gear, unsafe and worrisome to drive on the highway knowing that other cars have stopped with no warning after having identical issues. Currently awaiting word from the dealer and HPP, but would expect engine replacement as has been initiated for other cars of this make/model and engine.

NHTSA ODI #11450962

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2022
Engine

My vehicle is burning oil excessively. I have measured this precisely. I have had to add oil five times since July 25, 2021 and it is not February 5, 2022. Each time the consumption got worse. The consumption as been 2076, 1732, 1271, 1120, and 1000 miles per quart. I am afraid that my engine will eventually fail while I am driv…

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My vehicle is burning oil excessively. I have measured this precisely. I have had to add oil five times since July 25, 2021 and it is not February 5, 2022. Each time the consumption got worse. The consumption as been 2076, 1732, 1271, 1120, and 1000 miles per quart. I am afraid that my engine will eventually fail while I am driving possibly stopping the vehicle in the middle of the freeway, creating a hazard for myself and others. This could result in a serious accident. I have found on the internet that many other persons are experiencing the same exact issue. Please force Hyundai to recall the engines that are failing and replace them with engines that do not fail. Since July the vehicle has been driven 6286 miles and currently has only 49990 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11450612

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2022
Unknown Or Other

2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11446888

94,000 miles · Jan 4, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the vehicle as the check engine light had illuminated on the instrument panel. One day as the contact was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began shaking as the check engine light illumina…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the vehicle as the check engine light had illuminated on the instrument panel. One day as the contact was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began shaking as the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact's friend attempted to replace the spark plugs; however, he discovered oil on the spark plugs and informed the contact it was a major concern. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a claim number and referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it remained in their possession for a month. The manufacturer later denied his claim and he was given an estimate for the repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11446162

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other

There appears to be a problem with the intake manifold. Car is throwing a code of P200A. The baffles get stuck causing the car to lose power, usually 3 times in a row. I nearly got rear ended twice because of this and it threw my husband an myself toward the window.

NHTSA ODI #11443666

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.