repaired · 2024 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2018 Hyundai Santa FEProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 110 owner complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-056 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE has problems
110 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
54Engine3 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes, hydraulic
10Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
8Steering
7Service brakes
6Air bags
5Fuel/propulsion system
5Vehicle speed control
159 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 54 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 12 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 2 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 6 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 15 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk. A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Santa FE year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Santa FE median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Hyundai Santa FE safety ratings
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Santa FE owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While driving, the vehicle developed a strong odor of engine oil, followed within minutes by illumination of the red oil pressure warning light. Inspection determined that a bolt had exited the engine's timing assembly, broken the timing chain, and punctured the timing cover, discharging engine oil…
My wife was driving the vehicle by the left lane on route 9A northbound on elmsford at a speed around 35 mph. The vehicle suddenly came to stop completely while driving. My wife tried to start it but it didn't start. We called the police to come help us due to the ongoing traffic while the towing…
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Cam phasers blew apart and severely cracked the valve covers. This occurred with no prior warning lights. Minutes before failure, there was engine hesitation and noise and then severely reduced power, causing a safety issue while driving. Vehicle was towed to local…
Own a 2018 Santa FE?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.