NHTSA data · free2018 Hyundai Santa FeProblems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)
Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, ranked by the component that failed most.
Complaints on file
108
Recalls issued
2
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
4
What breaks most
- Engine53 complaints · 49.1%
- Service Brakes19 complaints · 17.6%
- Hydraulic12 complaints · 11.1%
- Power Train10 complaints · 9.3%
- Electrical System9 complaints · 8.3%
Recalls on this model year
- Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
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.
Campaign 18V118000 · reported 17/02/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Park outsideService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
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.
Campaign 22V056000 · reported 03/02/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
What owners report
Engine
- See attached letter for complaint
- 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
- 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
Service Brakes
- On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a p
- At 118,000 miles Downhill brake, transmission and 4 wheel drive were damaged from the hyundai dealership not fullfilling warranty. They disconnected my tow hitch and my transmission was burning .. sme
- I was driving going around 50 and put on my brakes after that the abs light Epb light and cruise control lights all came on and my car wouldnt stop unless I preessed very hard on brakes. and other lig
Hydraulic
- The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. T
- The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. T
- The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22v056000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The
Power Train
- On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a p
- Was driving and car turn off on me and wouldn't start I got it towed to Hyundai and they said my engine went out it had oil and everything we don't know why can stopped working has been sitting in my
- •Year/Make/Model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe •Mileage: ~91,502 •Date Purchased: April 2023 Description of Problem / Safety Concern: I am reporting a safety-related engine defect in my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Electrical System
- Was driving and car turn off on me and wouldn't start I got it towed to Hyundai and they said my engine went out it had oil and everything we don't know why can stopped working has been sitting in my
- In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire r
- The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block. This causes oil on the underbody and ground, smoke amd smell from oil on got surfaces, knocking noises from the
Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.
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