2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 322
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
61% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 322 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 198 |
| 2014 | 162 |
| 2015 | 83 |
| 2016 | 67 |
| 2017 | 352 |
| 2018 | 322 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
61% · 197 reportsShow complaint excerpts
This is just a follow-up to request an Expedited Hearing regarding the Hyundai Santa Fe because the Engine Stallings, Oil Consumption (about 2 qts. every 1000 miles) Tailpipe Smoking problems are getting worse. It's becoming a Major Safety Hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-20
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
While driving over the pass the car suddenly lost power and was running very rough. Luckily there was an exit close by that we took and the engine died on the exit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Bought this as a used vehicle with around 77k miles. The SUV was running fine for a little while until I drove onto the highway. It eventually began to bog down and there was hesitation and jumping instead of acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-26
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and power train
Service brakes
16% · 50 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
I rented the vehicle from enterprise rent a car on May 28. It seemed to run fine then and on the morning of May 29. But about 3.45P.m.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-11
Fuel/propulsion system
10% · 33 reportsElectrical system
7% · 21 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The driver window as well as the driver rear window fuse blows out. It poses a threat when you need to get the windows down in an event of emergency.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
Power train
6% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was slowly crossing three traffic lanes and turning left. No one was coming from the right, so I applied the throttle in the inside lane and nothing happened. The car stalled without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-08
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-11-06Suspension17V577000 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.
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.
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2018Complaint volume 322 complaints filed for this model year.
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2018-02-05Air bags17V801000 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.
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.
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2022-05-31Service brakes, hydraulic22V056000 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.
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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2022-11-16Service brakes, hydraulic22V810000 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.
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.
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 197 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 50 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 33 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V577000 · Suspension
- Recall 17V801000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V056000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V810000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.