MYRModel Year Report

2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Sport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2013: 189 complaints 2013 2014: 155 complaints 2014 2015: 78 complaints 2015 2016: 64 complaints 2016 2017: 338 complaints 2017 2018: 316 complaints 2018
2018: 316 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2013189
2014155
201578
201664
2017338
2018316

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 61%

61% of complaints: engine — 192 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20241120

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 35 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 32 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show 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, 20241120

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20180408

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20171106 — suspension

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.

Campaign 17V577000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 316
R 20180205 — air bags

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.

Campaign 17V801000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220531 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 22V056000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20221116 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 22V810000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (192 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V577000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V801000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V056000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V810000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2016 ▲ 2015 ● 2014

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ● 2013 ● 2014

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.