2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Recalls
Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Top Failure Categories
Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.
Official Safety Recalls for 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (2)
Defect Summary: 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.
Safety Hazard: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.
Defect Summary: 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.
Safety Hazard: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Free 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.
Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints
Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).
"My 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Limited was at a Hyundai dealership for a transmission replacement. While it waited for parts, it was parked outside on the dealership’s lot. It caught fire there while no one was working on it, and the cause is not yet known."
"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 throughout the engine compartment while the vehicl..."
"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 purse from the cabin, the vehicle spontaneously and rapidly began reversing. As the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, wh..."
"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 was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was ..."