What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE?

Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (54 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (12).

How many 2018 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 109 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and problems

2 recalls and 109 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE.

recalls

109

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 22V056000 · reported February 3, 2022 · Hyundai Motor America · 357,348 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

NHTSA campaign 18V118000 · reported February 17, 2018 · Hyundai Motor America · 41,070 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine54
Service brakes, hydraulic12
Unknown or other12
Power train10
Electrical system9
Steering8
Service brakes7
Air bags6
Fuel/propulsion system5
Vehicle speed control5

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 22, 2026 · Engine
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…

Jun 16, 2026 · Engine
See attached letter for complaint

May 2, 2026 · Power train · crash reported
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…

Apr 11, 2026 · Engine
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…

Mar 13, 2026 · Engine
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 Hyundai dealer who…

Santa FE model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	2	255	9	13
2016	3	236	6	2
2017	6	971	14	23
2018	2	109	6	4
2019	2	203	16	13
2020	2	218	14	9
2021	7	167	4	2

Across all years, the 2017 Santa FE has the most complaints (971). All Hyundai Santa FE years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on February 3, 2022 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE?: Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (54 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (12).
How many 2018 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 109 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 22, 2026.