Home · 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport · Complaints

What 414 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (414)Crash / fire / injury (25)Engine (239)Brakes (67)Fuel system (37)Electrical system (26)Transmission & drivetrain (24)Engine & cooling (15)Speed control (15)Airbags (12)Steering (10)Lights (9)

Newest first · 414 complaints · page 8 of 17

Dec 29, 2023Engine

This is a certified preowned vehicle. I am the second owner. I do my own maintenance. Currently this engine/vehicle has 64553 miles, I noticed it starting to use oil around the high 40k mile mark. There are no oil leaks. I have to add oil multiple times between oil changes and I just read that some of these can lock up and completely stop. I suspect this would be caused by people not checking their oil regularly however I am concerned that is the oil consumption is bad enough that this can happen at any time while driving so I wanted to add my complaint to any other existing complaints.

NHTSA ODI 11562606

Dec 26, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11561906

Dec 19, 2023Engine

HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION: To the documented tune of 40 quarts consumed April17 - December 15, 2023, encompassing 24,116 driven miles. Hyundai America and this dealer knows all about this issue and is stalling on the remedy because it requires total engine replacement. Presently I am experiencing a P1326 engine knock sensor fault and I'm told by my mechanic a prospective catalytic converter failure due to high oil consumption. Experiencing loss of power and NO acceleration merging onto highway.

NHTSA ODI 11560844

Dec 6, 2023Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brake functionality were still operable. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle however, after several attempts he stopped. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there had been failure of pistons and rods in cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558793

Nov 26, 2023EngineFuel system

After buying my 2018 hyundai Santa Fe Sport this past June, I have been told the car has an oil consumption problem and is burning off oil quickly. For example, I have to add a quart of oil every 500 miles. The car has 98000 miles on it. No warranty with car dealer was established at time of sale

NHTSA ODI 11556822

Nov 13, 2023Engine

Engine consuming excessive oil which puts it and me at risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire either of which could cause an accident, injury or death to myself; other passengers and individuals nearby. This issue has been going on since shortly after purchase and Hyundai says it is a maintenance item and not a warranty or recall. I first informed them in July of 2021. I have since found out this has been a known issue and there was a class action suit in Ca. And numerous complaints to NHSTA. I went thru a series of Oil consumption test performed by and at the Hyundai dealership I purchased at- it failed all tests. Below are the dates mileage and how many quarts down it was each time VIN [XXX] DateMileageOil Added (QTS Down) 4/25/202381467fullStart tests 5/22/2023823261.7 6/22/2023838233.5 7/26/2023848432.5 8/15/202385567 Deep Clean 9/19/2023867613.0 10/25/2023878443.0 There should have been or should be a recall for this issue but Hyundai is avoiding responsibility INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11554844

Nov 9, 2023Body & structureVisibility & wipers

On November 2nd of 2023, I was driving approximately 5 miles away from home when all of a sudden the sunroof glass shattered. It sounded like an explosion of glass. I was driving at 45 miles per hour which is the speed limit in the area. It was very alarming when the sunroof glass shattered, I was nervous and thought that someone threw a rock at the car. I wasn't sure whether to stop the car or keep on driving. Thank GOD there was no traffic, otherwise it would have been a very dangerous situation. I safely pulled over into a gas station to check what had happened. There was nothing other than broken glass on top of the car. The sunroof looks like it had pressure from the bottom up.

NHTSA ODI 11554278

Oct 30, 2023Steering

I have noticed for the past year that my steering column feels loose. It makes a popping noise and really makes noise on rough pavement. I feel like the steering wheel is just gonna come off into my hands. It's very loose to turn and you can feel the pops within the steering wheel. I took my car to local repair shop and they told me there was a recall and that I should take to dealer. I called dealer but my Vin # is not listed within the actual recall. However I read the recall itself and that is what is happening to my Hyundai. It makes no sense that my exact Vin # would not be included in recall since I am having that problem.

NHTSA ODI 11552596

Oct 28, 2023EngineFuel system

I had no warning lights or messages and then the engine threw a rod and my car just died on the side of the road. It had apparently been burning oil. I get it back after 2 months and it needs a battery. Now the check engine light is on and it has affected the catalytic converter.

NHTSA ODI 11552356

Oct 28, 2023Engine

Engine is consuming 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles. Just had spark plugs replaced as the plugs fouled out due to oil leaking into cylinder. Dealership says the engine must blow for them to approve a new engine under warranty. This is a family vehicle with young children. If the engine fails, the vehicle will lose power brakes ans steering .

NHTSA ODI 11552365

Oct 17, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

We took our 2018 Santa Fe in for service because the check engine light came on and we lost power when accelerating. We were told that it has "catastrophic engine failure" and that we need a full engine replacement. On a less than 5 year old car. We are being blamed for this although we have kept up with regular oil changes and service. We were told that we could not get any warranty on the engine. We have been quoted $7,500 for an engine "replacement" and a 1 year warranty. They do not make the engine any longer so it is not even a true replacement. We brought it in to Hyundai of Metairie. They will not answer or return our calls. Do not buy a hyundai.

NHTSA ODI 11550374

Oct 16, 2023Electrical systemEngine

I have been conducting regular maintenance on my vehicle, getting oil changes, on average around every 6,000 miles. I have had the car since August 2021 and have had no accidents and haven't missed an oil change. My car is a little over 100K miles and the oil light began to come on close to 90k miles. The car is also leaking oil and all the service agent could tell me is that the are burns oil at an accelerated rate. Even though the oil light was on, NONE of the service agents mentioned any issues with the oil and nothing was mentioned when I purchased the car. I still have yet to receive the report from my last oil change from 10/06/2023. Also, the ABS light came on after I got the car serviced for a recall for the brakes and potential electrical fire while the car is parked. Each time I checked for a recall, nothing was found, even though this car clearly has an issue with oil consumption, well the engine in general.

NHTSA ODI 11550281

Oct 10, 2023Lane Departure

Blind Spot Detection System failed without warning. No obvious indication it has failed. No warning lamps, messages appeared at any time. In operatioin, neither left nor right side provided warning of cars in blind spot and no audio alert was sounded when changing lanes with turn signal on and car in blind spot. (BSD failures - and any advanced safety system failure - should be readily made apparent with an alert or indication of some kind) This safety system can prevent many accidents. However, as more advanced systems are in automobiles and used, the drivers rely on them functioning properly. When they fail without indication - and the driver assumes it works, it can lead to accidents that might otherwise be avoided. If the driver is aware that the system is not working - extra vigilance, for instance, could be used. The car may be made available for inspection upon request. The problem will be reported to dealer on 10 October 2023 for analysis and repair. The car, as of this moment has not been inspected by others.

NHTSA ODI 11549126

Oct 9, 2023Engine

major engine oil leak caused by defective drain plug receptacle. replaced washer and plug twice. still leaks. could cause engine failure.

NHTSA ODI 11548977

Sep 26, 2023Body & structure

In may july of 2023 a bubble in the paint came up about size of a large egg. It has since gotten larger every week and broke open leaving exposed metal and paint falls off while driving hitting windshield I reported to Hyundai motor company but as soon as they could get me in at a dealer mid October. I have pictures from the beginning of the bubble until now showing how it looked when it started and how much worse it’s been getting every week

NHTSA ODI 11546672

Sep 20, 2023BrakesService Brakes, Air

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure but replaced the ABS fuse. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed a failure with the ABS module. The contact was informed that the module was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred; the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that the traction control had activated, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. The contact stated the vehicle was taken back to the dealer the ABS module was replaced 3 times since January 2023, it was defective. Hyundai USA was contacted but each time there was a problem and they refused to do anything.

NHTSA ODI 11545651

Sep 16, 2023Engine

Oil leaking from drain plug, Threads in the oil pan look okay after being verified by my mechanic,had the drain plug replaced three times and the issue persists.

NHTSA ODI 11544972

Sep 12, 2023Brakes

I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE NEW I 2018 IT ONLY HAS 5,518 MILES THE THE ABS LITE CAME ON I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT SHOWES THE R R WHEEL BEARING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BAD / IT SHOULD BE WARRANTYED OF TIME IVE HAD FOR 63 1/2 MONTHS IT SHOULD BE CLASSED AS A FACTORY DEFECT /IT HASNT CAUSED ANY PROBLUM BUT WOULD OF HAD I BEEN ON A TRIP IT COULD OF CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THEY GAVE EST TO REPAIR AT 676.44 FOR PARTS AND 289.98 LABOR / A TOTAL OF 966.42

NHTSA ODI 11544069

Aug 24, 2023EngineFire

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound and there was fire coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle with her son. The contact stated that the fire died out before the fire department arrived. A fire department report was filed. There was no police report filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a fractured rod in the engine block had caused the engine to explode, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact the fire had burned the electrical wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 142,732.

NHTSA ODI 11540580

Aug 18, 2023Engine

while driving on a highway the engine lock up, and I was fortunate to get to the side of the road. Vary scary

NHTSA ODI 11539278

Aug 14, 2023Body & structure

paint peeling from roof of vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11538478

Aug 11, 2023Engine

In May, my vehicle began having issues with acceleration and was choking when going uphill, or would start choking when slowing to turn or start moving after being stopped. The engine light came on and had code P1326. Dealership did a system update and it went away. The car broke down not long after, wouldn't start. Replaced battery as it wouldn't charge and was drained. Still didn't work. Towed it to dealership. After several days, they said it might be the crankshaft position sensor. A local mechanic replaced it, it did not fix it. Spark plugs were completely burnt up and covered in gas. Changed spark plugs and it seemed fixed, until it broke down last week. Has code P0420 now. Checked oil, it has absolutely no oil in it and it has only been about 3000 miles since my last oil change. It is due for an oil change, but should not be completely out of oil. Burning oil can clog cat converter, causing P0420 code. My vehicle has a theta engine, which was involved in a lawsuit and settlement, which I only learned about yesterday, and have missed the deadline to file a claim. The vehicle has lost acceleration and died while driving, posing a risk to myself and other drivers. Vehicle is unreliable and unsafe. Dealership failed to tell me anything about my spark plugs, and did not mention my vehicle having oil issues. Non-dealership mechanics have been the ones to bring the issues to my attention. Corporate Hyundai will also not help.

NHTSA ODI 11537924

Aug 11, 2023Body & structure

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's body coating is clearly a hazardous manufacturer defect. The paint warranty for this and other models and model years was extended to 5 years late last year, but did not provide us with any safeguard. As a warranty, correction of the defect would only be approved by Hyundai if there was an observed problem. Within weeks of the end of the vehicle's 5-year warranty period, the pearl white paint suddenly started bubbling on the front hood in June 2023. Within a month, the bubbling and peeling had extended along the entire width of the hood as the deterioration accelerated with wind impact during each drive and water impact during frequent Florida downpours. The white paint separated cleanly from the base coating, clearly indicating poor paint material and/or factory application (i.e., failure of coating layers to adequately bind). The situation had degraded to making further driving hazardous, as moving at speeds above 35 - 40 mph caused additional peeling and flaking, which caused distractive flagging of loosened patches followed by tearing of large and small pieces of paint. The former would suddenly detach and "fly" towards and past the windshield, while the latter separated from the hood in streams that resembled snowflakes. These seriously distracted the driver, and presumably nearby motorists as well, putting all at risk. Fortunately, this has not resulted in an accident. We're aware that Hyundai is responsible for this road hazard, but cannot rely on a timely recall to remedy the matter. So, at the end of July, we had the vehicle stripped to expose the metal, and reapply coatings the way they should have been at the factory. This of course was done at significant personal cost. So far, this has played out very unfavorably in terms of the public perception of the lack of accountability for this manufacturing defect by Hyundai and the NHTSA, both of whom have been keenly aware of this years-long, on-going risk to U.S. motorists.

NHTSA ODI 11537952

Aug 11, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that she received an alert notification on her phone of an undisclosed recall. The contact then notified the dealer and confirmed that the VIN was included the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and scheduled an appointment. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed to the dealer, she noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact then heard a loud explosion coming from under the hood and abruptly depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway. The contact became aware of a trail of oil on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an internal combustion failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the dealer, but the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and Service Campaign 953: ECM & Cluster Update. The contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11537999

Aug 10, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Failed oil pressure sensor which was leaking oil through the wiring harness; could have caused a fire from oil dripping on exhaust system. Oil pressure sensors should only fail electrically, not from allowing high pressure oil to leak out. Dealer states there have been some cases where the oil flowed through the wiring harness to the vehicle ECU, rendering a severe problem in controlling the vehicle. Dealer repair invoice attached. Besides the oil pressure sensor the wiring assembly had to be replaced from the oil contamination.

NHTSA ODI 11537795

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Working with the data? Download all 414 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 23, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport verdict →