Hyundai · Santa Fe · 2018
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
2
Recalls
106
Complaints
5/5
NCAP overall
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 recalls and 106 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (36 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 12030
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 36 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 106 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (36), service brakes, hydraulic (12), unknown or other (7).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 106
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 5/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 12030.
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 12030
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V056000February 03, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 18V118000February 17, 2018
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
106 totalENGINE
Apr 6, 2026
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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jan 21, 2026
Engine Issues: A week ago, on two separate occasions, my Santa Fe cutoff while driving suddenly. A day later, I noticed a rhythmic knocking upon starting my vehicle. The knocking would increase during acceleration and decrease when I let off. I am only at 83,000 miles on this 201...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Dec 18, 2025
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 w...
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ENGINE
Aug 6, 2025
Engine stopped abruptly without warning while driving vehicle.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Jun 28, 2025
I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2025
The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block. This causes oil on the underbody and ground, smoke amd smell from oil on got surfaces, knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination or the check engine light and...
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ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2025
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Two fuel injectors on bank 2 are failing intermittently causing the engine light to flash and stay on (P0300 errors) and the car loses power. Q: How was your safety or the sa...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
May 23, 2025
All of the bolts that hold the CVVT assembly backed out and one came completely out. It punctured a hole in my valve cover. Oil sprayed all underneath my hood and leaked out on the road. The car went into limp mode while I was driving, and had I not already pulled off the street,...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Mar 23, 2025
•Year/Make/Model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe •Mileage: ~91,502 •Date Purchased: April 2023 Description of Problem / Safety Concern: I am reporting a safety-related engine defect in my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle has developed engine knocking, metal shavings in the oil, and pote...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 3, 2025
Rear reverse camera stopped working. Image became grainy, then flickered, then went to a blue screen. Can't see anything behind the vehicle when backing up is a big safety hazard.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 106 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Santa Fe Years
2019 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.2r183c2017 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.6r910c2020 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.2r178c2016 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.3r232c2021 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.7r154c2015 Hyundai Santa FeCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.2r250c
More 2018 Hyundai Models
2018 Hyundai TucsonAnother 2018 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r373c2018 Hyundai SonataAnother 2018 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r353c2018 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2018 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.265c2018 Hyundai KonaAnother 2018 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.69c2018 Hyundai AccentAnother 2018 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r17c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has received 106 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 12030. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe are engine (36 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (12 reports), unknown or other (7 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.