2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems and complaints
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most-reported areas: Engine (54), Service Brakes (19), Unknown Or Other (12).
Key takeaways
- 109 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 4 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 54 | 50% |
| Service Brakes | 19 | 17% |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 | 11% |
| Hydraulic | 12 | 11% |
| Power Train | 10 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 9 | 8% |
| Steering | 8 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 6 | 6% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 3% |
| Seats | 3 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-09-22
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 engin...
Engine,engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-06-16
See attached letter for complaint
Power Train,service Brakes - filed 2026-05-02
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 stru...
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More for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.