Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 321 safety complaints
about the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Sport with the US government. Of those, 7 describe a crash, 8 mention a fire, 7 people were injured and no death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 196 complaints, 61% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 60,000 miles,
the median across the 95
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers November 2017 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
321 complaints on file
321
Complaints
7
Describe a crash
8
Mention fire
7
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
A further 1 defect
investigation is
open and unresolved.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 196 · 61%
196 61%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 38 · 12%
38 12%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 36 · 11%
36 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33 · 10%
33 10%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21 · 7%
21 7%
POWER TRAIN 18 · 6%
18 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13 · 4%
13 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 13 · 4%
13 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10 · 3%
10 3%
AIR BAGS 7 · 2%
7 2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7 · 2%
7 2%
STRUCTURE 5 · 2%
5 2%
081162
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 321.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2022 at 68.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2017 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
14.3%
15.1%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Recall campaigns
4 on file
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 44,396 vehicles across all model years covered
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 357,348 vehicles across all model years covered
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
17V801000 · December 13, 2017
The defect
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
The risk
If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 1,209 vehicles across all model years covered
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
17V577000 · September 20, 2017
The defect
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
The risk
If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 197 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
AQ23002
Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023
the hydraulic brakes
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
Loss of Motive Power
DP22003
Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023
the engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
ENGINE
3 injured
This is just a follow-up to request an Expedited Hearing regarding the Hyundai Santa Fe because the Engine Stallings, Oil Consumption (about 2 qts. every 1000 miles) Tailpipe Smoking problems are getting worse. It's becoming a Major Safety Hazard. Engine Stalling example: With both kids (girl [XXX] & boy [XXX] ) in the SUV Driving approx. 50 mph the Engine Stalled and I could not steer the SUV. I hit the curve to avoid the 50 mph oncoming traffic and a catastrophic accident. This incident (about 57,000 miles) and the subsequent 12 to 15 Stallings were reported to Hyundai and is why we are desperately requesting the Expedited Hearing. Many of the Engine Stallings were reported to Hyundai …
NHTSA complaint 11626424, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
POWER TRAIN
2 injured · crash · towed · 2,400 miles
I WAS SLOWLY CROSSING THREE TRAFFIC LANES AND TURNING LEFT. NO ONE WAS COMING FROM THE RIGHT, SO I APPLIED THE THROTTLE IN THE INSIDE LANE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IT LEFT ME IN THE ROAD AND I WAS T-BONED IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS INJURED, AND I HAVE HAD NECK ISSUES. WE COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILLED. THE CAR HAD STALLED ONCE BEFORE. I HAD THE CAR TWO MONTHS WITH 2,400 MILES AND NOW IT WAS DECLARED TOTALED. I REQUESTED THE BLACK BOX TO BE REMOVED AND REVIEWED. IT SHOWED THE SPEED AND TIMING MADE SENSE, BUT WHY DID THE CAR NOT TAKE OFF? I GOT THE TICKET - "FAILURE TO YIELD FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE". VERY, VERY FRIGHTENING. I DID NOT CALL THE HYUNDAI …
NHTSA complaint 11083897, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 injured
I pulled into my driveway, put car in park, left the car running to leave the ac for a minute, my granddaughter was in the backseat. I got out of the car , let my granddaughter out , i then was standing outside of the drivers side, reached in , turned off the car, removed the keys and it started rolling. I couldn't get out of the way and fell , car ran over right leg. Was taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment. I haven't taken the car in for evaluation by dealer , insurance or other auto specialist
NHTSA complaint 11691367. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
FIRERELATED
fire · towed · 80,000 miles
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like there was a flat tire. The vehicle then lost motive power and caught fire. The fire started from under the hood. There was no injury sustained and no medical treatment was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, and a fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a copy of the bill of sale. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign …
NHTSA complaint 11455559, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver window as well as the driver rear window fuse blows out. It poses a threat when you need to get the windows down in an event of emergency.
NHTSA complaint 11767684. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
My 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2.4L Theta II GDI, VIN [XXX], approx. 110,000 miles) has suffered a chain of engine and emissions-system failures that create a loss-of-power safety hazard. At about 80,000 miles, Hyundai replaced the original engine under warranty for excessive oil consumption, a defect Hyundai has acknowledged across the Theta II engine family. After only about 20,000 miles on that replacement engine, the catalytic converter failed and set a P0420 code. The vehicle now bogs down, hesitates, and loses power under acceleration. This is dangerous when merging or accelerating into traffic, where a sudden loss of power raises the risk of a collision. A restricted or failing …
NHTSA complaint 11764451, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
Bought this as a used vehicle with around 77k miles. The SUV was running fine for a little while until I drove onto the highway. It eventually began to bog down and there was hesitation and jumping instead of acceleration. This continued my entire trip home with the check engine light on. The car was only driven for about 300-400 miles in the time I had it. When I brought it to have an oil change, they found metal shavings in the oil. From what I’ve been reading, this has been a common problem for this vehicle. It has been sitting in a Hyundai service center for at least a month now with no real responses from Hyundai themselves. They told me they would not fix the problem due to lack of …
NHTSA complaint 11759687, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
The Hyundai Theta engine is a bad design that has many recalls, a history of oil consumptions, and breakdowns that leave consumers in danger, on the roadside, and out of money. This engine has a design that causes worn engine components and high oil consumption causing reduced engine power, ruined spark plugs, and engine damage with no recourse as a owner. Recently, my family member had a hesitation that causes the car to run rough and display a check engine light. She was in traffic and the vehicle was stopping. Had this been on the interstate it could have been deadly. This IS NOT UNCOMMON for these vehicles. A quick Google search is nationwide proof of an issue with these vehicles and …
NHTSA complaint 11751035, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
The engine on this vehicle suffers from a severe oil consumption defect that was first officially reported to the authorized dealership on February 3, 2025 at approximately 90,000 miles while under the factory powertrain warranty. The vehicle completely empties its engine oil supply in under 1,000 miles of normal driving. Running entirely out of oil within such a short interval poses an imminent, extreme risk of sudden engine seizure, catastrophic mechanical failure, and sudden stalling at highway speeds. The manufacturer and dealership have physically documented this rapid depletion of oil over a 17-month period but are refusing to replace the defective components, instead attempting to …
NHTSA complaint 11751139, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
The car has 90,000 miles on it and uses excessive oil, not leaking. It uses at least one quart per 1000 miles.
NHTSA complaint 11748333. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed October 27, 2022.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst