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

Engine complaints are the largest group, with 263 complaints. Brakes follow with 68. The total on file is 432.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, the by-year data shows 5 recalls for 2018. The Recalls section on this page lists them.

How many complaints mention a fire?

NHTSA notes 12 complaints that mention a fire among the 432 on file.

What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?

See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable, and is it the best year?

Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2018 sits next to other years. The complaint groups above show where owners report trouble.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 432 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe^[1]. The engine group is named in 263 of them^[2].

432owner complaints^[1]

5recalls^[3]

19–24MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most, biggest first.

Engine. 263 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a pause when pulling away from a stop, revs that climb while the car barely speeds up, and check engine lights on cars that were nearly new.
Brakes. 68 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a loud noise from the rear when the parking brake is set, and a car that did not slow when the pedal was pressed.
Unknown or other. 50 complaints^[7]. These do not fit a named group, so the count is all we can say.
Fuel/propulsion system. 38 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the car stalling at slow speeds or at a red light, sometimes needing several tries to restart. One owner describes a broken bracket that damaged the underside.
Electrical system. 30 complaints^[9]. Owners describe a hot smell, smoke in the cabin, and an engine that cuts off when the wheel is turned a certain way.
Power train. 28 complaints^[10]. We list the count here without a closer description.
Speed control. 15 complaints^[11]. We list the count here without a closer description.
Air bags. 13 complaints^[12]. We list the count here without a closer description.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 Santa Fe is necessarily included.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module (22V810), October 2022. About 44,396 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module (22V056), February 2022. About 357,348 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar (18V118), February 2018. About 41,070 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, steering problems. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Side/Window (17V801), December 2017. About 1,209 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs (17V577), September 2017. About 197 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Santa Fe Sport FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[18]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
Santa Fe Sport AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[19]	19 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Santa Fe Sport FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	21 / 27 / 24	$2,800
Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	20 / 27 / 23	$2,900
Santa Fe Sport AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[21]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Santa Fe Sport Ultimate AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[22]	19 / 24 / 21	$3,200
Santa Fe FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,200
Santa Fe Ultimate FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[24]	17 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Santa Fe AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[25]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Santa Fe Ultimate AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[26]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD^[5]	5	4	5	4	15.7%
SUV FWD^[27]	5	4	5	4	15.0%
SUV AWD^[28]	5	5	5	4	14.3%
SUV FWD^[29]	5	5	5	4	15.1%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[30]	240 hp
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 2.4L 4-cylinder^[31]	185 hp
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 3.3L 6-cylinder^[32]	290 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
SANTA FE SPORT AWD 4DR SUV^[33]	185 in	74 in	67 in	106 in	3,616 lb
SANTA FE SPORT FWD 4DR SUV^[34]	185 in	74 in	67 in	106 in	3,459 lb
SANTA FE XL AWD 4DR SUV^[35]	193 in	74 in	67 in	110 in	4,339 lb
SANTA FE XL FWD 4DR SUV^[36]	193 in	74 in	67 in	110 in	3,946 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Santa Fe model year. The 2018 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2001	209	4
2002	165	4
2003	308	4
2004	303	3
2005	216	3
2006	106	1
2007	684	7
2008	541	4
2009	358	2
2010	260	2
2011	181	2
2012	354	1
2013	805	7
2014	657	7
2015	339	4
2016	306	3
2017	1,326	7
2018	432	5
2019	229	3
2020	217	2
2021	187	8
2022	265	8
2023	290	2
2024	191	7
2025	238	5
2026	56	4

NHTSA's counts for the Santa Fe show 432 complaints and 5 recalls for 2018^[3]. Among the 27 model years listed, 21 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 5 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2017 (1,326)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2018 Santa Fe?

Owner complaints for this model year gather around the engine, with 263 complaints naming that group^[2]. Brakes come next with 68^[6]. NHTSA lists 0 deaths among the complaints for this year^[1]. The page also shows 5 recalls for 2018^[3], and the Recalls section has the details. These are unverified owner reports, so read them as a sign of what people run into, not as proof of how every car behaves.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?: Engine complaints are the largest group, with 263 complaints^[2]. Brakes follow with 68^[6]. The total on file is 432^[1].
Are there recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?: Yes, the by-year data shows 5 recalls for 2018^[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists them.
How many complaints mention a fire?: NHTSA notes 12 complaints that mention a fire among the 432 on file^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?: See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable, and is it the best year?: Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2018 sits next to other years. The complaint groups above show where owners report trouble^[1].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe

2005 216 complaints, 3 recalls
2006 106 complaints, 1 recall
2007 684 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 541 complaints, 4 recalls
2009 358 complaints, 2 recalls
2017 1,326 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 this page
2019 229 complaints, 3 recalls
2020 217 complaints, 2 recalls
2023 290 complaints, 2 recalls

Compare all model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe

Other Hyundai models from 2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra 335 complaints, 1 recall
2018 Hyundai Sonata 383 complaints, 2 recalls
2018 Hyundai Tucson 399 complaints, 1 recall

All Hyundai models

Similar cars from 2018: small suvs

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 87 complaints, 12 recalls
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 93 complaints, 6 recalls
2018 Nissan Pathfinder 78 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Nissan Rogue 669 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 Subaru Forester 498 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Toyota Highlander 274 complaints, 4 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 432 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (13 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
263 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 6 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Santa Fe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
68 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,500). NHTSA vehicle records
50 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,750). NHTSA vehicle records
38 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,000). NHTSA vehicle records
30 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 700). NHTSA vehicle records
15 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,638). NHTSA vehicle records
13 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 22V810, filed October 27, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V056, filed February 3, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V118, filed February 17, 2018: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V801, filed December 13, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V577, filed September 20, 2017: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Sport Ultimate AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Ultimate FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Santa Fe Ultimate AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 3.3L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE SPORT AWD 4DR SUV: length 185 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,616 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE SPORT FWD 4DR SUV: length 185 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,459 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE XL AWD 4DR SUV: length 193 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,339 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SANTA FE XL FWD 4DR SUV: length 193 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,946 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: problems, recalls and fuel economy