CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Hyundai Santa FE has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (54 reports).
2018 Hyundai Santa FE recalls
ABS Module Short Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module in certain Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles can malfunction and cause an electrical short.
Steering Wheel Can Break Loose While Driving
The steering wheel assembly on certain vehicles may break, and the steering wheel can separate from the steering column while the vehicle is being driven.
Most common 2018 Hyundai Santa FE problems
Problem areas named in the 110 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 54 |
| Unknown Or Other | 13 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 |
| Power Train | 10 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Steering | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
What owners report
My 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Limited was at a Hyundai dealership for a transmission replacement. While it waited for parts, it was parked outside on the dealershipâs lot. It caught fire there while no one was working on it, and the cause is not yet known.
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 engine compartment while the vehicle was in operation. Engine oil was sprayed onto hot engine and exhaust components while the vehicle was being driven on public roads. This presents a fire hazard. The same failure also risks sudden loss of engine oil pressure and seizure without warning, which would cause an abrupt loss of motive power in traffic. Approximately twelve days before
See attached letter for complaint
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. âAs the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, which knocked me down and resulted in the vehicle running over me. The vehicle only stopped its rearward movement once it collided with a neighbor's parked car. Only after the vehicle began moving did the horn begin blaring, indicating a delayed rollaway alert. âThis incident resulted in a fractured ankle that required surgical intervention. Des
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 while the towing was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was seized and needs a replacement. The vehicle is a 2018 and has only 118000 miles. We do oil changes periodically every 3000 miles.
2018 Hyundai Santa FE questions
Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE: ABS Module Short Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire; Steering Wheel Can Break Loose While Driving. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE?
Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (54), Unknown Or Other (13), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (12).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Hyundai Santa FE has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.