2018 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and 109 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (54), service brakes (19), unknown or other (12). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2018 has the fewest owner complaints of any Santa Fe model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Steering · steering wheel/handle bar
Problem: 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.
Risk: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 oi…
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. As the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, which knocked me down and result…
Safety ratings
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Santa Fe AWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Santa Fe FWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (02/03/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (54), service brakes (19), unknown or other (12).
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2018 has the fewest owner complaints of any Santa Fe model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe range from 20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SANTA FE, Santa Fe.