2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 357 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 357 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
166 46.5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
36 10.1%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
33 9.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
27 7.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 4.5%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 46.5% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 28 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 357 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 46% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport are ENGINE (166), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (33).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 277 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 25 of 25 systems
ENGINE
103 Reports41% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAVE JUST PURCHASED MY SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE 4 DAYS AGO AND WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY FROM WORK TRAFFIC WAS A STOP AND GO. CAR DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT A MILE IN THIS TRAFFIC (I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 16 MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK), THEN I TRIED TO GO AFTER STOPPING AND THERE WAS A BIG HESITATION IN THE ACCELERATION. THE CAR WENT TO 8 MPH THEN FELT AS IT HAD STALLED AND I ALMOST WAS HIT, THANKFULLY MY CAR STARTED GOING. IT DID THIS TWICE IN LESS THEN TEN MINUTES AND BOTH TIMES I WAS ALMOST HIT. I WAS ON A HIGHWAY DURING AFTER WORK 5:30 RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS HAS MADE ME NOT WANT TO DRIVE MY NEW CAR I AM PAYING FOR.
12/6/2017
THIS IS A NEW CAR WITH LESS THAN 1200 MILES PURCHASED FEBRUARY 2018. EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES THE PAST 6 WEEKS WHERE THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING A CORNER. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH BOTH RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM A FULL STOP. UNRESPONSIVE FOR 1-2 SECONDS THEN ENGAGES WITH A BIT OF A JOLT. SCARY IN THAT I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR WILL MOVE FORWARD AS TRAFFIC IS APPROACHING. DRIVING VERY DEFENSIVELY NOW. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED FROM A STRAIGHT FORWARD DEAD STOP. HAVE SEEN OTHER ISSUES OF THIS TYPE ON LINE. DEALER NOT CONTACTED AS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS ISSUE. POINTED THIS OUT IN AN ON-LINE SURVEY FROM HYUNDAI AND NO RESPONSE AS YET.
4/21/2018
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
33 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact was informed by his friend of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer has not been made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2/10/2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
3/31/2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
27 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
01/28/2018 - DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 79 NEAR EVANS CITY AT 7:30 AM, SUNDAY MORNING AND SUNROOF SHATTERED AND BLEW OUT OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND AT THE TIME, NO ROCKS OR TREES HIT IT.
1/28/2018
WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT, 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED, SOUNDING LIKE A SHOTGUN HAS SUDDENLY GONE OFF IN THE CAR. THE OVERHEAD PANEL WAS CLOSED SO NO GLASS CAME INTO THE DRIVERS AREA. IT WAS A CLOUDY DAY, NO RAIN AT TIME OF INCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THEN DRIVE HOME AT A REDUCED SPEED.
10/13/2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
18 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND TESTING SHOWS 3RD CYLINDER HAS AS FUEL-OXYGEN IMBALANCE. HAS HAPPENED TWICE. LIGHT WENT OFF THE 2ND TIME. BRAND NEW CAR. IT HAPPENED AT 2,500 AND 5,000 MILES. HAD IT CHECKED BY HYUNDAI THE FIRST TIME AND THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS, CHALKING IT UP TO A MALFUNCTION. SOMEONE TOLD ME IT COULD BE A BAD FUEL INJECTOR; BAD SENSOR; OR A MISCALIBRATION OF THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTOR
5/28/2018
MY CAR IS 6MONTHS OLD WITH 7600 MILES ON IT. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE/SHUDDER AND THEN SHUT OFF. I HAD TO TRY AND RESTART IT 4 TIMES BEFORE IT SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET, THANKFULLY RIGHT BEFORE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY.
3/6/2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CAMPUS POLICE PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ARRIVAL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY. A CAMPUS POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WERE FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
9/25/2019
80 MILES INTO A WEEKS VACATION MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, BACKTRACKED 20 MILES TO DEALER, LEFT MY NICE CAR (11,000 MILES)THERE FOR THE WEEK WHILE USING A RENTAL CAR WITH 177,000 MILES ON IT. PROBLEM WAS PERTAINING TO CAMPAIGN 953 ENGINE PROBLEMS. A WIRING HARNESS WAS PUT IN, AND THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE THAT HAD BEEN UPDATED THAT MARCH, AND THEY SAID THAT WAS ALL FIXED. I HAVE WATCHED THE VIDEO ON THIS CAMPAIGN PROBLEM, AND IT SCARES ME WHERE I CANNOT TAKE MY CAR OUT OF TOWN/ON VACATIONS OUT WEST! IF THIS ENGINE FAILS, I WOULDN'T ALWAYS BE ABLE TO GET TO A DEALER. I'M LIVING IN THE FEAR OF THIS, AND AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE "PEACE OF MIND" ENJOYING MY NICE CAR? I HAD TO LEAVE VACATION A DAY EARLY( RESORT PAID FOR THAT FINAL NIGHT WE DIDN'T GET TO ENJOY), SPENT THAT NIGHT IN HOTEL, JUST TO GET TO THAT DEALER TO PICK UP MY CAR BEFORE THEIR CLOSING TIME. I HAD TO FIGHT TO GET THE FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CAR RENTAL AND ONE NIGHT HOTEL BILL. THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, HYUNDAI FINALLY PAID THAT WHICH WAS ONLY FAIR WHEN A RECALL WAS INVOLVED! NOW I FIND THAT I HAVE CANCELLED GOING TO OUT OF TOWN FUNERALS, AND SHORT WEEKEND VACATIONS, BECAUSE MY ENGINE COULD GO OUT. I HAVE ASKED FOR A NEW ENGINE, AND THE LAST MESSAGE FROM HYUNDAI WAS ALL ABOUT MY CAR DOESN'T FIT THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE LEMON LAW....WHICH I HAVE NEVER MENTIONED.I HAVE ASKED FOR STATISTICS ON HOW MANY ENGINES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS CAMPAIGN 953 ISSUE, BUT NO ONE HAS ANY! IS THIS TRUE?? HOW CAN I GET MY ENGINE REPLACED, SO I CAN ENJOY MY CAR? THAT VIDEO SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN OUT THERE IF I AND OTHERS HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING WITH AN ENGINE THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS IN MANY WAYS!
3/8/2020
POWER TRAIN
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
NEW CAR WITH LESS THAN 400 MILES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED 7 EPISODES DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, WHERE THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING ONTO A CITY STREET. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH BOTH RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN. IT IS JUST UNRESPONSIVE FOR 1-2 SECONDS THEN ENGAGES WITH A BIT OF A JERK. VERY FRIGHTENING! I'VE HAD A FEELING OF PANIC NOT KNOWING IF THE CAR WILL MOVE FORWARD AS TRAFFIC IS APPROACHING. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CHECKED FOR DTCS AND COMPUTER UPDATES. SINCE THE PROBLEM IS UNPREDICTABLY INTERMITTENT, THE ROAD TEST DID NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THEY RETURNED THE CAR SAYING IT "DRIVES AS DESIGNED". THERE IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BEFORE RELEASING THE CAR. I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR I HAD HOPED WOULD BE SAFE AND PROBLEM FREE.
2/6/2018
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 DEALER TO TELL HIM ABOUT THE CRASH UNTIL I HAD BOUGHT A NEW CAR OF ANOTHER BRAND. NO MORE HYUNDAI EVER. THE BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEER WHO READ THE BLACK BOX REQUESTED I CONTACT YOU AFTER I FULLY EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. IF YOU NEED PDF FILES, I WILL HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SEND THEM.
4/8/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I RENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR ON MAY 28. IT SEEMED TO RUN FINE THEN AND ON THE MORNING OF MAY 29. BUT ABOUT 3.45P.M. I WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS IN ARCADIA TO MY DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT WHEN I SAW A CAR AHEAD OF ME SUDDENLY PUT ON ITS BRAKE LIGHTS. I PRESSED MY BRAKES, BUT MY CAR DID NOT SLOW. I HAD TO SWERVE AROUND THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE BRAKES STARTED WORKING AGAIN. AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, I MADE A LEFT BEHIND ANOTHER CAR. AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT BEHIND THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. IT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY, WHEN I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING AND GOING AND REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT THEN JUMPED BACK AND HIT THE OTHER CAR AGAIN. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. TO THE BEST OF MY RECOLLECTION, I HAVE NOT CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS. THE OTHER DRIVER AND I PULLED OVER AND EXCHANGED INFORMATION. BADLY SHAKEN, I DROVE TO MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE AND TOLD HIM ABOUT IT. UPON LEAVING HIS OFFICE, I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY IN HIS PARKING LOT BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES,, BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN. THIS TERRIFIED ME AS THE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD AHEAD WAS FULL OF CARS. AS I WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE BRAKES CAME BACK ON. I DROVE HOME AT ABOUT 15 MPH, AND ABOUT 100 YARDS BEHIND ANY OTHER CAR. I WAS VERY AFRAID. I PARKED MY CAR AT HOME. THE NEXT DAY, I CALLED ENTERPRISE TO HAVE THEM TOW THE CAR AWAY. AAA CAME AND DID THAT ON MAY 30.
6/11/2019
I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ON JUNE 11, #11219391 BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE, AND IT DOES NOT SHOW AS A FILED COMPLAINT. PLEASE ADVISE THE STATUS OF THIS COMPLAINT. THANKS
6/22/2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE HAS NO ACCELERATION AFTER A STOP. WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL PUTTING OUR LIVES IN DANGER OF A COLLISION. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN SWITCHING FROM ECO TO NORMAL MODE. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE SHORT MONTH I HAVE OWNED IT. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS OR VISUAL ITEMS TO PROVE IT. IT JUST DOES NOT ACCELERATE. I HAVE TO TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET IT TO KICK IN.
11/13/2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND WENT INTO IDLE MODE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (FITZGERALD'S COUNTRYSIDE HYUNDAI, 27419 U S HIGHWAY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33761, (727) 799-1800) WHERE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. *TT *TR
4/13/2018
STRUCTURE:BODY
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE BRACKET HOLDING THE CHARCOAL CANISTER BROKE AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED
5/3/2019
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's body coating is clearly a hazardous manufacturer defect. The paint warranty for this and other models and model years was extended to 5 years late last year, but did not provide us with any safeguard. As a warranty, correction of the defect would only be approved by Hyundai if there was an observed problem. Within weeks of the end of the vehicle's 5-year warranty period, the pearl white paint suddenly started bubbling on the front hood in June 2023. Within a month, the bubbling and peeling had extended along the entire width of the hood as the deterioration accelerated with wind impact during each drive and water impact during frequent Florida downpours. The white paint separated cleanly from the base coating, clearly indicating poor paint material and/or factory application (i.e., failure of coating layers to adequately bind). The situation had degraded to making further driving hazardous, as moving at speeds above 35 - 40 mph caused additional peeling and flaking, which caused distractive flagging of loosened patches followed by tearing of large and small pieces of paint. The former would suddenly detach and "fly" towards and past the windshield, while the latter separated from the hood in streams that resembled snowflakes. These seriously distracted the driver, and presumably nearby motorists as well, putting all at risk. Fortunately, this has not resulted in an accident. We're aware that Hyundai is responsible for this road hazard, but cannot rely on a timely recall to remedy the matter. So, at the end of July, we had the vehicle stripped to expose the metal, and reapply coatings the way they should have been at the factory. This of course was done at significant personal cost. So far, this has played out very unfavorably in terms of the public perception of the lack of accountability for this manufacturing defect by Hyundai and the NHTSA, both of whom have been keenly aware of this years-long, on-going risk to U.S. motorists.
8/11/2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE A DARK SPOT APPROX. 100 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. HYUNDAI SAYS IT IS DESIGNED THAT WAY TO PREVENT GLARE WITH THE HID LIGHTS THE VEHICLE HAS. IT IS HARD TO SEE MUCH IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN DRIVING. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE DARK SPOT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF CENTER. IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY SINCE I FIRST DROVE THE CAR AT NIGHT. I THINK IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE.
6/21/2018
BOTH OF HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT IS GETTING FOGGY TWO DAY AFTER I GOT THE CAR FROM THE DEALER.REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AND STILL GETTING FOGGY.
9/26/2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a scraping and clicking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and coasted off the highway. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle year was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
7/26/2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brake functionality were still operable. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle however, after several attempts he stopped. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there had been failure of pistons and rods in cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
12/6/2023
STEERING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VERY LOSE STEERING AND THERE IS A MANUFACTURE RECALL ON THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ACTUALLY SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN ITSELF. VERY HARD TO DRIVE WITHOUT SWERVING.
4/28/2018
THIS PAST SATURDAY I HAD TAKEN MY CAR INTO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN PLANTATION FL TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP INSPECT MY CAR FOR THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY RECALL. THEY GAVE ME THE CAR BACK AND SAID THAT THE LOT NUMBER OF MY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ON HYUNDAI'S RECALL. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING, I STARTED TO NOTICE THE WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. ALMOST TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS CONCERNED IT WOULD FALL OFF. I HAD MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR ALONG WITH MY WIFE FOR A WEEK TRIP DOWN TO THE FL ALETA. I DECIDED THE CAR FOR UNSAFE AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. UPON INSPECTION AFTER THEY PULLED THE AIRBAG OFF, THE WHOLE STEERING ASSEMBLED WAS CRACKED OFF. I HAVE DOCUMENTED WITH PICTURES. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI USA MUST EXPAND THEIR RECALL PART TO INCLUDE MORE LOT NUMBER ASSEMBLIES AS MY DEALER CLAIMS THEY DID NOT DISASSEMBLE THIS PIECE IN ORDER TO INSPECT. THEY CLAIM ALL LOT NUMBERS ENDING IN 9 ARE DEFECTIVE WHILE MINE WAS AN 8. MY FAMILY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR BADLY INJURED IF THE WHEEL HAD FULLY DETACHED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ARE THE DEALER CONFIRMED MY STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS FINE.
7/16/2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CAMPUS POLICE PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ARRIVAL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY. A CAMPUS POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WERE FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
9/25/2019
Early 2020, I had multiple reports that my driver side brake light was not functioning properly/off when I brake. I replaced the brake light bulb in summer 2020. Not long thereafter, I heard the same complaint from other drivers who noticed and were able to notify me while at a stop. I had it checked at a local oil change shop and they found nothing wrong. This year, I was told at separate times that it was not turning on. A couple of days ago, I had someone I knew report that the night brake lights function but when I brake, the driver side light is off. It could be an internal wiring issue or something else I can't reach. Either way, it is a brand new car I bought and should not experience issues this early. The earliest they can get my car into the dealership service department is November 16, 2021.
10/11/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON THE NIGHT OF 01/13/2021 I LEFT MY SUV PARKED OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 DECREE WEATHER . THE NEXT MORNING AT 5AM I STARTED MY CAR BY REMOTE START TO GET THE ICE OFF THE WINDOWS . I THEN DROVE TO WORK AND PARKED MY SUV. WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE AT 3PM THE REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERING YOU COULD EVEN HEAR IT CRACKING ALL OVER IT IT BLEW A HOLE IN IT ! THERE WAS NOT O PIECE OF THE REAR WINDOW THAT WAS NOT SHATTERED . MY SUV WAS PARKED WITH THE REAR WINDOW FACING THE SUN. MY SUV HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEPT IN MY HEATED GARAGE AT NIGHT UNT THE NIGHT IN QUESTION ! I DO NOT KNOW IF THE HEAT FROM THE SUN CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN DO TO THE WINDOW BEING SO COLD! BUT I DO KNOW IT WAS PARKED IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT WITH NOTHING AROUND IT ! I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INPUT ON THIS MATTER! THANKS
1/17/2021
On November 2nd of 2023, I was driving approximately 5 miles away from home when all of a sudden the sunroof glass shattered. It sounded like an explosion of glass. I was driving at 45 miles per hour which is the speed limit in the area. It was very alarming when the sunroof glass shattered, I was nervous and thought that someone threw a rock at the car. I wasn't sure whether to stop the car or keep on driving. Thank GOD there was no traffic, otherwise it would have been a very dangerous situation. I safely pulled over into a gas station to check what had happened. There was nothing other than broken glass on top of the car. The sunroof looks like it had pressure from the bottom up.
11/9/2023
AIR BAGS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Defective Passenger Airbag,the Airbag warning light flickers on and off periodically I was told by a Licensed Mechanic the Sensor for the front passenger seat may not deploy during a Collision
7/8/2021
Heavy oil consumption. Burning oil. Constant oil replacement needed. Airbag light stays on. Passenger air bag turns off when person is sitting in seat.
7/28/2022
SEAT BELTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILS TO ENGAGE. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. PRESSING THE RED BUTTON MAY RESET THE LATCH SO THAT MECHANISM WILL AGAIN WORK.
1/14/2019
FIRERELATED
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. While driving car was totaled due to an engine fire.
3/7/2022
WHEELS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The dealership informed me that my tires are dry rotted
5/21/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted without warning. The vehicle continued to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator as the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where she was informed that the vehicle needed a long block and turbo replacement. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000.
6/17/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while making a left turn, the headlights became inoperable. The contact manually switched the headlights on and off several times until the headlights returned to normal operation. The contact stated that the headlights were also turned off while the turn signals were activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the multifaction switch in the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was not available.
11/30/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT-Consumer is writing in with concerns and questions about the engine oil light indicator. Consumer checked the oil and it was dry. Consumers questions are: Why the engine oil light did not come on until there was almost no oil in the oil pan? There are no oil leaks under the vehicle. I am a retired Automotive Technician with 37 years for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC., and I have never seen this before. What happen to the warning and where did the oil go? Is there a recall on the Engine Oil Warning Light?
6/7/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure but replaced the ABS fuse. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed a failure with the ABS module. The contact was informed that the module was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred; the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that the traction control had activated, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. The contact stated the vehicle was taken back to the dealer the ABS module was replaced 3 times since January 2023, it was defective. Hyundai USA was contacted but each time there was a problem and they refused to do anything.
9/20/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure but replaced the ABS fuse. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed a failure with the ABS module. The contact was informed that the module was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred; the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that the traction control had activated, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. The contact stated the vehicle was taken back to the dealer the ABS module was replaced 3 times since January 2023, it was defective. Hyundai USA was contacted but each time there was a problem and they refused to do anything.
9/20/2023
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
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Blind Spot Detection System failed without warning. No obvious indication it has failed. No warning lamps, messages appeared at any time. In operatioin, neither left nor right side provided warning of cars in blind spot and no audio alert was sounded when changing lanes with turn signal on and car in blind spot. (BSD failures - and any advanced safety system failure - should be readily made apparent with an alert or indication of some kind) This safety system can prevent many accidents. However, as more advanced systems are in automobiles and used, the drivers rely on them functioning properly. When they fail without indication - and the driver assumes it works, it can lead to accidents that might otherwise be avoided. If the driver is aware that the system is not working - extra vigilance, for instance, could be used. The car may be made available for inspection upon request. The problem will be reported to dealer on 10 October 2023 for analysis and repair. The car, as of this moment has not been inspected by others.
10/10/2023
SUSPENSION
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On January 30th 2023 we made an appointment to take our 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to our local dealership in Newmarket Ontario Canada due to a clunking in the front end of the vehicle. On inspection our 2018 Santa Fe Sport was identified as having a BROKEN COIL SPRING on the driver side. Along with this inspection it was also noted the passenger strut/shock had been leaking and was out of fluid. The Newmarket Hyundai Dealership considered this to be an emergency repair. This was determined because the coil and or both coils could totally break and puncture the front tires. This information I obtained from the Hyundai recall 167!!! Although according to the recall seemed to be only in America we truly believe our 2018 Santa Fe Sport in Canada falls into the same category of the Hyundai recall 167. It has cost us a considerable amount of money as I personally am on a Disability Government Pension as well as my wife is also on a fixed Income Retirement Pension. As for our last 3 Brand New Purchases have been nothing but Hyundai Vehicles for their reliability Safety and long lasting enjoyment!!!! That being said we are a little disappointed that this front end Coil Spring Shock/Strut issue has now made us scared of what Could have happened because of this defect that does not seem to apply at the moment in Canada. We were certainly hoping to purchase at least 1 more Hyundai SUV Product or a Hyundai vehicle with continued Reliability Safety and Always a Pleasure to Drive Product. Unfortunately this occurence has caused us a considerable amount of doubt now as we were truly scared for our lives after the issue was diagnosed by the Hyundai Dealership. My wife and I would truly like to continue to believe in the Hyundai Product of Vehicles but are now extremely concerned about Reliability and Safety at this point. According to the diagnosis there could have been a CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT!!!
12/31/2023
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Are complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Are complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
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- Complaint entries
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- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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