2018 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has 2 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Urgent: recall 22V-056 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.

Recalls

Complaints

110

Crashes / fires

6 / 5

Injuries / deaths

6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Recall 22V-056: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Feb 3, 2022 · 357,348 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 18V-118: Steering

Reported Feb 17, 2018 · 41,070 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners

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
Seats	3
Forward Collision Avoidance	3

Most reported parts

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — 1
Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,900 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Oct 27, 2026

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.

Engine · reported Sep 22, 2026

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…

Power Train · reported May 2, 2026

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…

Engine · reported Apr 11, 2026

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.

Engine · reported Mar 13, 2026

Catastrophic Engine Failure - Cam phasers blew apart and severely cracked the valve covers. This occurred with no prior warning lights. Minutes before failure, there was engine hesitation and noise and then severely reduced power, causing a safety issue while driving. Vehicle was towed to local Hyundai dealer who identified the cam phaser failure ausing external engine damage of the valve covers and complete loss of oil. This occurred only 3,000 miles after an oil change.

Other Hyundai Santa Fe years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Compare all Hyundai Santa Fe years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: 22V-056 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-118 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owners report engine problems most often (54 reports), followed by unknown or other (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,900 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.