The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is associated with 108 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 36 reports (33% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 10 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.4l 4-cyl, 2l 4-cyl, and 3.3l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 24 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 108 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (36 / 33%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 6 crash / 4 fire / 5 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–24 MPG (10 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Santa Fe Ultimate FWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Santa Fe Ultimate AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 22 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
| Santa Fe FWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Santa Fe AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 15.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe models.
View complete 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems & component breakdown (34 categories) →
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
View all 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →