This page covers 5 recalls, 310 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2013 to 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport received NHTSA New Car Assessment Program ratings for US-market vehicles. The model earned five stars overall, with five-star ratings in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. The rollover test resulted in a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a redesign occurs, so this rating applies to the entire 2013 to 2018 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2018 Santa Fe Sport by a wide margin. Owners most often describe issues tied to the 2.4L four-cylinder, including sudden power loss, engine knocking, misfires, and the check engine light storing diagnostic codes like P1326. Several owners report the engine entering limp mode while driving at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by loud banging or a sensation of the engine seizing. Excessive oil consumption is a recurring thread, with some owners connecting rapid oil loss to eventual engine failure. A smaller but consistent group of owners report brake-related concerns, describing reduced stopping performance or a soft pedal feel. Stalling and surging at startup or while driving also appear across multiple engine complaints, with some owners noting the behavior became noticeable after recent software service work.
310
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 5 recalls, the most serious being an ABS module that can short-circuit and start an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is parked or in motion.
The side curtain airbags account for two recalls that describe the same underlying problem: a component inside the curtain airbag module can detach during deployment, preventing the bag from inflating fully in a side-impact crash and leaving occupants with less protection when they need it most. On the suspension side, the front coil springs can fracture under load while driving. When a spring breaks, the jagged end can pierce the tire, causing a sudden blowout and potential loss of vehicle control.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module can malfunction and create an electrical short, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driven.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module can malfunction and cause an electrical short in the engine compartment, potentially leading to a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse as needed at no cost to restore proper brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inflator diffuser in some side curtain airbags may be defective. In a crash, the diffuser could detach and become a projectile, or cause the airbag to not fully inflate, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Both right and left side curtain airbags will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the side curtain air bags may detach when the air bag deploys, potentially affecting protection during a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both driver and passenger side curtain air bags at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and could fracture while driving under certain loads.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front coil springs at no cost before the vehicle is sold.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
