Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Hyundai Santa Fe

    EPA MPG: 20 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Santa Fe is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "GPS just suddenly stopped working"

    Anonymous, MN (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure Unsure)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""Complete electronics package in center of dash, including backup camera screen, radio, CD player, readout showing climate settings, interface for phone, Sirius XM, Android Auto, etc. etc. died and drained the battery and did so again every time battery was charged, so car couldn't be operated Package was removed so car could be operated. Package was unusable and replaced, and the replacement and car now work fine.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Steering wheel controls

    "Left side of the steering wheel controls stopped working. This is what is used for radio and phone control."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "The engine was leaking a lot of oil from the head and had to be repaired."

    Anonymous A., IN (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    "Oil leak covered on warranty"

    Anonymous, SK (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Other minor engine problem

    "Hyundia fuel induction service and combustion chamber cleaning did not help prevent oil consumption that they determine are related to the rings."

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other exhaust system problem

    "Experienced a check engine light in April of 2025. I scanned the vehicle for a code. The code indicated an exhaust problem. The repair shop I used further traced it to a defective O2 sensor. Problem solved."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "Valve cover gasket leak. Fixed at no cost under warranty"

    Anonymous, NV (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "The engine seized. Regular maintenance had been performed as recommended by the manufacturer."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Other major engine problem

    ""Engine is consuming 3-4 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. Excessive oil consumption will certainly lead to other issues (failure of catalytic converter) even if monitored closely. Manufacture declined repair even after I paid for additional fuel induction service and combustion chamber cleaning which did not fix the issue. If oil consumption is not monitored motor would be out of oil between manufacture recommended oil change 3k-7500 miles depending on oil type. Vehicle burns same amount with conventional and synthetic. If significant amounts of oil are not added between oil change motor will have catastrophic failure without oil, likely while driving or on the road creating safety issue.""

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "In 2023 the AC system failed to provide cooling to the vehicle interior. The system was recharged twice with out success. A new compressor was then installed. Problem solved."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    "The climate controls have never been properly addressed in my opinion, however dealership claims they cant replicate. So in Georgia heat, sometimes I get heat instead of a/c and in the winter I get a/c instead of heat."

    Anonymous A., GA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    "Hatch latch would not open from push button switch on hatch. They replaced the latch in the door to get it to work"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Other body problem

    "Front passenger airbag sensor was replaced previously, I was blamed for putting items on the seat, causing it to fail. I no longer put items on the seat, other than passengers, the sensor is not working properly again and will need to be addressed at my next servicing. Thankfully I purchased an additional extended warranty, hopefully it will cover this as it was very expensive."

    Anonymous A., GA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    ""plastic parts around window glass, on side mirrors and rear hatch have peeling clear coat""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Wiper motor or washer

    "Wiper motor failed"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Alternator

    "The engine oil leak entered the alternator and caused it to fail."

    Anonymous A., IN (2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07*
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13*
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19*
    20
    21*
    22
    23
    24*
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Feb 03, 2022
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V056000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 357348
    STEERING
    Feb 17, 2018
    A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V118000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 41070
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle