How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

NHTSA lists 209 engine-related complaints out of 320 total complaints for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport, making up 65% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

No recall is listed in the related recalls data for this engine complaint set, though owners have referenced a separate fire recall from 2022 in complaint narratives.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 76,003 miles.

Are engine fires a concern for this model year?

NHTSA data shows 3 fire incidents and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport.

How does 2018 compare to other Santa Fe Sport years for engine complaints?

The 2018 model's engine share of 65% matches 2014, 2016, and 2017, while 2013 sits at 60% and 2015 at 56%, per NHTSA data.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 209 of 320 total complaints (65%) filed against the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with a median failure mileage of 76,003 miles. NHTSA lists no engine recall tied specifically to this data set, though 3 fires and 3 injuries were reported in this component.

Engine complaints: 209; 65% of 320
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 76,004 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate for one to two seconds after stopping, especially when turning left or right into traffic.
Sudden stalling or loss of power at speed, sometimes with the oil warning light on and accompanied by an abnormal knocking sound after repair.
Excessive oil consumption reported by multiple owners, in one case followed by the engine failing shortly after an oil change.
Check engine light triggered by a cylinder fuel-oxygen imbalance, recurring at different mileages on the same vehicle.
Smoke or fire originating from the engine/hood area while driving or parked, in some cases destroying the vehicle.
Unintended acceleration or throttle non-response, including one case where the car held speed with the pedal not pressed.

When 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 13, 2017, latest Sep 15, 2026.

209 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (18).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Santa Fe Sport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2013118 (60%)
2014105 (65%)
201546 (56%)
201645 (65%)
2017227 (65%)
2018209 (65%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?: NHTSA lists 209 engine-related complaints out of 320 total complaints for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport, making up 65% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?: No recall is listed in the related recalls data for this engine complaint set, though owners have referenced a separate fire recall from 2022 in complaint narratives.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 76,003 miles.
Are engine fires a concern for this model year?: NHTSA data shows 3 fire incidents and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport.
How does 2018 compare to other Santa Fe Sport years for engine complaints?: The 2018 model's engine share of 65% matches 2014, 2016, and 2017, while 2013 sits at 60% and 2015 at 56%, per NHTSA data.