2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: 2 recalls, 109 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #18V118000 · 2018 · 41,070 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel assembly May break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Why it matters: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #22V056000 · 2022 · 357,348 vehicles
What's wrong: The anti-lock brake system (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (54): the most common themes are noise or vibration (18), warning light on (18), fire / smoke (13).
- Other / unknown (12): the most common themes are warning light on (5), fire / smoke (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are warning light on (3), hard / delayed shifting (2), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has 109 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 26 Santa Fe model years for complaints (well below the 295 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 21,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (968 complaints, 6 recalls), 2019 (202 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (54), other / unknown (12), brakes (hydraulic) (12).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.