Skip to Main Content
Close Button

Menu

Cars
Cars
SUVs
Hybrids/EVs
Luxury Cars & SUVs
Sedans & Hatchbacks
Minivans & 3-Row SUVs
Pickup Trucks
Used Cars
Electric Bikes
Bike Racks
All Car Research
New Car Buying Guide
Used Car Buying Guide
Build and Buy
Used Car Marketplace
All Car Buying & Pricing
Tires
Tire Retailers
Car Batteries
Car Insurance
Car Repair Shops
Car Reliability Guide
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Car Recalls
Car Safety
Car Seats
Talking Cars Podcast
All Key Topics & News
All Cars
Appliances
Appliances
Cooktops
Countertops
Dishwashers
Freezers
Microwave Ovens
Wall Ovens
Ranges
Refrigerators
All Kitchen Appliances
Air Fryers
Blenders
Breadmakers
Coffee Makers
Electric Kettles
Food Steamers
Food Processors
Rice Cookers
Knives
All Small Appliances
Vacuums
Robotic Vacuums
Washing Machines
Clothes Dryers
Washer/Dryer Pairs
Pressure Washers
Steam Mops
Laundry Detergents
All Laundry & Cleaning
Air Conditioners
Air Filters
Air Purifiers
Central Air Conditioning
Dehumidifiers
Thermostats
Water Heaters
Space Heaters
All Heating, Cooling, & Air
All Appliances
Home & Garden
Home & Garden
Mattresses
Pillows
Sheets
Bidets
Toilets
All Bed & Bath
Grills
Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Leaf Blowers
Pressure Washers
Snow Blowers
String Trimmers
Floodlight Cameras
Chainsaws
All Lawn & Garden
Decking
Door Locks
Flooring
Generators
Paints
Security Cameras
Security Systems
Wood Stains
Windows
All Home Improvement
Door Locks & Smart Locks
Home Security Cameras
Home Security System Services
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Storm Emergency Guide
Indoor Air Quality
All Home Safety & Security
Cat Litter
Dog Beds
Dog Food
Dog Harnesses & Carriers
GPS Pet Trackers
Pet Cameras
Pet Insurance
All Pet Products
Bakeware
Cookware
Food Storage
Water Filters
All Kitchen
All Home & Garden
Electronics
Electronics
TVs
Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers
Soundbars
Streaming Media Players
Headphones
Streaming Services Guide
All Home Entertainment
Laptops
Desktop Computers
Printers
Computer Monitors
Tablets
Wireless Routers
All Home Office
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Headphones
Cameras
All Smartphones & Wearables
All Electronics
Health
Health
Curling Irons
Electric Razors
Hair Dryers
Insect Repellents
Sunscreens
Toothbrushes
All Beauty & Personal Care
Bike Helmets
Electric Bikes
Ellipticals
Exercise Bikes
Fitness Trackers
Rowing Machines
Treadmills
All Exercise & Fitness
Bread
Coffee
Frozen Pizza
Ice Cream
Milk & Milk Alternatives
Pasta Sauce
Salad Dressing
Veggie Burgers
Yogurts
All Food
Hearing Aids
Blood Glucose Meters
Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart-Rate Monitors
All Home Medical Supplies
All Health
Babies & Kids
Babies & Kids
Car Seats
Strollers
Cribs
Bassinets
Diapers
Baby Monitors
High Chairs
Safety gates
All Babies & Toddlers
Thermometers
Babies & Kids Safety
All Children's Health
Water Beads
Backpacks
All School-Age Kids
All Babies & Kids
Money
Money
Banks & Credit Unions
All Banking & Credit
Investment Companies
Credit Cards
Rewards Cards
All Personal Finance
Car Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Pet Insurance
All Insurance
Coolers
Insulated Cups
Luggage
Plasma Lighters
Sleeping Bags
Car Rental Companies
All Travel
All Money
Everyday Essentials
Deals
Best Time to Buy
Bill Negotiator
Car Savings
Car Recall Tracker
Food Safety Alerts
Security Planner
Permission Slip
Repair or Replace
CR App
Issues & Advocacy
Issues & Advocacy
Car Safety & Sustainability Food Safety Financial Fairness Digital Security & Privacy All Issues & Advocacy
Take Action
Take Action
Volunteer with Us Add Your Voice Join a Research Project Attend an Event More Ways to Take Action
Support Our Work
Support Our Work
Donate Other Ways to Give
About Us
About Us
What We Do How We Do It Our People Our Partners Policies & Financials Media Room
Close Button
Home & Garden Food Safety Cars Best Time To Buy Repair or Replace Home & Garden
AskCR Try AskCR

Suggested Searches

Recent Searches

Suggested Searches

Product Ratings

Resources

Chat With AskCR

Resources

All Products A-Z
Your membership has expired

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

Re-activate
Join Now Upgrade Donate
2018
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Hyundai Santa Fe

EPA MPG: 20 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail

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
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots

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

See How Other Brands Stack up
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
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 03, 2022
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
STEERING
Feb 17, 2018
A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle