2018 Hyundai Santa Fe VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 489 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 14 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (205), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (59), Unknown Or Other (54).
Santa-FE reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Hyundai Santa-FE before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Engine205
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic59
- Unknown Or Other54
- Electrical System30
- Power Train28
- Engine And Engine Cooling12
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for oil stains under the vehicle
- Test drive the vehicle to check for engine knocking or unusual noises
- Inspect the engine for metal shavings in the oil, which may indicate internal damage
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed, especially those related to the engine and electrical system
- Test the steering for any sticking or resistance, particularly at higher speeds
- Check the vehicle history for any previous engine replacements or major repairs
2018 Santa-FE recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Santa-FE. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 22V056000Feb 3, 2022Park outside until repaired
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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
- STEERINGNHTSA 18V118000Feb 17, 2018
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.
Consequence: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 22V810000Oct 27, 2022Park outside until repaired
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 17V801000Dec 13, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
- SUSPENSIONNHTSA 17V577000Sep 20, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
Consequence: If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.
Used-market value
2018 Hyundai Santa-FE resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Hyundai Santa-FE on the road
117,038 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE posts a 74/100 reliability score, landing just below the segment average. That places it in the mixed-to-moderate range rather than clearly above average. The recall count is elevated, which adds measurable buyer risk even before considering day-to-day complaint patterns.
Complaints are not evenly spread across systems. They cluster heavily around the engine, with a secondary tier involving service brakes, electrical system, and powertrain concerns. The presence of a sizable “unknown or other” share suggests the issue picture isn’t fully concentrated in a single, easily defined area, even though the engine dominates.
Overall, this Santa-FE carries a moderate reliability risk level relative to its segment.
What you get in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe report
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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
The 2018 Hyundai Santa-FE posts a 74/100 reliability score, landing just below the segment average. That places it in the mixed-to-moderate range rather than clearly above average. The recall count is elevated, which adds measurable buyer risk even before considering day-to-day complaint patterns.
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
The most-reported 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problem areas are: Engine (205), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (59), Unknown Or Other (54).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.