Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the headlights suddenly illuminated without the vehicle being turned on, causing the battery to be drained. The contact recharged the battery to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the light switch failed to turn off the high beam headlights; however, the headlights and the indicators were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the junction block had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the contact was not sure of the cause of the failure and needed to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that an interlock casing, fuse, and relay that had melted, and that the switches were not responding, but could not confirm what caused the failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blue screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The warning system failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the GPS showed the wrong directions. Due to the failure, the vehicle went into the wrong lane. In addition, several unknown warning lights illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was too old for the update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. The battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The warranty claim was denied. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
While sitting in park at a restaurant parking lot eating lunch, an Employee noticed smoke coming from my hood area on my vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames coming from the hood area, The employee attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire to no avail. Fire department arrived on scene and extinguish fire. Vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership for further investigation.
My husband was driving our vehicle on the highway when the engine began to smoke and the caught fire. Unfortunately it was not able to be saved. We filed a claim with our carrier and are pending an inspection. We looked up our vin and confirmed a fire recall from 2022.
The day after I purchased this 2018 Used Hyundai Santa Fe, the passenger air bag light came on. July 2024. I have been working with the dealership where I purchased the vehicle (Larry H Miller Chevrolet, in Murray Utah), and calling Hyundai Corporation for months. Hyundai called me every 3 days for almost 3 months with a customer update and they would say is "We have no updates". This is extremely frustrating. The main idea Hyundai Corporate office is telling me is that they don't have a contract with someone that would provide the vehicle part to fix this issue. They don't have a car part available in existence to fix this issue. This is a huge safety concern. …
My car Engine stopped working while I was driving to work. Middle of traffic was not safe and the safety of others was effected because my car was unable to move, it was a high risk dangerous situation. Problem was reported to mechanic as well as insurance company (geico) car was pushed by strangers into a nearby parking lot, which then I waited for a towing truck. The car was inspected by a mechanic who then told me to have it inspected by Hyundai and Hyundai has told me due to lack of maintenance my car stopped working and there is nothing they can do. I am insulted by the lack of concern Hyundai has had for what they have put me and my livelihood through. I am aware of the recall on these vehicles. Engine :2.4L I4 DGI DOHC 16V. The Engine light came on I had it diagnosed immediately...I was told my cam shaft and knock sensors needed replacement, they were replaced. …
I have been conducting regular maintenance on my vehicle, getting oil changes, on average around every 6,000 miles. I have had the car since August 2021 and have had no accidents and haven't missed an oil change. My car is a little over 100K miles and the oil light began to come on close to 90k miles. The car is also leaking oil and all the service agent could tell me is that the are burns oil at an accelerated rate. Even though the oil light was on, NONE of the service agents mentioned any issues with the oil and nothing was mentioned when I purchased the car. I still have yet to receive the report from my last oil change from 10/06/2023. Also, the ABS light came on after I got the car serviced for a recall for the brakes and potential electrical fire while the car is parked. …
Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty work. The car is nice but have lost confidence in vehicle due to constant reminders to dont drive often and do not park in garage. We have been in fear for over a year and they do nothing. Now they say I have to file a legal case for lemon law and pay the expenses. They promised loaner or rental plus any out of pocket but it was all a lie. They promised to find another repair dealer and again, lied. always saying "we're having difficulty contacting the dealer" then go dark.
My starter failed while out shopping. No issues starting the car departing from my home, but would not start in the store parking lot. My mechanic did not provide the broken part for inspection however everyone commented that is was very unusual for it to fail as I only have roughly 25,000 miles on it. My mechanic also mentioned that this was 2nd 2018 hyundai sante fe in the past week he had to replace the starter on that vehicle had 60,000 miles. There were no warning lights prior to the event, I suspected it was the starter after having a new battery installed and no success starting because of the lights that remained on on the instrument panel.
Electrical complaints in other Santa Fe Sport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 7% of the model year's 323 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.