Is the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT reliable?

The 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT has 406 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT?

Top problems: ENGINE (203 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (50 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (39 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT?

The 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT has 406 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 238. The most common issue is engine problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: i have just purchased my santa fe sport 2.0t ultimate 4 days ago and while driving home today from work traffic was a stop and go. car drove fine for about a mile in this traffic (i drive a total of 16 miles a day to and from work), then i tried to go after stopping and there was a big hesitation i. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 11 fire reports filed.

11 fire reports 7 crash reports 10 injuries

406

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

203 complaints

50%

• I HAVE JUST PURCHASED MY SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE 4 DAYS AGO AND WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY FROM WORK TRAFFIC WAS A STOP AND GO. CAR DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT A MILE IN THIS TRAFFIC (I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 16 MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK), THEN I TRIED TO GO AFTER STOPPING AND THERE WAS A BIG HESITATION I
• THIS IS A NEW CAR WITH LESS THAN 1200 MILES PURCHASED FEBRUARY 2018. EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES THE PAST 6 WEEKS WHERE THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING A CORNER. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH BOTH RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM A FULL STOP. UNRESPONSIVE FOR 1-2 SECONDS THEN ENGAGES WITH
• CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND TESTING SHOWS 3RD CYLINDER HAS AS FUEL-OXYGEN IMBALANCE. HAS HAPPENED TWICE. LIGHT WENT OFF THE 2ND TIME. BRAND NEW CAR. IT HAPPENED AT 2,500 AND 5,000 MILES. HAD IT CHECKED BY HYUNDAI THE FIRST TIME AND THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS, CHALKING IT UP TO A MAL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“I HAVE JUST PURCHASED MY SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE 4 DAYS AGO AND WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY FROM WORK TRAFFIC WAS A STOP AND GO. CAR DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT A MILE IN THIS TRAFFIC (I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 16 MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK), THEN I TRIED TO GO AFTER STOPPING AND THERE WAS A BIG HESITATION I”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT

Based on 120 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 59K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 700 mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS20/09/2017

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.

Risk: If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SANTA FE SPORT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2018 SANTA FE SPORT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 406 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I HAVE JUST PURCHASED MY SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE 4 DAYS AGO AND WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY FROM WORK TRAFFIC WAS A STOP AND GO. CAR DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT A MILE IN THIS TRAFFIC (I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 16 MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK), THEN I TRIED TO GO AFTER STOPPING AND THERE WAS A BIG HESITATION I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I RENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR ON MAY 28. IT SEEMED TO RUN FINE THEN AND ON THE MORNING OF MAY 29. BUT ABOUT 3.45P.M. I WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS IN ARCADIA TO MY DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT WHEN I SAW A CAR AHEAD OF ME SUDDENLY PUT ON ITS BRAKE LIGHTS. I PRESSED MY BRAKES, BUT MY CAR D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 01/28/2018 - DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 79 NEAR EVANS CITY AT 7:30 AM, SUNDAY MORNING AND SUNROOF SHATTERED AND BLEW OUT OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND AT THE TIME, NO ROCKS OR TREES HIT IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND TESTING SHOWS 3RD CYLINDER HAS AS FUEL-OXYGEN IMBALANCE. HAS HAPPENED TWICE. LIGHT WENT OFF THE 2ND TIME. BRAND NEW CAR. IT HAPPENED AT 2,500 AND 5,000 MILES. HAD IT CHECKED BY HYUNDAI THE FIRST TIME AND THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS, CHALKING IT UP TO A MAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)