2018 Hyundai Santa Fe — Known Issues & Recalls

Your engine's cam phaser components failed catastrophically, cracking the valve covers and causing a complete loss of oil. You experienced engine hesitation, unusual noise, and severe power loss just before the failure, creating a safety hazard while driving. The failure occurred without any warning lights and happened only 3,000 miles after an oil change. Repair will require replacing the cam phaser assembly, valve covers, and engine oil, along with inspection for any additional internal damage.

Your Santa Fe shut off twice while driving, and you then heard a rhythmic knocking sound that got louder during acceleration. After an oil change, the knocking slightly improved, but when you took it to a shop, they found metal shavings in the oil indicating complete engine failure—requiring a $12,000 engine replacement at just 83,000 miles. The dashboard showed no warning lights before the failure occurred. Addressing this would require full engine replacement or a complete engine overhaul.

Your engine shut off suddenly while you were driving without any warning signs beforehand. This is a serious safety concern since you lose power steering, power brakes, and engine power while on the road. A mechanic will need to diagnose why the engine stalled—this could involve checking the fuel system, ignition system, or engine sensors.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her son was driving 60 MPH in the far-left lane with the contact seated in the front passenger's seat, the contact and the driver noticed a burning odor. The driver was able to pull into the median.

Significant oil consumption and engine noise.

My engine failed on 11/21/24. I brought it to dealership to confirm the failure on 11/22/2024. I was driving on the highway when the car started to violently shake and then shut off.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon checking the engine oil dipstick, the dipstick was abnormally dry. No warning lights were illuminated.

Was on my way home from work, and suddenly my engine threw a rod and now my engine is blown.

Your 2018 Santa Fe is making engine knocking sounds and you've found metal shavings in the oil, which could indicate timing chain or bearing problems. These issues developed around 91,500 miles and suggest a potential engine failure risk while driving. The fix will likely require a full engine inspection and possibly replacement of internal engine components like the timing chain, bearings, or the entire engine.

I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent (non-original) owners.

Engine burned 3-4quarts of oil within 3,000 miles. Can result in vehicle failure while driving in city or highway. Vehicle has had all manufacture recommended service and issue started under warranty, but manufacturer has declined to repair issue.

Your engine suddenly shut off while driving and wouldn't restart. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed it as a complete engine failure, even though the oil level was adequate. The repair cost was quoted at $13,000, and the vehicle has been unable to be driven for 3 years. The underlying cause of the engine failure remains unexplained.

Your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a sudden engine lock-up while driving in September 2024, causing it to lose power and smoke, which required the fire department to spray the engine compartment to prevent a fire. After the vehicle was repaired over 9 months, the front-facing camera stopped working, which had been functioning before the incident. You believe the camera failure resulted from electrical or component damage caused by the engine failure or fire-prevention efforts, but Hyundai denied your claim without having an independent inspector examine the vehicle for secondary damage. The underlying engine failure and fire risk, along with the subsequent camera failure, suggest there may be broader electrical or wiring issues that need investigation.

At 118,000 miles Downhill brake, transmission and 4 wheel drive were damaged from the hyundai dealership not fullfilling warranty. They disconnected my tow hitch and my transmission was burning .. smelled like a bon fire.

The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block.

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Two fuel injectors on bank 2 are failing intermittently causing the engine light to flash and stay on (P0300 errors) and the car loses power. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?

All of the bolts that hold the CVVT assembly backed out and one came completely out. It punctured a hole in my valve cover. Oil sprayed all underneath my hood and leaked out on the road.

Your rear reverse camera has stopped working properly. The image became grainy and flickered before going completely blue, so you can't see behind your vehicle when backing up. This is a significant safety issue since you lose visibility when reversing. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the camera wiring, connector, or the camera unit itself, and potentially replacing the camera or repairing electrical connections.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while conducting a routine inspection on the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant was low in the coolant reservoir. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected.

Seems to be having ignition switch problems. Bought a new battery a couple times now thinking that was the problem but car won’t start at times. It won’t turn and won’t click and all the electrical (radio lights…) just seems to turn off as I turn the key with no sound following.