2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What to watch for on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall)
Known for connecting rod bearing failure caused by machining debris, which can seize the engine or start a fire.
Excessive Oil Consumption
These engines often burn oil, and running low on oil speeds up bearing failure.
Which of these apply to your 2018 Santa Fe?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Service brakes: control unit/module
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Source: NHTSA
What 109 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance
- Trims
- LimitedLimited UltimateSE
- Engine
- 3.3L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- SUV
About the DM
The 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is the DM generation and is unusual in that Hyundai sold two distinctly sized vehicles under the name. The five-seat Santa Fe Sport used a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while the longer seven-seat Santa Fe used the 3.3-liter Lambda V6. Both were paired with a six-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional.
The split let Hyundai compete directly against both compact and mid-size three-row crossovers with one nameplate, though it caused persistent confusion for buyers. Interior quality and equipment were strong for the price across both versions. The TM generation that followed in 2019 ended the split, with the new Palisade taking over the three-row role.
For used buyers, the most important distinction is which body a specific vehicle is, since space and powertrain differ substantially. The 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged Theta II engines in the Santa Fe Sport were included in the large-scale recalls addressing connecting rod bearing wear, and verifying recall completion and the knock sensor detection software update is the highest-value check. The 3.3-liter V6 in the long-wheelbase Santa Fe is a different engine family and is not part of that campaign.
Other Hyundai Santa Fe years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners have filed 109 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include connecting rod bearing failure and excessive oil consumption. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.