2018 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026ILEngine

   While driving, the vehicle developed a strong odor of engine oil, followed within minutes by illumination of the red oil pressure warning light. Inspection determined that a bolt had exited the engine's timing assembly, broken the timing chain, and punctured the timing cover, discharging engine oil throughout the engine compartment while the vehicle was in operation. Engine oil was sprayed onto hot engine and exhaust components while the vehicle was being driven on public…

   NHTSA complaint #11766057 · source
2. Filed Apr 11, 2026NYEngine

   My wife was driving the vehicle by the left lane on route 9A northbound on elmsford at a speed around 35 mph. The vehicle suddenly came to stop completely while driving. My wife tried to start it but it didn't start. We called the police to come help us due to the ongoing traffic while the towing was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was seized and needs a replacement. The vehicle is a 2018 and has only 118000 miles. We do oil changes periodically every 3000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11730527 · source
3. Filed Mar 13, 2026PAEngine

   Catastrophic Engine Failure - Cam phasers blew apart and severely cracked the valve covers. This occurred with no prior warning lights. Minutes before failure, there was engine hesitation and noise and then severely reduced power, causing a safety issue while driving. Vehicle was towed to local Hyundai dealer who identified the cam phaser failure ausing external engine damage of the valve covers and complete loss of oil. This occurred only 3,000 miles after an oil change.

   NHTSA complaint #11724023 · source
4. Filed Feb 2, 2026TNEngine

   Engine Issues: A week ago, on two separate occasions, my Santa Fe cutoff while driving suddenly. A day later, I noticed a rhythmic knocking upon starting my vehicle. The knocking would increase during acceleration and decrease when I let off. I am only at 83,000 miles on this 2018 vehicle. I took the vehicle in for an oil change and they didn't notice anything off about the oil. Afterwards it slightly improved; however, once I was able to get it to the shop they said there…

   NHTSA complaint #11715002 · source
5. Filed Nov 27, 2025KYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Was driving and car turn off on me and wouldn't start I got it towed to Hyundai and they said my engine went out it had oil and everything we don't know why can stopped working has been sitting in my drive way for 3 years because we don't have 13000 that Hyundai told us

   NHTSA complaint #11701775 · source
6. Filed Nov 14, 2025VAFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire risk. Fire department responded to prevent the engine from catching fire and had to spray the engine compartment with high-pressure water. Following this incident, vehicle remained in Hyundai’s possession for ~9 months for engine-related repairs. When we picked up the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11699482 · source
7. Filed Nov 6, 2025NJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   •Year/Make/Model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe •Mileage: ~91,502 •Date Purchased: April 2023 Description of Problem / Safety Concern: I am reporting a safety-related engine defect in my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle has developed engine knocking, metal shavings in the oil, and potential timing chain/bearing failure, all of which create a serious risk of engine failure while driving. The vehicle was purchased at 50,855 miles and currently has 91,502 miles, demonstrating that…

   NHTSA complaint #11697883 · source
8. Filed Aug 1, 2025NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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. I am the current owner of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) that is experiencing a Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system failure, which has led to a critical…

   NHTSA complaint #11677701 · source
9. Filed Jul 21, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block. This causes oil on the underbody and ground, smoke amd smell from oil on got surfaces, knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination or the check engine light and oil pressure light, high speed stall, and will also cause fire in the engine compartment resulting in death or sever injury. I have taken my car to the Red McCombs Hyundai dealership in San Antonio…

   NHTSA complaint #11675128 · source
10. Filed Jun 26, 2025NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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? A: Driving to Newark airport on [XXX] the car suddenly lost power and was quickly coming to a halt. LUCKILY I was was in the middle lane and was able to get to the shoulder…

    NHTSA complaint #11669452 · source
11. Filed May 23, 2025NMElectrical SystemEngine

    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. I have to attempt 3 or 4 times with 3 minute breaks in between and then it will eventually turn and start. This has been happening about 2-3 times a week for about a year.

    NHTSA complaint #11662811 · source
12. Filed Apr 23, 2025MOEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11656401 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology