2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate ,Limited Ultimate
KM8SR4HF0JU265487
Vehicle history report for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate ,Limited Ultimate (VIN KM8SR4HF0JU265487). Blue, sport utility vehicle (suv)/multi-purpose vehicle (mpv), 3.3L 6-cyl 290 hp, gasoline. 35,489 mi reported. Registered in Ut. 2 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & acci
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?
What comparable 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KM8SR4HF0JU265487
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 2
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.
NHTSA Campaign #18V118000 · 17/02/2018SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's nu
NHTSA Campaign #22V056000 · 03/02/2022We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 108
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached letter for complaint
NHTSA ODI #11744400POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a purse from the cabin, the vehicle spontaneously and rapidly began reversing. As the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, which knocke…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11735250ENGINE
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…
NHTSA ODI #11730527ENGINE
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 ex…
NHTSA ODI #11724023ENGINE
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 anythi…
NHTSA ODI #11715002POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
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 ODI #11701775ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
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 incide…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11699482POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
•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…
NHTSA ODI #11697883+ 100 more complaints on record.
Recently searched vehicles
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
3VWPW3AG8AM014041
2017 Chevrolet silverado 1500 crew cab
3GCUKREC5HG236654
2014 Chevrolet suburban lt
1GNSCJE00ER207593
1998 Mercedes-benz benz e320
WDBJF65F3WA571566
2013 Mercedes-benz glk
WDCGG5HB4DG062912
2010 Volkswagen Routan
2V4RW3D14AR272171
2019 Volkswagen atlas
1V2DR2CA5KC549135