Model year guide

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints108
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$24,959

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 2

Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar NHTSA Campaign #18V118000 · 17/02/2018

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #22V056000 · 03/02/2022

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.

Fix: 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 n…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,880

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?

Low
$18,900
Typical price
$24,959
High
$30,998

From 12 comparable 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,400
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,400
Total$20,800
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($24,959) with the same model 5 model-years older ($18,558), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe trims & engines on record

Trims
SE Ultimate ,Limited Ultimate · SE Base · Sport Value Pkg ,Sport Premium pkg, Sport Tech pkg, Sport 2.0T Base · Sport Base · SE Premium pkg
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl 290 hp · 2.4L 4-cyl 185 hp

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Santa Fe model years

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Based on 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe worth?

Comparable 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe listings run roughly $18,900–$30,998, typically around $24,959 (from 12 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.