2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Electrical Problems

I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.

NHTSA ID

11728648

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

My starter failed while out shopping. No issues starting the car departing from my home, but would not start in the store parking lot. My mechanic did not provide the broken part for inspection however everyone commented that is was very unusual for it to fail as I only have roughly 25,000 miles on it. My mechanic also mentioned that this was 2nd 2018 hyundai sante fe in the past week he had to replace the starter on that vehicle had 60,000 miles. There were no warning lights prior to the event, I suspected it was the starter after having a new battery installed and no success starting because of the lights that remained on on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ID

11715566

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the headlights suddenly illuminated without the vehicle being turned on, causing the battery to be drained. The contact recharged the battery to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the light switch failed to turn off the high beam headlights; however, the headlights and the indicators were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the junction block had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the contact was not sure of the cause of the failure and needed to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that an interlock casing, fuse, and relay that had melted, and that the switches were not responding, but could not confirm what caused the failure. The contact learned that the vehicle was previously included in a recall for another junction box that had been repaired. The contact was unable to provide the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11710589

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

Mileage

18,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. The battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V810000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The warranty claim was denied. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11710285

Incident

Dec 30, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

My husband was driving our vehicle on the highway when the engine began to smoke and the caught fire. Unfortunately it was not able to be saved. We filed a claim with our carrier and are pending an inspection. We looked up our vin and confirmed a fire recall from 2022.

NHTSA ID

11692877

Incident

Oct 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blue screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The warning system failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the GPS showed the wrong directions. Due to the failure, the vehicle went into the wrong lane. In addition, several unknown warning lights illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was too old for the update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11676003

Incident

Jul 24, 2020

Mileage

60,000 mi

1. Abs module stopped working. Car no longer has abs. Will not cover under warranty due to computer component. 2. Engine burns oil. 3 quarts in 1k miles. Combustion cleaning done. Now Engine light is one, oil light comes on, car smells of gas & oil.

NHTSA ID

11653943

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

The day after I purchased this 2018 Used Hyundai Santa Fe, the passenger air bag light came on. July 2024. I have been working with the dealership where I purchased the vehicle (Larry H Miller Chevrolet, in Murray Utah), and calling Hyundai Corporation for months. Hyundai called me every 3 days for almost 3 months with a customer update and they would say is "We have no updates". This is extremely frustrating. The main idea Hyundai Corporate office is telling me is that they don't have a contract with someone that would provide the vehicle part to fix this issue. They don't have a car part available in existence to fix this issue. This is a huge safety concern. I asked them "does that mean my passenger airbag could randomly go off while I'm driving down the road, or does this mean that my passenger airbag won't go off in case I got in a wreck?" They said that it could mean a number of things, but at this time, do not put anyone in the front seat of my car. The car part is a passenger airbag plate sensor that is underneath the passenger seat. Hyundai said there are no after market parts that are sufficient enough to put into the vehicle. Especially with it being a safety issue. How can this be on the consumer??? This is very crippling. This is a huge safety concern with no timeline for resolve. I am very mad. I have been fighting this for 9 months now.

NHTSA ID

11652169

Incident

Jul 13, 2024

In May 2024, the vehicle's oil light came on while slightly turning the wheel or braking. When taken to a dealership, they stated that the car only had one quart of oil remaining, which was 4,000 miles after my last oil change and not due for another 1,000 miles. They stated there was excessive oil consumption and recommended the vehicle be taken to Hyundai dealer. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealer in August 2024 because the car was making a rattling sound when accelerating from 0-40mph along with the car jerking between 30-40mph if accelerating except when only applying light pressure to the accelerator. Hyundai dealer stated there was no oil remaining in the vehicle, which was why the vehicle was shaking and rattling when accelerating. They began a claim process with Hyundai as the vehicle was under 100K warranty. After two consumption tests, it was deemed the vehicle was not consuming oil as previously thought. After the last consumption test in October 2024, the oil light began to come back on with me braking the vehicle. Hyundai dealer stated there was nothing further they could do to assist and stated I'd need to reach out to Hyundai customer care to file a report. I did this 10/18/24, and in December, Hyundai customer care told me to take the vehicle back to Hyundai dealer. Hyundai said at that time that now there was an oil leak from the oil pressure sensor, which allowed oil to pass through the entire main wiring of the engine until it reached the PCM. They said I need to replace the PCM, oil pressure switch, and engine control harness for $7,000, not covered by the warranty. Parts are also on backorder for over a year. My car's oil light continues to come on, and now the engine light is coming on while my car shakes when I reach 45mph or greater. It is deemed no longer safe to drive the vehicle, especially with my children in the car. When I checked the dipstick, it was completely out of oil, which was 1500 miles after they performed oil change.

NHTSA ID

11635497

Incident

May 24, 2024

I have been conducting regular maintenance on my vehicle, getting oil changes, on average around every 6,000 miles. I have had the car since August 2021 and have had no accidents and haven't missed an oil change. My car is a little over 100K miles and the oil light began to come on close to 90k miles. The car is also leaking oil and all the service agent could tell me is that the are burns oil at an accelerated rate. Even though the oil light was on, NONE of the service agents mentioned any issues with the oil and nothing was mentioned when I purchased the car. I still have yet to receive the report from my last oil change from 10/06/2023. Also, the ABS light came on after I got the car serviced for a recall for the brakes and potential electrical fire while the car is parked. Each time I checked for a recall, nothing was found, even though this car clearly has an issue with oil consumption, well the engine in general.

NHTSA ID

11550281

Incident

Oct 16, 2023

Hyundai levels 1 and level 2 made promises to do fire hazard recall plus fix other warranty issues while still under warranty. they agreed to do all at same time under warranty. now they walk away from the fire hazard recall, reneged on other repairs and sent to Hyundai Escondido which demanded payment in advance for warranty work. The car is nice but have lost confidence in vehicle due to constant reminders to dont drive often and do not park in garage. We have been in fear for over a year and they do nothing. Now they say I have to file a legal case for lemon law and pay the expenses. They promised loaner or rental plus any out of pocket but it was all a lie. They promised to find another repair dealer and again, lied. always saying "we're having difficulty contacting the dealer" then go dark.

NHTSA ID

11514872

Incident

Feb 8, 2022

Within the last few weeks my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV has been experiencing few noticeable issues. 1st my vehicle doesn’t want to start when I turn the key, I have to open the door close it then try again and it will turn over to start. 2nd recently driving on the highway my vehicle slowed all the way down and started jerking like it wanted to cut off. I would push my accelerator down as far as possible and it will still go slow and not speed up.3rd my vehicle is making a throttle/knocking noise and a blinking check engine light is on as well.

NHTSA ID

11512567

Incident

Mar 3, 2023

The electric windows motor on the left back window was heating up it was making this unique sound every 2-4 min till I finally got tired of it and had someone find out what it was. We had to unplug the motor because It would of caught on fire while I was driving eventually

NHTSA ID

11509637

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

My car Engine stopped working while I was driving to work. Middle of traffic was not safe and the safety of others was effected because my car was unable to move, it was a high risk dangerous situation. Problem was reported to mechanic as well as insurance company (geico) car was pushed by strangers into a nearby parking lot, which then I waited for a towing truck. The car was inspected by a mechanic who then told me to have it inspected by Hyundai and Hyundai has told me due to lack of maintenance my car stopped working and there is nothing they can do. I am insulted by the lack of concern Hyundai has had for what they have put me and my livelihood through. I am aware of the recall on these vehicles. Engine :2.4L I4 DGI DOHC 16V. The Engine light came on I had it diagnosed immediately…I was told my cam shaft and knock sensors needed replacement, they were replaced. Engine light goes off for 24 hours until it comes back on and once it came back on my car couldn’t go over a certain speed , and it died in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA ID

11493426

Incident

Sep 23, 2022

While sitting in park at a restaurant parking lot eating lunch, an Employee noticed smoke coming from my hood area on my vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames coming from the hood area, The employee attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire to no avail. Fire department arrived on scene and extinguish fire. Vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership for further investigation.

NHTSA ID

11485296

Incident

Sep 19, 2022

i see that the repair parts are available for 2018 santé fen sport model in the Hyundai lineup... i contacted the dealer colonial Hyundai in colonial heights Va. the nice young lady said that the parts were not yet available... well,, which is correct. thank you ...[XXX] [XXX] ph [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11466743

Incident

May 31, 2022

It’s been 3 months since recall notice and Hyundai still is not able to fix my auto. Concerned over possibility of it catching fire!

NHTSA ID

11463344

Incident

May 4, 2022

RECALL ON ENGINE COMPARTMENT , SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC,

NHTSA ID

11451654

Incident

Feb 12, 2022

80 MILES INTO A WEEKS VACATION MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, BACKTRACKED 20 MILES TO DEALER, LEFT MY NICE CAR (11,000 MILES)THERE FOR THE WEEK WHILE USING A RENTAL CAR WITH 177,000 MILES ON IT. PROBLEM WAS PERTAINING TO CAMPAIGN 953 ENGINE PROBLEMS. A WIRING HARNESS WAS PUT IN, AND THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE THAT HAD BEEN UPDATED THAT MARCH, AND THEY SAID THAT WAS ALL FIXED. I HAVE WATCHED THE VIDEO ON THIS CAMPAIGN PROBLEM, AND IT SCARES ME WHERE I CANNOT TAKE MY CAR OUT OF TOWN/ON VACATIONS OUT WEST! IF THIS ENGINE FAILS, I WOULDN'T ALWAYS BE ABLE TO GET TO A DEALER. I'M LIVING IN THE FEAR OF THIS, AND AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE "PEACE OF MIND" ENJOYING MY NICE CAR? I HAD TO LEAVE VACATION A DAY EARLY( RESORT PAID FOR THAT FINAL NIGHT WE DIDN'T GET TO ENJOY), SPENT THAT NIGHT IN HOTEL, JUST TO GET TO THAT DEALER TO PICK UP MY CAR BEFORE THEIR CLOSING TIME. I HAD TO FIGHT TO GET THE FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CAR RENTAL AND ONE NIGHT HOTEL BILL. THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, HYUNDAI FINALLY PAID THAT WHICH WAS ONLY FAIR WHEN A RECALL WAS INVOLVED! NOW I FIND THAT I HAVE CANCELLED GOING TO OUT OF TOWN FUNERALS, AND SHORT WEEKEND VACATIONS, BECAUSE MY ENGINE COULD GO OUT. I HAVE ASKED FOR A NEW ENGINE, AND THE LAST MESSAGE FROM HYUNDAI WAS ALL ABOUT MY CAR DOESN'T FIT THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE LEMON LAW....WHICH I HAVE NEVER MENTIONED.I HAVE ASKED FOR STATISTICS ON HOW MANY ENGINES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS CAMPAIGN 953 ISSUE, BUT NO ONE HAS ANY! IS THIS TRUE?? HOW CAN I GET MY ENGINE REPLACED, SO I CAN ENJOY MY CAR? THAT VIDEO SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN OUT THERE IF I AND OTHERS HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING WITH AN ENGINE THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS IN MANY WAYS!

NHTSA ID

11316882

Incident

Oct 11, 2019

Mileage

11,312 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CAMPUS POLICE PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ARRIVAL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY. A CAMPUS POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WERE FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11257938

Incident

Sep 25, 2019

Mileage

10,000 mi