2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

83owner reports
77,000median miles
$1,000median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

204 of the 319 complaints on this car are about the engine. 83 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Santa Fe Sport.

Tick what matches of 83 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (83 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Santa Fe Sport

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2013 to 2018

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2013 to 2014

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

What owners paid

16 of the 83 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $700 to $8,700.

$700$1,000$8,700

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 29,000 and 108,000 miles, from the 43 reports that gave a mileage.

419

120

221

922

1223

1924

1825

1826

What owners wrote

“My vehicle has approximately 152,000 miles, and I am currently experiencing a major engine failure. Oil consumption and knocking on engine Hyundai has had lawsuits in the past with unsafe unreliable engines.”
Filed Jan 27, 2026 · 152,000 miles

“Excessive oil consumption has occurred for the past couple of years. At 80,000 the crankshaft seized and died at an intersection and the dealer said that I need a new engine.”
Filed May 20, 2024

“Engine is consuming 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles. Just had spark plugs replaced as the plugs fouled out due to oil leaking into cylinder. Dealership says the engine must blow for them to approve a new engine under warranty. This is a family vehicle with young children. If the engine fails, the vehicle will lose power brakes ans steering .”
Filed Oct 28, 2023 · 1,000 miles

“major engine oil leak caused by defective drain plug receptacle. replaced washer and plug twice. still leaks. could cause engine failure.”
Filed Oct 9, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 83 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.