Diagsheet

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport · symptom sheet

Burns oil or oil level rises

  • 83owner reports
  • 68,000median miles
  • $1,150median quote
  • 1involved a crash

Newest report Jul 17, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

211 of the 319 complaints on this car are about the engine. 83 of those describe oil consumption. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 83 reports

16
5
8
16
9

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (22 reports) and the engine (5 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 Petitioners’ 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. ODI’s 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

15 of the 83 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $583 to $8,700.

$583$1,150$8,700
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 4,000 and 99,000 miles, from the 41 reports that gave a mileage.

221
722
1823
1924
2225
1526

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

“Burning oil, going through 1 quart every 250 miles. Paid over $1000 for last service. Replaced valves, gasket, fuel pump gasket, spark plugs, etc… Had us drive 1000 miles and bring back at which they said they would further help. Brought it back 950 miles later. It burned 3.5 qts of oil and now saying we need to pay $7000 for an engine. It only has 104k miles”

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · 1,000 miles

“After buying my 2018 hyundai Santa Fe Sport this past June, I have been told the car has an oil consumption problem and is burning off oil quickly. For example, I have to add a quart of oil every 500 miles. The car has 98000 miles on it. No warranty with car dealer was established at time of sale”

Filed Nov 26, 2023 · 98,000 miles

“Car went dead in the middle of the highway and put me and my daughter in danger. Dealership didn't do anything to fix or warn me of what was about to happen. was taken into dealership for excessive oil consumption”

Filed Jul 27, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 83 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. 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.

Other problems on this car