2018 Hyundai Santa Fe · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 30owner reports
- 83,000median miles
- $6,932median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
56 of the 109 complaints on this car are about the engine. 30 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Santa Fe.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Engine failure on other Santa Fe years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (29 reports) and the timing chain (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Santa Fe
3.3l engine loss of motive power (lomp). Closed may 16, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-226.
Engine seizure. Closed aug 12, 2002.
What owners paid
8 of the 30 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,200 to $7,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 16,000 and 113,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My engine failed on 11/21/24. I brought it to dealership to confirm the failure on 11/22/2024. I was driving on the highway when the car started to violently shake and then shut off. The dealership sent pictures of the engine and other components to Hyundai to confirm the engine failure. No lights came on prior to the failure.”
Filed Jan 14, 2025
“Was on my way home from work, and suddenly my engine threw a rod and now my engine is blown.”
Filed Oct 29, 2024
“The engine started exhibiting consumption of oil and knocking around 84,000mi had the car towed to the shop. Donât have much faith they will do anything even though it is a certified preowned.”
Filed Apr 12, 2024 · 84,000 miles
“Driving at 35 mph, engine lost power and went into limp mode. Check engine light was flashing. Showed code P0018. Catastrophic engine failure. No compression in bank 2 cylinders. Needs an engine replacement. Only 113,000 miles on the engine. No help from Hyundai at all.”
Filed Feb 15, 2024 · 113,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found