general problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

While parked the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered.

I have been experiencing issues with oil consumption, having to get oil changes every 2 months and sometimes monthly with no reported leaks from 2 different mechanics. I have been very high maintenance over my oil. While I was driving on the highway, my vehicle began to shake and a knocking sound was heard. I felt the vehicle begin to jerk but no warning lights were on. I was no longer able to drive and had to pull over and wait for a tow to my mechanic's garage. The mechanic let me know there was an issue with the engine, specifically the 3rd cylinder and the piston. It does not put out as much pressure as it is supposed to. I brought the vehicle to the dealership after and they confirmed this was an issue and quoted me $8700 in repairs. There were no warning lights and no engine lights prior to this happening. I was informed by my mechanic that this is a known issue with Hyundai in their 2018 models having failing engines. I purchased the vehicle certified pre-owned with a guarantee from the dealership that I was purchasing a reliable vehicle that should have no issues of this degree.

I pulled into my driveway, put car in park, left the car running to leave the ac for a minute, my granddaughter was in the backseat. I got out of the car , let my granddaughter out , I then was standing outside of the drivers side, reached in , turned off the car, removed the keys and it started rolling. I couldn't get out of the way and fell , car ran over right leg. Was taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment. I haven't taken the car in for evaluation by dealer , insurance or other auto specialist.

I was driving down the road when the check engine light began to flash. The vehicle started to decelerate and began to sputter. This was a serious safety issue as there were vehicles behind me which put myself and other drivers at risk. I was able to pull over on the side of the road. I cut the vehicle off and waited a few minutes. I cut the vehicle back on and the check engine light was still blinking. I was able to drive the vehicle back to my home but was not able to go over 40 mph and had to repeatedly pull over to ensure my safety. Diagnostic of the vehicle indicated a code p1326. The vehicle was taken to a local Hyundai dealership to get a second diagnostic. This was truly terrifying for me. I’m glad I didn’t have my son in the car with me at this time. Also done research and it states that the p1326 code in Hyundai Santa Fe sport vehicles, particularly those with 2. 0l turbo and 2. 4l engines, is linked to a recall concerning connecting rod bearing wear and potential engine failure. This issue is addressed through a recall or a product improvement campaign, which may involve engine replacement or software updates. The knock sensor detection system (ksds), associated with code p1326, is designed to detect excessive bearing wear and activate engine protection mode. My Hyundai only has 82000 miles on it. So I’m writing this to let you know that this is a big safety issue and needs to be addressed and fixed on my Hyundai.

In may while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its slow to accelerate. Fast forward about a month later the starter goes bad in the car and now its completely unoperable.

Back up camara is shorting out due to the location it is getting wet and corroding. Without the camara it can be a safety hazzard. In doing research this seems to be a common problem due to the location of the camara. Poor design and could cause an accident. Failed after only 69k miles.

Engine-excessive oil consumption. Other-backup camera does not work and hasn’t for some time is 2028 sant fe sport included in recall.

I got into my vehicle and when I closed my door, my rear window exploded. There was no one around the vehicle. There were no other vehicles broken into, it literally exploded on its own.

I experienced unintentional acceleration twice. Today, the second incident happened while slowly pulling into a handicap parking space. The car accelerated and went over the concrete parking block and knocked down the wooden pole with the handicap sign. I was fortunate that no person nor car was in the vehicle's path and I and my passenger were not hurt. I will be taking the car to the dealer service department as soon as possible. I am afraid to drive this vehicle anywhere now. This incident happened with no warning.

My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, even if there is no oil light on.

In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire risk. Fire department responded to prevent the engine from catching fire and had to spray the engine compartment with high-pressure water. Following this incident, vehicle remained in Hyundai’s possession for ~9 months for engine-related repairs. When we picked up the vehicle after the prolonged repair period, front-facing camera had completely stopped functioning. This camera has always worked prior to the engine lock-up and was functioning the day of the incident. This was reported to the dealership, Hyundai motor America. A case manager (nemesh) took the case. Very supportive, helpful and provided a thorough process for investigating the situation. However, all the sudden case was assigned a new case manager (bryan) and the process immediately changed and the claim was denied. Given the timing and circumstances, the camera failure appears to be the result of electrical or component damage caused during the engine failure/fire-prevention event. The dealership also confirmed that no independent inspector ever assessed the vehicle for secondary damage despite my repeated requests. Hyundai later denied responsibility without conducting any physical inspection of the damage. This sequence of events — sudden engine failure, required fire-response intervention, prolonged repair, and subsequent electrical component failure — raises significant concerns about safety and the potential for related electrical or wiring issues caused by the engine incident. I am reporting this because the underlying engine failure and fire-risk conditions represent a serious safety defect, and related component failures may indicate broader issues with damage resulting from these events. Also Hyundai not letting the independent inspector assess gives me great concern something was missed.

Stopped at a red light and car caught on fire under the hood.

June 21, 2024. During travel at high speed (70mph) on nys thruway, engine began making loud noise. Sounded like something was loose and flapping. Without warning- no instrument warning lights came on, engine seized and power stopped. At no time during my drive did I observe any instrument warning lights. I was able to get over to the side of the road. The temperature gauge remained unchanged. I was concerned about fire in the engine and got as far away from the car as possible. I was 200 miles into my 300 mile journey. After waiting over an hour to have my car towed to the dealer, I was told that there were 3 Hyundai's with similar issues the week before and that the car would likely need an engine replacement due to "excessive oil consumption". This issue is a safety risk as it could have resulted in catastrophic engine fire, as well as safety issues on the thruway with other cars and lots of traffic. Engines are backordered. Dealer did a full inspection and submitted paperwork on June 28, 2024 to Hyundai for a decision on whether this is covered under warranty. I was told we would have an answer within a few hours. Have been assigned a "liason" with Hyundai and have been in regular contact. However, Hyundai has asked for an additonal time in order to make a decision. No word as of July 11, 2024.

I am the original owner almost at the end of my powertain warranty. At 93 - 94,000 I started to notice whe accelerating, like a distinct shift into different gears at anywhere between 5-7miles and in incrediments up to 40-45 mph. I have brought to the dealer and this week, will be the four time, which they keep telling me if they can not get a code or necessarily re enact there is nothing they can do. I currently have 97,000 and am bringing it back in this week. Please help.

My panoramic sunroof will not close and has become unaligned in the tracks. There was a loud "pop" sound when opening and since will not come into complete closed position without physically moving the sunroof myself. Tracks have been checked for debris and lubricated to no effect. Previous years of this same model have reported that sunroof glass have spontaneously shattered. I believe that this same design flaw is evident in my vehicle.

I had no warning lights or messages and then the engine threw a rod and my car just died on the side of the road. It had apparently been burning oil. I get it back after 2 months and it needs a battery. Now the check engine light is on and it has affected the catalytic converter.

I was driving 55 miles an hour down a major highway all of the sudden my vehicle jumps and lost all power. I did managed to make it onto the side of the road. I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on it was making a crazy noise. It is now not drivable due to the engine failure.

I was driving about 60-65 mph on the interstate, and with no dashboard lights illuminated, the car started making a loud clanking noise. Without warning, there was 1 additional loud noise and the engine froze, excessive smoke came from the front of the car and underneath the car. I pulled over to the side of the road. There was an oil trail behind the car and under the car. The car is now being inspected by our local Hyundai dealership and awaiting warranty approval.

In may, my vehicle began having issues with acceleration and was choking when going uphill, or would start choking when slowing to turn or start moving after being stopped. The engine light came on and had code p1326. Dealership did a system update and it went away. The car broke down not long after, wouldn't start. Replaced battery as it wouldn't charge and was drained. Still didn't work. Towed it to dealership. After several days, they said it might be the crankshaft position sensor. A local mechanic replaced it, it did not fix it. Spark plugs were completely burnt up and covered in gas. Changed spark plugs and it seemed fixed, until it broke down last week. Has code p0420 now. Checked oil, it has absolutely no oil in it and it has only been about 3000 miles since my last oil change. It is due for an oil change, but should not be completely out of oil. Burning oil can clog cat converter, causing p0420 code. My vehicle has a theta engine, which was involved in a lawsuit and settlement, which I only learned about yesterday, and have missed the deadline to file a claim. The vehicle has lost acceleration and died while driving, posing a risk to myself and other drivers. Vehicle is unreliable and unsafe. Dealership failed to tell me anything about my spark plugs, and did not mention my vehicle having oil issues. Non-dealership mechanics have been the ones to bring the issues to my attention. Corporate Hyundai will also not help.

Engine is burning 1-2 quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Car was purchased new and this problem began at the 86,000-87000 milage. Mark. Problem confirmed by my mechanic and a dealership mechanic. Car has been regularly serviced by my independent service center. Regular inspections have been conducted in order to renew tags. Oil lamp warning and emmission light warning came on at the onstart of this just as oil change was due. Car was found to be very low on oil, with no leaks being found. Within days, oil light came on again and emmissions. Have had oil consumption test run at dealership and waiting to see if Hyundai is going to honor warranty. Meanwhile, dealership is trying to convince me to trade in my car for a new car.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. Consumer writes in regard to parts being unavailable to perform safety recall.

I had to take my car to my local dealership (twice) because of an emergency situation with my gas door. My gas door would not open and I had to have looked at and was told that the gas door release solenoid stop working. As a result it had to be replaced. Also the inside fuel switch to open the door also had to be replaced. I have found out through research that this is a known problem on Hyundai Santa Fe’s going back to 2013(maybe earlier than that) to present. And has not been properly fixed or addressed so the issue will stop occurring. Side note: also due to my gas door not wanting to open I nearly did not make it to work because I could not get my gas door open, to be able to pump gas.

My car is eating oil. My oil light flashed on my car and I happened to see it. Ignored it because it flashed and went away but have noticed my car stuttering when I go to start it. Had oil change done in July bust by September I had little no oil in my car. Went to mechanic and he couldn’t find where it’s as leaking and gave me an oil change and advised me to recheck the oil after so many miles. So I did, 1300 miles later I was low on oil again. I went to Hyundai and they told me to apply for an oil consumption test which I did and I was declined because of the mileage which was around 99,400. My continues to eat oil and Hyundai will not fix the issue.

I had damages during hurricane ida in Aug 2021. Mostly paint scratches and dents. I was finally called for repairs to body shop in may 2022. They refused job because I had a factory paint defect (existing paint is peeling off of e coat) and stated I need a whole new paint job. Two other repair shops say also it is a factory defect. Pearl white color. Dealership states I’m out of warranty.

Second notice of recall that I received and Hyundai notified me that there is still no fix. Hyundai on central avenue NY. Manager I spoke with was chris (service manager).

This vehicle has had regular oil changes and at 73000 miles the oil light came on. The oil had been changed recently, and it was only 1000 miles after that change so it should not have been out of oil. When checked, it was down 3. 5 quarts. Added oil, and made an appointment to have it checked. Learned of oil consumption issue, and of a recall issued for up to 2017 with this engine but nothing for 2018. Dealership began an oil consumption test and vehicle was brought in at intervals to check consumption, which was excessively high at 2. To 2. 5 quarts for 1000 miles. Continued the oil consumption testing, then moved on to an engine cleaning with a valvoline product through the dealership and hpp as a recommended "fix" despite this engine being recalled in earlier years. After that cleaning the car stalled twice at stoplights, and if you sit long enough at a stop sign or light the engine feels as if it wants to cut out. The car shakes and sometimes makes a noise as it does this. Brought it to the dealer after 500 miles and it was down a half quart, and they told me that was not enough and to drive it more. They topped off the oil, and after 2000 miles the oil light came on every single time I turned left, and when checked it was down 4 quarts. Brought it back to the dealership and they said that is definitely problematic, started the process of going through hpp and are currently dropping the oil pan to check for metal shavings, etc. Car now has 88000 miles and is consuming oil excessively in a detrimental manner, shakes intermittently at stops (even when car is warm and has been driven for some time), sometimes hesitates between first and second gear, unsafe and worrisome to drive on the highway knowing that other cars have stopped with no warning after having identical issues. Currently awaiting word from the dealer and hpp, but would expect engine replacement as has been initiated for other cars of this make/model and engine.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. Consumer writes in regards to parts being unavailable to perform safety recall.

There appears to be a problem with the intake manifold. Car is throwing a code of p200a. The baffles get stuck causing the car to lose power, usually 3 times in a row. I nearly got rear ended twice because of this and it threw my husband an myself toward the window.

Purchased a new car from plaza Hyundai dealership in brooklyn NY 5/25/2019, had problems a year later but due to covid, dealership wasn't open. Called Hyundai consumer affairs may 2020 as I also found out there was an open recall that was supposed to be done with the ecm & cluster update-engine monitoring logic product improvement for Santa Fes from 2011-2019. There was and still is an open recall listed from 08/09/2018 that the car was still at plaza Hyundai dealership for. In 2020, I was told that a buyback wasn't possible due to there not being any record of active recalls. On September 22, 2021, our car broke down on the highway, with it being the engine issue that is currently on recall. We have an unusable car still being paid for, a car that shouldn't have been sold to us because it was on recall, a car that should've been buyback but wasn't due to greed, and no answers as Hyundai is saying that the buyback period has ended since the first use was February 2018, even though we became owners of the car 5/25/2019. The component that failed was the engine. Its currently in plaza Hyundai's service lot. Our safety was put at risk not once but twice, but the most recent being 9/21/2021, we were on a major highway at 70mph when the engine started to slow down, smoke, and vibrate violently. The vehicle is currently being serviced for parts, but they don't think its the engine. There were previous issues but I would have to recollect on the memory of when.

The pearl white paint is chipping from the hood of my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The issue is getting worse, with new chipped spots appearing monthly. This should not be an issue with a vehicle that is garage kept and barely 3 years old. This is due to poor paint quality and Hyundai should assume responsibility for correcting this painting defect. This issue is rampant across the country and significantly impacts a consumer's resale value.

This will be the fourth time our vehicle has to go to the dealer. We purchased this car in April of this year and the car has lived more at the dealer service department than with us. The first time, the car started smoking and left us stranded. The dealer changed out the fuel injectors. When it randomly started smoking it smelled strongly of gas and we were scared that the car would catch fire. The other times were due to the car not accelerating as it should on the highway making it quite difficult to merge and speed up as needed on the highway. This time, it's the same thing. The car does not want to shift gears and it's very dangerous when you are trying to accelerate to get to the right speed and you have cars coming in close from behind and there is no way to signal to them that the car is having trouble shifting. This problem started again yesterday. The check engine light turned on yesterday as well and we took the car to autozone to scan it. The only code that came up was abs. The car just got towed to the dealer yet again but I have lost hope that they will be able to fix the issue as they have failed 3 times already. (one of these times the dealer failed to refill my radiator coolant after the flushed it causing the car to overheat as well and the car ac malfunctioned as well as a result.

The vehicle will occasionally stall and sometimes will not start without several attempts. Stalls occasionally when moving.

One day for no apparent reason the bsd system stopped working.

The rear camera has a blue screen this is known for Hyundai Santa Fe sport. Also my SUV ran hot while driving. The SUV is only 2 years why is the antifreeze/coolant ran out. It was bone dry. Talk to car shop and I was told that the water pump usually ho out on the Hyundai Santa Fe sport. Also my SUV act like it dont want excellarate and switch gears especially when turning.

Everytime I accelerate there is a horrible . And sometimes when coming down from accelerating to stop it seem to be grinding. There is a slipping sound that comes and goes. On city streets and turning.