What Is the Recall on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Engine?

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is affected by several engine-related recalls in the United States, most significantly a risk of engine stall and fire due to potential connecting rod bearing wear and related defects. These recalls were issued by Hyundai in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and generally involve inspection, engine replacement if damaged, and installation or update of a knock sensor detection system.

Overview of the Engine Recalls Affecting the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, equipped with a 2.4L or 2.0L turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, has been subject to multiple safety recalls that focus on internal engine wear, increased risk of seizure or fire, and improved detection of engine problems. Owners are advised to check their specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see which recalls apply, because not every Santa Fe Sport is covered by every campaign.

Major Engine-Related Safety Recalls

Several recalls center on the core engine assembly, especially the connecting rod bearings and associated lubrication and machining issues, which can lead to knocking, stalling, or fire. Below are the main campaigns that have affected many 2018 Santa Fe Sport models in the U.S.

1. Engine Damage and Fire Risk Due to Connecting Rod Bearing Wear

This recall addresses premature wear of internal engine components that can lead to engine failure and, in some cases, fire. It is one of the cornerstone campaigns for Hyundai’s GDI engines, including those in the Santa Fe Sport.

• Primary issue: Metal debris or machining defects in the engine may lead to abnormal wear of the connecting rod bearings, causing engine knocking, reduced power, engine seizure, or, in extreme cases, oil leaks and fire.
• Typical NHTSA campaign: Owners may see this reflected as a broad Hyundai engine recall campaign that includes certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles with 2.4L GDI or 2.0L turbo GDI engines.
• Warning signs: Engine knocking or ticking noises, rough running, reduced power, illuminated check-engine or oil-pressure warning lights, or a burning smell.
• Safety risk: If the connecting rod bearing fails, the engine can seize while driving, increasing the risk of a crash; oil leaks onto hot surfaces can increase fire risk.
• Remedy: Dealers inspect the engine for bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine is typically replaced at no cost. Hyundai often combines this with installation of a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update where applicable.
• Cost to owner: Recall work is performed free of charge at Hyundai dealerships for affected vehicles.

This recall underpins Hyundai’s broader response to bearing wear issues across several model years and engine families, and it is the central safety concern for many 2018 Santa Fe Sport owners worried about engine reliability and fire risk.

2. Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Campaigns

In addition to physical engine inspections, Hyundai launched software campaigns designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and prevent catastrophic engine failure by warning the driver in advance.

• Primary issue: Certain Santa Fe Sport models did not originally include an advanced knock sensor software calibration that could detect abnormal engine vibrations associated with bearing wear.
• Function of KSDS: The KSDS monitors engine vibrations; if it detects patterns that indicate abnormal bearing wear, it stores a diagnostic trouble code, may place the vehicle in a reduced-power “limp” mode, and illuminates warning lights to prompt service.
• Safety benefit: Early detection helps prevent sudden engine seizure at highway speeds and reduces the chance of severe internal damage and possible fires.
• Remedy: Dealers update the engine control module (ECM) software to add or refine KSDS. This is often done in conjunction with bearing inspections or other engine-related recalls.
• Owner impact: While not always labeled as a traditional “safety recall,” these campaigns are critical for early identification of engine problems and are typically provided at no cost.

By upgrading the vehicle’s software, Hyundai aims to catch engine issues earlier, improving both safety and the likelihood that any developing failure will be addressed before it becomes severe.

3. Related Engine-Compartment and Fire-Prevention Campaigns

Some 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles may also be covered under related recalls or service campaigns intended to reduce the consequence of engine failure or fire once a defect occurs.

• Heat and fire-mitigation measures: Certain campaigns involve improved fusing or wiring design in the engine compartment to reduce the risk of an electrical fire if a short or overload occurs.
• Additional inspections: Dealers may check for fuel or oil leaks, compromised harnesses, or damage caused by previous engine issues and repair or replace components as necessary.
• Overlap with other campaigns: These actions sometimes accompany the main bearing-wear or KSDS campaigns and may not always appear as separate engine recalls in NHTSA’s database, but they are part of the broader safety strategy.
• Owner notification: Hyundai sends mailed notices and often follows up with reminders urging owners to schedule service promptly.

These related efforts do not always change how the engine operates day to day, but they are intended to lower the risk of a serious fire or electrical hazard if a mechanical failure does occur.

How to Check If Your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Is Under Recall

Not all 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles are involved in the exact same recalls, and coverage depends on the specific engine, production date, and VIN. Owners should verify recall status through official channels rather than relying solely on model-year summaries.

Step-by-Step: Verifying Your Recall Status

Drivers can use multiple tools—most of them free and online—to confirm whether their individual vehicle is under an open engine recall and what remedies are available.

1. Locate your VIN: Find the 17‑character Vehicle Identification Number on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), inside the driver’s door jamb, or on your registration/insurance documents.
2. Check NHTSA’s website: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. The site will display all open safety recalls recognized by NHTSA for your specific vehicle.
3. Use Hyundai’s recall page: Visit Hyundai’s official recall lookup at autoservice.hyundaiusa.com or your country’s Hyundai site, enter your VIN, and review active recalls or service campaigns.
4. Contact a Hyundai dealer: Call a Hyundai dealership’s service department, provide your VIN, and ask them to print or email a recall and campaign history for your vehicle.
5. Review mailed notices: Keep any letters from Hyundai or NHTSA; they specify which recall applies, what the hazard is, and how to schedule repairs.

Because recall applicability is VIN-specific, this process is essential: two 2018 Santa Fe Sports built in different plants or months may have different recall coverage and remedies.

What Owners Should Do If Their Vehicle Is Affected

If your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to one or more engine-related recalls, timely action is important for both safety and long-term reliability.

Recommended Owner Actions

The steps below help ensure that any recall work is completed fully and documented properly, which also protects resale value and may prevent future disputes over coverage.

• Schedule recall service promptly: Once you confirm an open recall, book a service appointment at an authorized Hyundai dealer as soon as possible.
• Ask about parts and wait times: For engine replacements or major repairs, parts availability can affect scheduling; ask the dealer about anticipated timelines.
• Describe symptoms clearly: Report any knocking sounds, hesitation, stalling, smoke, burning smells, or warning lights; this can influence whether the dealer replaces the engine.
• Request documentation: Keep work orders and invoices showing recall numbers and the repairs performed, including engine serial numbers if an engine is replaced.
• Monitor after repair: After recall work, pay attention to any recurring symptoms and return to the dealer immediately if problems persist.
• Inquire about extended coverage: In some cases, Hyundai has offered extended warranties or goodwill assistance related to engine issues; ask whether your vehicle qualifies.

Treating recall appointments as essential safety repairs rather than optional maintenance helps reduce your risk of breakdown or fire and strengthens your position if additional issues arise later.

Key Takeaways for 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Owners

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been involved in several important engine-related recalls, focused primarily on premature connecting rod bearing wear, engine stalling, and fire risk, along with software updates to detect early signs of failure. The specific recalls that apply depend on your VIN, engine type, and production details.

Summary

The recall activity around the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine centers on safety risks from internal engine wear and potential fires. Hyundai and NHTSA have issued campaigns to inspect engines, replace those with bearing damage, and install or update knock sensor detection software to catch problems early. Because recall coverage is vehicle-specific, owners should check their VIN through NHTSA and Hyundai’s official recall lookup tools, then schedule any needed repairs at an authorized dealer at no cost. Acting promptly on these recalls can significantly reduce the risk of engine failure and protect both safety and vehicle value.