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Electrical systemPart report

2018 Hyundai Santa FE Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
8%of 110 total for the year
Median mileage
22,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE, 8% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I called the dealership to report a hot smell in my car on tuesday. They told me to bring it in for service inspection. Thursday morning the car was driven for a short time and parked in the drive way after. Approximately two hours to two and a half hours later the car cab was full of smoke. The fire department and sheriffs department both arrived on scene.”

NHTSA complaint #11233444, filed 2019-07, 22,000 miles

“6 months after I purchase a brand new 2018 Santa Fe grande my vehicle start cutting off when I turn the wheel a certain way I reported it to the company it will not detect on the machines so they cannot fix it so I'm stuck with a car that continue to cut off and nobody knows why”

NHTSA complaint #11307896, filed 2020-02, 1,100 miles

“Was driving and car turn off on me and wouldn't start I got it towed to Hyundai and they said my engine went out it had oil and everything we don't know why can stopped working has been sitting in my drive way for 3 years because we don't have 13000 that Hyundai told us”

NHTSA complaint #11701775, filed 2025-11

“Seems to be having ignition switch problems. Bought a new battery a couple times now thinking that was the problem but car won’t start at times. It won’t turn and won’t click and all the electrical (radio lights…) just seems to turn off as I turn the key with no sound following. I have to attempt 3 or 4 times with 3 minute breaks in between and then it will eventually turn and start. This has been happening about 2-3 times a week for about a year.”

NHTSA complaint #11662811, filed 2025-05

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11699482, filed 2025-11

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026514%
20252921%
20243019%
20233617%
20223216%
20212917%
20202511%
20192713%
201898%
2017707%
2016115%
2015208%
20144910%
2013539%
20124312%
20112514%
20102811%
20095014%
20087414%
20079714%
2006109%
2005105%
2004186%
2003289%
2002117%
20013517%

Other parts of the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE

Engine
54 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Hyundai Santa FE

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology