2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Introduction

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that offers a combination of practicality, comfort, and style. It is available with three engine options: a 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.3L V6. Transmission options include a six-speed automatic and an eight-speed automatic.

Owners generally praise the Santa Fe’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. However, some have experienced issues with certain components.

Engine

2.4L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or rattling noise from the engine, especially during startup or acceleration; reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: N/A

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, blue or white smoke from the exhaust, whistling or whining noises from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: N/A

3.3L V6

• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, reduced fuel efficiency, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the knock sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, sudden loss of power
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: N/A

Eight-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, stuck in gear, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or knocking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncing or instability at the rear of the vehicle, excessive body roll
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly after sitting for a short period, requires frequent jump-starts
  • Solution: Diagnose and fix the source of the electrical drain (can be caused by various components)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing
  • Solution: Replace the headlight assemblies
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: System crashes, frozen screen, unresponsive buttons
  • Solution: Perform software updates or replace the infotainment unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary

While the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a generally reliable vehicle, some owners have experienced issues with certain components. Engine problems, such as timing chain and turbocharger failures, can be expensive to fix. Transmission issues can also be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical problems are less common but should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues vary, but owners should be aware of potential problems and address them as needed.