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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Alright, here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, formatted for your website’s structure.

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a popular compact SUV known for its value, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. Engine options include a 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 generating 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Santa Fe Sport’s user-friendly technology and available features, however, some common complaints include engine problems, electrical issues, and concerns with the vehicle’s safety systems.

Engine

2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

  • Engine Failure/Seizure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden engine failure, knocking noises, oil consumption, illuminated check engine light. Often linked to connecting rod bearing failure. Can lead to complete engine seizure.
    • Solution: Engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
    • Recalls: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Engine Failure Recalls: 2019-10-10 (NHTSA ID: 19V648000), 2020-02-13 (NHTSA ID: 20V056000), 2020-10-08 (NHTSA ID: 20V652000), 2023-09-28 (NHTSA ID: 23V668000)
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Rapidly decreasing oil levels between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacement of piston rings, engine replacement in severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

  • Engine Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden engine failure while driving, loud knocking or grinding noises. Often related to connecting rod bearing failure.
    • Solution: Engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
    • Recalls: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Engine Failure Recalls: 2019-10-10 (NHTSA ID: 19V648000), 2020-02-13 (NHTSA ID: 20V056000), 2020-10-08 (NHTSA ID: 20V652000), 2023-09-28 (NHTSA ID: 23V668000)

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Harsh Shifting/Jerking
    • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky shifts between gears, hesitation when accelerating.
    • Solution: Software update/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM), replacement of valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without corresponding acceleration, difficulty shifting gears.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Suspension Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings, sway bar links, or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, even after a recent charge.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain (often related to faulty sensors or modules), replacement of the battery, or alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment system unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Blind Spot Monitoring System Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: BSM system not working properly, false alerts, error messages.
    • Solution: Replacement of BSM sensors or module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin from the sunroof, especially after rain.
    • Solution: Cleaning and unclogging sunroof drain tubes, resealing sunroof.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has some notable issues, most significantly engine failures potentially affecting both the 2.4L and 2.0L turbo engines. These can be very costly to fix. Electrical problems and sunroof leaks are other common issues. It’s important to check the vehicle’s maintenance history and any recall notices. Due to the risk of engine failure, prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.

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