Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,187 complaints about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with NHTSA since 2013, most often about engine and brakes. Hyundai has filed 5 warranty extensions and 25 service campaigns for it, and there are 11 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Santa Fe Sport a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2013 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,187
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 5
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 25
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 11
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Santa Fe Sport with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 321 | Engine (61%) | 4 | 21 |
| 2017 | 352 | Engine (58%) | 3 | 24 |
| 2016 | 69 | Engine (61%) | 1 | 13 |
| 2015 | 83 | Engine (49%) | 3 | 19 |
| 2014 | 163 | Engine (58%) | 5 | 15 |
| 2013 | 199 | Engine (55%) | 6 | 15 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Santa Fe Sport model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Santa Fe Sport, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMay 2026· Airbags· model years 2013–2018
Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be…
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2017–2018
Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint…
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2019· Engine· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
- Warranty extensionDec 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2015
The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Engine· model years 2017–2018
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Sonata (LFA) and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-087H-1 provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2017–2018
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2017–2018
This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly.
- Service campaignMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class…
- Service campaignSep 2023· Suspension· model years 2013–2018
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road salt usage.
- Service campaignAug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update.
- Service campaignNov 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326.
- Service campaignFeb 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignOct 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignApr 2019· Engine· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326.
- Service campaignFeb 2019· Engine· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignJan 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignDec 2018· Electrical system· model years 2013–2015
Hyundai has launched a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a knock sensor software update on the subject vehicles.
- Service campaignDec 2018· Electrical system· model years 2013–2015
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignNov 2018· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2015
Hyundai has launched a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a knock sensor software update on the subject vehicles.
- Service campaignNov 2018· Electrical system· model years 2015
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignJan 2018· Electrical system· model years 2017–2018
Hyundai Motor America is adding additional models to Service Campaign T2M. Service campaign T2M provides a service procedure to replace the inhibitor switch on certain 2017-18 Santa Fe Sport, 2017 Santa Fe, 2017-18 Tucson, 2017 Azera, 2017 Sonata, Sonata Hybrid & Plug-in.
- Service campaignNov 2017· Electrical system· model years 2017–2018
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the inhibitor switch on certain 2017 Year Sonata, & 2017-18 Santa Fe Sport. Service Campaign T2M provides a service procedure to replace the inhibitor switch.
- Service campaignNov 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2017–2018
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the gear indicator lens cover on certain 2017-18 model years Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Service Campaign T2L provides a service procedure to replace the gear indicator lens cover.
- Service campaignNov 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2017–2018
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the gear indicator lens cover on certain 2017-18 model years Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Service Campaign T2L provides a service procedure to replace the gear indicator lens cover.
- Service campaignOct 2017· Electrical system· model years 2015
Effective Oct. 27, 2017 the following Service Campaign will end: T2C 2015 Santa Fe Sport Audio Software Update 05/17/2017 - 10/26/17
- Service campaignMar 2017· Seats· model years 2017
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to inspect and (if necessary) replace the seat ventilation module on certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Service Campaign T1V provides a service procedure to inspect the seat ventilation module.
- Service campaignJan 2017· Stability control· model years 2017
Hyundai Motor America has added service procedures for certain 2017 model year Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles with affected LOT number electronic stability control(ESC) modules.
- Service campaignJan 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2017
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the gas cap on certain 2017MY Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Service Campaign T1Q provides a service procedure to replace the gas cap.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Santa Fe Sport model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine687 (58%)
- Brakes145 (12%)
- Other or unspecified133 (11%)
- Electrical system88 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain88 (7%)
- Fuel and propulsion79 (7%)
- Engine and cooling58 (5%)
- Brakes41 (3%)
Safety recalls
11 recalls cover at least one Santa Fe Sport model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2013–2018
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2013–2014
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- PE19003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V061000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2013 on: 1,187 owner complaints, 5 warranty extensions and 25 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 11 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2017 (352), 2018 (321), 2013 (199). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Across every model year since 2013, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (58%), brakes (12%), other or unspecified (11%). Hyundai has filed 5 warranty extensions covering the Santa Fe Sport, listed on this page.
Which Santa Fe Sport model years have the most complaints?
2017 (352), 2018 (321), 2013 (199). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Santa Fe Sport with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Santa Fe Sport?
Yes: airbags (model years 2013–2018); other or unspecified (model years 2017–2018); electrical system (model years 2013–2018), and 2 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Santa Fe Sport?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 11 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.