Which 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Recalls Involve Fire Risk?

Certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs were recalled because an electrical short in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. The 2022 action covers 44,396 vehicles under NHTSA campaign 22V-810 and Hyundai recall 237. Coverage depends on the vehicle identification number (VIN), not just the model name.

Hyundai advises affected owners to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Its recall 237 instructions explain the free ABS multi-fuse inspection and replacement. This ABS-related fire recall is separate from engine-bearing recalls, so an owner searching for a Santa Fe engine recall should check the exact VIN for every applicable campaign.

Which 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles are recalled?

Only certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles are covered. According to NHTSA, the recall includes 44,396 SUVs with production dates between May 1, 2017 and May 10, 2018. Hyundai said these vehicles were left out of an earlier recall for the same problem, NHTSA campaign 22V-056 (Hyundai recall 218), which is why this action is described as an expansion of the first one. Hyundai traced the omission to the VIN scope of that earlier recall. Because coverage depends on the production date and VIN, two 2018 Santa Fe Sport SUVs can look identical and still have different recall status, so use the VIN steps further down this page.

What causes the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine fire risk?

The problem is in the ABS module, not in the engine itself. Hyundai reported that the module can malfunction and cause an electrical short, which can send too much current through the module and raise the risk of a fire in the engine compartment. That fire can happen while the SUV is being driven or while it is parked, which is why Hyundai’s guidance is to park away from structures. Warning signs can include an illuminated ABS light or malfunction indicator light, smoke from under the hood, or a burning or melting smell. Because the defect develops over time, owners should not wait for a symptom before getting the repair.

How many fires have been linked to the Santa Fe Sport ABS defect?

In its 2022 recall filing, Hyundai described four fires involving 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Two involved vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recall, and two involved SUVs outside that earlier campaign. Those reports formed part of the history of the expanded recall; they are not a current cumulative fire count. The same 2022 reporting described no related crashes or injuries. Consult the current manufacturer and NHTSA records for subsequent information.

Is it safe to drive a recalled 2018 Santa Fe Sport?

Hyundai says owners may keep driving the SUV, but it asks them to park it outside and away from houses, garages and other vehicles until the repair is made, because the fire risk is not limited to the time the vehicle is running. If you see smoke, smell burning or melting material, or notice the ABS or malfunction indicator light come on, stop driving when it is safe, move away from the vehicle and call your dealer or Hyundai customer service. If there is a fire, call 911.

What is the repair, and does it cost anything?

Hyundai dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse with a revised fuse that limits the current the ABS module can draw, which reduces the chance of an overcurrent fire. The repair is free regardless of whether the vehicle is still under warranty. Hyundai also said it will reimburse owners for certain out of pocket costs related to the problem, so keep any receipts. Owners are notified by first class mail, but you do not have to wait for the letter. Call a Hyundai dealer or Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460, give your VIN and mention recall number 237. You can also reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Is there an engine recall on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

The 2018 recall on this page is an ABS fire recall, not an engine recall. Separately, Hyundai has recalled certain Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport model years with Theta II engines because wear or debris can damage the connecting rod bearings, which can cause knocking, engine failure and in some cases a fire. If you own a 2016 or 2017 Santa Fe Sport, you could be covered by an engine recall, by the ABS recalls, by both or by neither. Hyundai and NHTSA identify affected vehicles by VIN, so searching by model year alone is not enough.

Does the 2018 Santa Fe Sport ABS Recall Cover 2016 or 2017 Models?

Campaign 22V-810 covers certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. A search for a 2016 or 2017 Santa Fe engine recall concerns a different model-year question and does not establish coverage under that campaign. Check the exact model, engine and VIN with Hyundai and NHTSA. An engine-bearing issue and an ABS electrical-short issue are different defects, even though either may be discussed in connection with fire risk.

How do I check if my Hyundai Santa Fe is recalled?

Find your 17 character VIN on the plate at the base of the windshield on the driver side, on the sticker inside the driver door jamb, or on your registration and insurance cards. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the recall section of hyundaiusa.com. Either will tell you whether your vehicle has an open recall. The NHTSA SaferCar app can also alert you when a new recall is added for a vehicle you have saved.

What other Hyundai and Kia fire recalls have there been?

The Santa Fe Sport recall is part of a long run of fire related recalls affecting Hyundai and Kia vehicles. They have included ABS electrical shorts, oil leaks, brake fluid leaks and engine failures. Our product recall lawyers track these recalls because families often learn about a defect only after a fire has damaged a car, a garage or a home. We also cover other major recalls on this blog, including the YETI cooler recall and car jack and jack stand failures.

Why do vehicle recalls matter?

A safety recall identifies a problem and a remedy for an affected product population. It is not a finding that every vehicle of that model has failed, and an open recall does not by itself establish the cause of a particular fire. Matching the VIN, campaign number, repair history and actual failure is important both for obtaining the right repair and for investigating an injury. Owners can check NHTSA’s recall lookup and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What should I do if a Hyundai fire caused injury or property damage?

The original 2022 recall reporting did not identify related injuries, but vehicle fires can cause serious burns, smoke inhalation, property damage and, in the worst cases, death. If you or a family member was hurt, or a fire damaged your home or garage, you may have legal options against the manufacturer under product liability law. The Killino Firm’s auto defect lawyers and defective product attorneys have represented people harmed by defective vehicles and vehicle parts, and our team also handles burn injury claims and wrongful death claims. If a recalled vehicle was involved, keep the vehicle if you can, along with photos, repair records and your recall notice. You can call 878-888-7878 or request a free, confidential consultation.

What Else Should Santa Fe Sport Owners Know About This Recall?

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport safe to drive? Hyundai says owners can keep driving the vehicle, but asks them to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is done.

Is the recall repair free? Yes. Hyundai dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse at no cost to the owner.

What is Hyundai recall number 237? It is Hyundai’s number for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport ABS module fire recall, which NHTSA tracks as campaign 22V-810.

Has anyone been injured? The original 2022 recall reporting described no related crashes or injuries. Consult the current recall record for later updates.

Is the ABS recall the same as the Santa Fe engine recall? No. The ABS recall involves a brake module fuse and fire risk. Other Hyundai engine recalls involve connecting rod bearing problems. Check your VIN to see which recalls apply.