Recall 18V118 affects 41,070 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs because the steering wheel assembly can break. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 41,070 2018 Santa Fe vehicles under recall 18V118 because the steering wheel assembly can break and separate from the steering column while driving. A steering wheel separation can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering wheel assembly on a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is the part you hold to steer, plus the hub that attaches it to the steering column. The column carries your steering input down to the steering gear, so the hub has to stay locked to the column while the vehicle is moving.
In this recall, certain steering wheel hub assemblies were damaged during manufacturing after mold temperature rose during the molding process. The damaged hubs were reworked with insufficient breakage strength. That leaves the hub weaker than designed, and the steering wheel assembly can break at the connection to the column. If that connection breaks while driving, the steering wheel can separate from the steering column.
There is no warning sign before failure. A Santa Fe owner should not expect a light, sound, loose feel, or gradual change to appear before the steering wheel separates.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | steering wheel |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 41,070 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A steering wheel that separates while the Santa Fe is moving can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid extra trips until the steering wheel assembly is checked. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer for the steering-wheel assembly lot-number check and free replacement; this addresses the steering wheel assembly that can separate from the steering column while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V118 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer checks the steering wheel assembly. Stop using the vehicle if the steering wheel feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician checks the production lot number on the steering wheel assembly. If the lot is covered, the technician replaces the steering wheel assembly. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related steering wheel repair, Hyundai provides reimbursement under its submitted plan. Ask Hyundai customer service or the service desk what documentation the plan requires.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 23, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 23, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 16, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V118?
Recall 18V118 covers 41,070 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with a steering wheel assembly that can break and separate from the steering column while driving. Hyundai dealers will inspect the steering wheel assembly production lot number and replace the assembly for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe is included in recall 18V118. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the steering wheel assembly inspection. Reference recall number 18V118 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Hyundai to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Hyundai dealer will check the steering wheel assembly production lot number and replace the assembly for free if its lot number is included.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. Hyundai's recall filing says the steering wheel assembly can break, causing the steering wheel to separate from the steering column while driving and increasing the risk of a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 18V118?
Hyundai began notifying owners on March 26, 2018. If you bought the Santa Fe used or never received the letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Hyundai dealer with recall number 18V118.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V118000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V118 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V118000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →