Hyundai Santa Fe steering wheel may separate while driving

NHTSA campaign 18V118000 · Reported Feb 17, 2018 · Hyundai Motor America

high How serious is it? About this label

A steering wheel that separates while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	18V118000
Reported to NHTSA	Feb 17, 2018
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor America
Part affected	Steering: Steering Wheel/handle BAR
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2018
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

The steering wheel assembly on some Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles may break. If it breaks, the steering wheel could separate from the steering column while you are driving. Losing the steering wheel while driving would mean losing control of the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. This is a serious mechanical failure that affects your ability to steer safely.

What you should do

1) Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Contact a Hyundai dealer, or call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. 3) The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V118000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Hyundai Santa FE

Who to contact

Hyundai — official Hyundai recall lookup

Customer service: 1-855-371-9460

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Hyundai Steering Recalls Cover Separation, Broken Parts, and Assist Loss · all 4 Hyundai recalls in this area

Other Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Apr 6, 2026Genesis and Hyundai Seat Belt Anchors May Detachhigh
Nov 21, 2025Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson Air Bags May Not Deployhigh
Nov 21, 2025Hyundai Santa Fe rearview camera image may not displayhigh
Oct 2, 2025Hyundai Santa Fe Starter Cover Risks Electrical Shorthigh
Aug 26, 2025Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe Engine Bolts May Loosencritical
Nov 21, 2024Hyundai Rearview Camera May Fail To Displaymedium

All 20 Santa FE recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Safety risk: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.