2013 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 605 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 14 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Campaign 17V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftAug 12, 2013
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2013 front wheel drive Santa Fe Sport vehicles manufactured July 13, 2012, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Custom Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 112.
Campaign 13V355000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
279 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 9, 2023
I was driving down the highway when the car suddenly just jolted stalled and misfired. I put on my hazards and jerked to get a read since the engine light came on. After 4 diagnostic tests and 3 different mechanics the codes read misfire in cylinder 2. Spark plugs were installed new, but after further inspection and 3 pressure tests the problem was scoring to the cylinder wall, not the cylinder coil itself. The final test was by a Hyundai dealer, but he did not tear down the engine further to find exact cause. He initially suggested an oil change, but I have been getting oil changes every month before service is due as oil is burning off and not lubricating essential mechanical parts. I have records of monthly changes. I also had several issues with brake fluid leaks regardless of tube installation per another recall for ABS system. I visited dealer under the advise of Hyundai customer service telling me I was under an extended warranty up to 150,000. After visiting dealer I was told the warranty does not cover my power train issue but only pertaining to rods and bearings. However, according to best practice guide 162 and class action I am still eligible for free inspection as a returning customer which was denied. I had no notice or knowledge of a bad engine when purchasing vehicle. I was told of ABS system recall and a no cost inspection. The previous owner serviced the recall 162 so it’s showing as closed, but as a returning customer I believe it to still be active and deserves further review. A tow would be required to inspect the vehicle at any dealership or repair shop.
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
My engine randomly misfired out of nowhere one day and a rod threw through my engine. I have a perfect history of proper engine maintenance with scheduled oil changes included. There is a safety recall on my year, make and model or vehicle for premature wear of bearings that cause the motor to seize but my VIN number says I’m not affected. I believe I have been.
Engine, May 25, 2023
I have had my Hyundai for 3yrs and religiously get my oil changed from my mechanic. My car is consuming oil. I got an oil change a month ago and went to check my oil on my dipstick and it was VERY low. There is no oil leaks. My car vibrates when I sit at a light or am parked it also has bad acceleration.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2023, fire
As I drove off the highway and stopped at the light, all of my warning lights came on and fire started coming out of the hood in front of me. I bailed out of the vehicle and the entire front half of the car burned/melted completely.
Engine, May 18, 2023
Engine consumes oil significantly. After 3 month of oil change, most no oil is shown on the dip stick. I noticed that there is a recall for 4 cylinder engines but no recall for V6 engines. However, same issue is happening to my V6 engine. I am refilling oils every month.
Engine, May 13, 2023
I was driving down the interstate coming up to a bridge with barely any emergency shoulder in the pouring rain with my 7 year old son in the back seat when all of a sudden my car lost power and would no longer accelerate over 60mph. I pulled to the side of the road and had to have my vehicle towed. After I finally made it back home, I researched the issue and found that this has already been recall on my vehicle back in 2017 prior to me purchasing the car and it supposedly fixed but either it wasn't fixed or the repair has failed again. I see many other owners of other Hyundai models and Kia are having this issue even after these so-called repairs have been made.
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
The engine is burning oil without any warning lights come on engine almost seized up . No no oil low light came on. Do you like that came out was check engine so we bought it to the dealership for service and then the ones they told us with the problem with the engine and looks like the same problem that a Hyundai is having with the four cylinders which they are replacing unfortunately is only up to 150,000 miles a Hyundai will not do nothing for us on this engine because it’s not part of the recall, oh this is the same problem. The four-cylinder’s are having I was told by the mechanics in the service tech from a Hyundai. This is the second time this happened the first time they said we need a new toilet. We need a pressure switch We needed some other stuff in the car which almost came out to $4000 to get fix that at Hyundai add Voz , Ed Voyles and Hyundai in all Semira Georgia. I was just hoping you could help us with the situation to see if there’s anybody else out there with that problem.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
While driving the vehicle, power was lost several times, the engine redlined because it could not switch gears. All of the oil was used by engine 40 days after oil change. Hyundai has repeatedly ignored our request for a new engine.
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
The engine is failing due to a broken bearing inside the engine. This caused oil to leak inside the engine and burn out through the exhaust. There were no warning lights such as a check engine or low oil. The reason we took it to the shop is because the car started making raddling and knocking noise when pressing the gas pedal. The mechanic shop informed us there was no oil in the vehicle when we just got a synthetic oil change in December. They diagnosed that significant engine damage was done and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle is almost 10 years old and has 108,000 miles. There were no warning signs of this happening it just happened. There were no major issues with this vehicle. We consistently maintained the vehicle maintenance and oil changes and kept all records.
Engine, Apr 1, 2023, crash
I purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe V6 3.3 L what's 67,000 miles on it from an owner that kept it maintained at the dealership and we have records. I kept it maintained I have records to support. The complaint is the engine started failing without notice while driving which was very dangerous because of the loss of speed while in traffic. The engine would rev up to redline which would force me to let off the gas call losing all power. My four year old daughter and I almost got plowed over from behind on the interstate by a semi truck because our engine would suddenly rev way up to redline without any notice. I contacted Hyundai about it, the engine has now died and we lost $15,000 vehicle because of it. Hyundai has ignored us regarding the dead car and the safety component. They should not be allowed to conduct a business in the United States. The amount of lawsuit stacked up against them for ripping off we Americans, is absolutely absurd. Get off [XXX] and do something about it. I'm a tax paying Citizen and you're allowed me to get [XXX] in my own backyard with regards to a [XXX] car for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) a
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 27, 2023
I was driving my Santa Fe into my garage and there was a misfire in the engine. And then it stopped running, I have had it parked there now for 1 month because I don’t have the money to put a engine in it ,
Engine, Mar 7, 2023
Since I bought this vehicle it has done nothing but burn oil. I do regular oil changes on a regular basis. In between these oil changes I have to add 3 to 5 quarts of oil every 2 weeks. I have only had the vehicle for 2 yrs and 6 months. I am constantly checking the oil I believe there needs to be a recall on this vehicle engine.
Engine, Feb 22, 2023
I bought this car brand new and have never had any problems with it until the engine seized. The car has been driven 64,691 miles. On 2/11 the car was started in a shopping center parking lot and the engine began ticking. There were no lights present. We drove it home (1 mile) and I called Piazza Hyundai. Their next diagnostic opening was for March 3rd. I made the appointment, left the car in the driveway, and called my own mechanic on Monday, hoping for a quicker repair. On 2/13 the engine still ticked and ultimately shut down on a major road a mile from my home en route to my mechanic. I had it towed to Mighty Muffler and it was declared seized on Tuesday, 2/14. I then had it towed to Piazza Hyundai where it is waiting for it's appointment. There were no lights illuminated until it shut down. After the car stopped working, the engine, oil and battery lights appeared.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 2, 2023
On January 20, 2023 I was on my way home from work and was stopped at a traffic light. The light turned green. As I tried to accelerate forward the engine light started blinking and the vehicle moved slow and lost a lot of power and a knocking sound began. As I tried to accelerate more the knocking sound became louder. I found an engine issue after entering my vin# on the Hyundai site. It was found that for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport there was an engine issue. I have attached this issue pertaining to my vin#. I printed this information and took these to my nearest Hyundai dealer, who stated to me that these were not official recall papers and they can't use them. I am the 3rd owner of this vehicle so I never would have received an official recall paper. I proceeded to email consumer affairs at Hyundai and sent these same attachments showing the vehicle issue with my vin#. Hyundai has emailed me back stating and I quote "We have determined your vehicle is not currently affected by any campaigns." I do not see how they determined there isn't a campaign that affects my vehicle when I have proof on paper there is an issue with these engines. My vehicle is a 2013 and under 10 years old. I found a local independent auto garage to look at my Hyundai and they have stated I need a new engine. I am at this time stuck paying out of pocket for a new engine that has clearly an issue Hyundai has had with this particular engine. Thank you for you time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
I was driving to work January 12th and I turned on my left blinker and touched my breaks to slow down and make a stop at a red light in a turning lane. After touching my break my car stalled for the first time since I owned the vehicle in the middle of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it over twice. The hood of my vehicle started smoking and my engine seized up. I dropped my vehicle off at Horne Hyundai on January 18th after Pep Boys did an engine diagnostics confirming it fell under a recall I was never notified about. There were no engine lights on previous to my car breaking down and I have not heard back from Horne Hyundai since I dropped off my vehicle. Prior to the breakdown, there were not engine malfunctions. Ever since I got the car it didn't accelerate well, but thought it was the specific model of the vehicle.
Engine, Jan 8, 2023
Not sure if it had anything but Hyundai replaced the rod bearing due to a notice we received to bring it in. A month after this, and just after getting an oil change the check engine light turned on. Upon arriving home, my husband found the car basically on empty for oil. I took it and our mechanic confirmed this. I then took to Hyundai in Cornelius, NC and after many tests they confirmed the car was burning oil, but could not determine the reason. There were no visible leaks etc. Nothing was provided as a solution, we continued to have to due monitor the oil, add when necessary, and take it in for an oil change once a month. As of January 1st, 2023 the car lost power while my 19 yr. old son was driving it with his younger brother and the engine light started flashing. The car is now has no viable engine. I feel this is very poor handling by Hyundai and more attention should have been giving by them for their product which we paid and ended up with a bad apple. Based on what I have researched this seems to be more of a common problem.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Dec 24, 2022
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD bought 6/1/22. We bought the car used at 89,000 miles and drove it to 100,000 miles. On 12/19/22 this incident occurred. On the freeway, at speed, I experienced a sudden engine failure/loss. No warning lights prior to this loss and the car had no previous mechanical issues. Acceleration was lost with no warning, no light or indication that something was (going) wrong. I was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road. Once safely off the road I inspected the vehicle for damage, found none and opened the hood. I found no oil on the dipstick, Oil changed 3000 miles before, no interior dash warning about low/no oil. Luckily this was not during rush hour traffic or bumper to bumper where it could have completely died on me in a traveling lane and been a hazard to other drivers. Waited 3 hours for a tow and it is currently sitting at the repair shop where they provided a confirmation that the engine is seized and will need to be completely replaced. Insurance Appraiser was out Friday (12/23) at the Repair shop to look at the vehicle. Repair cost is more than the car is worth and Hyundai Warranty/Recalls are not applicable to the 3.3L V6 Engines which is what our model car has.
Engine, Nov 23, 2022
Hernstine Hyundai of chillicothe Ohio refused to replace my engine after it failed the inspection when I took it to have the recalls repaired and a week later my engine blew up going 65 on the highway on my way home almost causing me to get into an accident
Engine, Oct 1, 2022
Driving at approx. 55 mph on busy 2-way road when the engine stopped completely. There were vehicles all around me when I lost power brakes, power steering and nearly lost control. There was no prior warning. I managed to get off the road into a field. Towed to service station. They thought engine had failed but it was too big a job for them. Then had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer in Augusta, ME. They checked it and agreed the engine had simply frozen. According to the dealer 2 days later, Hyundai agreed that the engine had to be replaced and was covered under warranty. They have offered a rental car until the car is repaired. Dealer estimated to be 10/14/22. The dealer has been a pleasure to deal with but my problem is that this seems to be a very common issue with 2013 Hyundai Sports vehicles. After checking several websites there seem to be dozens of these incidents reported and probably many more unreported. We were very fortunate to not be in a severe accident. It seems just a matter of time before someone is killed because of this vehicle malfunction. Hyundai should have a complete recall.
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
* Vehicle started blowing smoke out of the tailpipe, was losing power and began to stall out, the vehicle is available for inspection and is located at my local dealership * Vehicle began to lose power and started stalling out as I was driving which could have caused an accident * The problem was reproduced by both an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * Vehicle has been inspected and tested by an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the problem occurring * There is a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V-226) for this very issue * The dealership claims they ran the diagnostics and the vehicle is considered to be operating at a functional level and is outside of the parameters set by Hyundai for an engine replacement even though they agreed the vehicle can not be driven in its current condition and that the engine needs to be replaced * Hyundai is refusing to replace the engine * It is questionable as to whether or not the dealership conducted a proper inspection according to Hyundai's "Recall 162 Dealer Best Practices Guide" (which required testing to be conducted and results to be uploaded to HMA via utilization of the GDS mobile tablet) and Technical Service Bulleting (TSB) #17-01-047 for this recall which was published on 6/23/17 as they are is unwilling or unable to supply any testing results or parameters and did not replace the dipstick, oil or oil filter as the recall service requires *Vehicle has been at the dealership since it was towed there on 8/11/22 and we have not had use of it since 7/18/22
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
Engine light blinking and engine knocking
Power train, Engine, Sep 12, 2022
The engine won’t start. The car just shut down. While drive there was a sluggish feel in the car engine. The battery in the car is good. There power everywhere in car except for the engine. The engine shutdown with no warning lights or signals at all. Had the car towed back to Family Hyundai Dealer in Tinley Park Illinois on Friday 9/19/22. Received no results as of yet from the service department. Still waiting on results of why the engine shutdown suddenly.
Engine, Sep 6, 2022
A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.