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: other or unspecified
56 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2021
my husband was driving and the engine lights came on and it made a weird noise. He pulled into a gas station and the vehicle shut off. We didn’t dare drive it again. He notice oil leaking onto the ground under the engine. I looked up if there was issues with his vehicle on nhtsa, and saw there was a recall on the engine and hood latch. We did not receive any recall notice at all!! We would have especially brought it in for a engine recall!!! That’s scary with three little ones and a special needs son we take to Memphis StJudes each year. I signed and set an appointment with Hyundai, but it would be till the 17th of November, this month. We were just going to have it towed to them. So instead we towed it back to the house to wait for appointment. My husband contacted Hyundai to confirm appointment and see about loaner car, we have to work. The lady was nice and said she would have the warranty department in charge of recalls call us back. The lady was rude and said there was nothing they could do for us because we didn’t replace the knock sensor upgrade recall!!!!! There is no recall listed on here or on there site! I’m am so frustrated and upset!! This is not our fault. We maintain and keep records on everything and nothing about this has come around or we would of brought it in. Something needs to be done or said. Can you please point us in the right direction?? Please.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
I got gas in my vehicle and was going home and it started to make a noise when you push to accelerated. Came home got back in it to go to work and it shut down. And the oil light came on. And I started my vehicle again and when I push on the gas pedal it started to make a loud rattling noise and shut down again And it no longer started. I checked the oil and it was fine. I got it to start again and now the loud noise is there with out pushing on the gas. So many problems with this car it's unbelievable. And the money we had put in this car . Check the recalls there nothing
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2021
Liftgate mechanism failed. When opening lift gate manually to load groceries, lift gate suddenly dropped and closed with full force instead of waiting to be pushed down to close.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2021
The dealer has failed to remedy the defect in a reasonable time. Appointment for recall is not available for months with no accommodation. Engine light recently illuminated and not sure if unrelated.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2021
Our Hyundai Sante Fe Sport smells like gasoline. The odor is very loud and nauseating. We parked it outdoors and the smell is still very loud and immediately noticeable from inside the vehicle and even walking by. We looked it up and saw an article in Consumer Reports (by [XXX] on May 18th describing this same thing. The article states the cars are being recalled however, we had our vehicle towed to Thornton Road Hyundai and were told there is no recall. They have diagnosed it as a leak in the top valve of the cover gasket and are charging $365 to repair it. Additional note - on July 8th, as we drove from Atlanta to Orlando, we witnessed a silver Hyundai Sante Fe Sport on fire (completely engulfed in flames) on the highway. We are very concerned and would like for this concern to be taken seriously. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2021
The paint by the power heating seat buttom, is craking, peeling with the sun.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 2, 2021
My car is making a rapid beeping noise it stops every time I break I am extremely scared. I believe it has something to do with my engine. I’ve recorded videos however the box below doesn’t allow videos.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 28, 2021
PURCHASED 4/9/2020. HAD TO BUY BATTERY WITHIN 1 MONTH. THEN REBUILT ENGINE HAD TO BE INSTALLED AND NOW I AM HAVING TO PUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE DAILY DUE TO OIL LEAKING UNDER VEHICLE CONSTANTLY WHICH I HAVE HAD TO DO FOR 1 FULL WEEK UNTIL TOMORROW WHEN DEALERSHIP AGREED TO SERVICE VEHICLE AGAIN!
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2021
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT (FWD). HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING INTERMITTENTLY 3 TIMES, HAPPENED ON 10-15-2020 (ON HIGH WAY), 12-28-2020 (ON HIGH WAY) AND 12-31-2020 (ON LOCAL), CAR CAN NOT BE ACCELERATED WHEN GAS PEDAL STEPPED, TACHOMETER SHOWS ZERO, SPEEDOMETER LESS THAN 40 MPH. CAR WAS BACK TO NORMAL AFTER RESTART.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 13, 2020
CAR BURNED OIL PUTTING 2 QUARTS BACK IN IT EVERY WEEK/ TOPPING IT OFF. OIL LIGHT DOESN'T INDICATE OIL IS GETTING LOW AND OR DOES IT COME ON. LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DON'T WORK AT ALL. WHAT'S THE POINT OF THE BLUETOOTH IF YOU CANT USE THE IMPORTANT PART OF THE FUNCTION THAT'S SUPPOSED TO HELP. BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2020
SINCE THE VEHICLE MADE THE 110,000 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES CONSTANT VIBRATION AND STEERING WHEEL CLUNKING NOISE WHEN MOVING IN EITHER DIRECTION AND WHEN DRIVING AROUND 60 TO 85 MPH, *TR
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 27, 2020
THE CAMERA HAS A TENDENCY TO JUST GO BLACK, LOSING ALL REAR VISIBILITY. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR INPUT IN REVERSE AND LASTS A FEW SECONDS OR MORE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 13, 2020
FOR THE PAST 12-14 MOS I'VE HAD TO ADD ADDITIONAL 1-4 QUARTS OF OIL AFTER VERIFYING LOW OIL ON DIP STICK IN BETWEEN REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES AT FIRESTONE. THEY NOTED DEC 2019 INTERNAL OIL LEAKAGE. OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. MOST RECENTLY FEB 14, 2020 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CHECKED DIP STICK TWICE IT ONLY HAD OIL ON TIP, ADDED 2 QUARTS OIL, LIGHT WENT OFF. CHECK ENG LIGHT CAME ON FEW DAYS LATER, REPEATED DIP STICK CHECK =ADDED 3 MORE QUARTS OIL FEW DAYS LATER. REPEATED SEVERAL XS THROUGHOUT FEB 2020. PAID 3 SEPARATE MECHANICS ALL STATED INTERNAL OIL LEAK. 1 MECHANIC STATED HAD SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WITH SAME COMPLAINT. HE INFORMED ME CHECK WITH DEALER FOR 1 RECALL OR 2 EXTENDED WARRANTY & DUE TO OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. HE ESTIMATED APPROX $5K + TO REBUILD ENGINE, PISTON RINGS ISSUE. I CALLED DEALER ASKED COST FOR THEM TO CHECK WAS QUOTED MINI $139 TO START. WHEN THEY EMAILED APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION, I CONFIRMED APPMT MAR 14, 2020 & ASKED 1. IF A RECALL EXISTED 2. IF EXTENDED WARRANTED COVERED IT. WHEN I GOT THERE TODAY I ASKED SAME 2 QUESTIONS & WAS TOLD TO PAY $42 FOR OIL CHANGE #1 TODAY & BRING CAR EVERY 1000 MILES 3 MORE TIMES FREE OF CHARGE SO THEY CAN TRACK INTERNAL OIL LEAK. WAS TOLD EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY WENT TO 120,000, MY CAR'S @ 125,600. I ASKED WHY I WASNT INFORMED OF THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY AS I RECEIVED LETTER LAST YEAR WHEN I BROUGHT CAR IN FOR COURTESY SOFTWARE UPDATE & 2018 ANOTHER COURTESY CHECK, THEY COULDNT EXPLAIN. I FEEL IF I DIDNT USE BUZZ WORDS 4TH MECHANIC TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED MORE $. A MECHANIC 3 DAYS AGO SAID I NEEDED EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVTR $1244 & NEW SPARK PLUGS & COILS $703. INFOMED THIS MECHANIC I PD $600 APPROX 6 MOS AGO FOR SPARK PLUGS DUE TO HESITATION IN ACCELERATION & JERKY & SPUTTERY MOTION. I FEEL LIKE HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM & I READ SIMILAR ISSUES RESULTING IN FIRES. I'M STILL PAYIN ON CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2020, fire
MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2013 MODEL SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. INCIDENT HAPPENED ON DEC 5, 2019. I AM ATTACHING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON CITY ROAD AT A SPEED OF 45 MPH AND SUDDENLY SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF HOOD. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT OF IT AND A NEARBY DRIVER CALLED 911. FIRE DEPARTMENT FOLKS REACHED THE LOCATION IN 5 TO 10 MINS AND CONTROLLED THE FIRE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2019
WE HAD AN ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN RUNNY ROUGH. DEALERSHIP SAID CAR WAS LOW ON OIL. THEY WANT TO PERFORM A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. INTERNET SEARCH SAYS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. HOW DO WE GET THIS RESOLVED. CAR CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2019
THE VECHILE ONLY HAS 78000 MILES ON IT, AND THIS WAS FOUND IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. APPEARS THAT INSULATION IN THE MUFFLER SYSTEM STARTS TO COME OUT. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A HAIR LIKE SUBSTANCE THAT COMES OUT OF THE MUFFLER, BUT IS IS FOUND TO BE THE INSULATION THAT LINES THE MUFFLER WHEN IT IS FAULTY/OR BAD.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 29, 2019
USING THE CAR IN ECO WHEN ENTERING THE INTERSTATE I'M SPEEDING UP MY CAR GOES HIGHER IN RPMS AND IS NOT SHIFTING TO CORRECT THE CHANGE AND I'LL HAVE TO FLIP IT INTO MANUAL AND SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT THE FIRST TIME ALMOST GOT ME HIT BY A CAR BECAUSE I COULDN'T SLOW DOWN DUE TO TIMING AND ALSO WAS NOT SPEEDING UP CORRECTLY DUE TO THE CAR NOT AUTO CORRECTING.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2018
THE REAR SECTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A SUNNY DAY, TEMPS IN UPPER 50S. THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED BY CRACKING SOUNDS, INDICATING THAT THE GLASS WAS CRACKING AND SPREADING ACROSS THE PANE. THE GLASS DID NOT FALL THROUGH BUT IS CRACKED ACROSS THE ENTIRE PANE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY IMPACT FROM ROAD DEBRIS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2018
SINCE MAY I HAVE BEEN DEALING UP TO AUGUST MY CAR ME ET S THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEMON L AW N I FILED IN MAY MY CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BURNS 2 QTS OF OIL A WEEK SINCE THEY DID RECALL BETWEEN THIRD PARTIES IN ATTORNEY GENERAL N SERVICE MANAGER MY CAR IS INHUMANE FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS OF THEM CONSUMER ADVOCATE FALSIFYING DOCUMENTS N NOT GETTING THIS CAR SERVICED WHEN THE ENGINE HAS A RECALL ON THE 2013 AND I'VE RECORDED CONVERSATIONS N MADE COPIES WHEN ACTION SHOULD BE IN A 30 DAY WINDOW SINCE AUGUST 8TH PLEASE HELP!!!
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2017
THIS VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE AC. IT ONLY BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN THE AC IS TURNED ON, EVEN WHEN IT'S ON THE LOWEST AND COLDEST SETTING. SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE DURING THE SUMMER OF 2013 THE AC HAS NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE TAKING IT SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT CHECK BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO TROUBLE FOUND, BUT THAT WAS UNTIL EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT I WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND AN ISSUE BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE TO GET IT FIXED. NOW I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN THE AC COMES ON BUT ONLY HOT AIR COMES OUT NO COLD AIR THIS HAPPEN WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2017
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, NO OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME, SUN ROOF EXPLODED. AS SAFETY GLASS, MILLIONS OF PIECES OF GLASS.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2017
PUSH BUTTON START DOES NOT ALWAYS START. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM CAUSING VEHICLE TO STRAND US MULTIPLE TIMES. VEHICLE IS PARKED AND WHEN YOU TRY TO START IT IT WILL NOT START.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2017
7-18/2017 CAR BROUGHT TO AUTO NATION IN BRUNSWICK GA FOR ENGINE RECALL CHECK. CAR WAS RETURNED TO OWNER WITHOUT EVER TESTING ENGINE AS REQUESTED. IT WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO CUSTOMER THAT ENGINE WAS NOT CHECKED. 4 DAYS LATER ON 7/22/2017 DRIVER GOING 70 MPH ON HWY 95 IN JACKSONVILLE ENGINE STARTING MAKING KNOCKING NOISE AND CEASED UP COMPLETELY TURNING OFF. DRIVER BARELY MADE IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CHARGED DRIVER $174 TO TOW VEHICLE TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. RELIGIOUSLY IN FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MAINTENANCE, NOT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE FOR 1200 MORE MILES. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR 7 DAYS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION, RAN FINE BEFORE IT SAT. DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR 4 DAYS AFTER RETURNING FROM VACATION. ABOUT 6PM COMING HOME FROM WORK, OPPOSITE FROM RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I SUDDENLY HEARD SLIGHT TICKING SOUND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY GETTING ON TO THE HIGHWAY, I ALSO NOTICED THE RPMS WERE HIGH AND NOT MUCH POWER BEHIND ACCELERATING. DROVE ABOUT 10-15 MILES, TICKING GOT LOUDER WHEN ACCELERATING UNTIL THERE WAS A CONSTANT TICKING AND RATTLE IN THE FRONT END. PARKED THE CAR LET IT SIT FOR A NIGHT. WENT TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE, UPON STARTING THE CAR THERE WAS TICKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, RATTLELING, AND SHAKING, TURNED THE VEHICLE RIGHT OFF. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO LOW OIL LIGHT, NO DASH NOTIFICATION LIGHTS LIGHT UP INDICATING ANYTHING WAS WRONG, TEMPERATURE SEEMED NORMAL. POPPED THE HOOD TO CHECK FLIUDS. CHECKED OIL DIPSTICK, DRY AS DRY COULD BE. NO COOLANT, NO OIL. HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AFRAID ENGINE IS SHOT! IF I WAS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE SEIZED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR LOSS OF CONTROL. I AM THANKFUL MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS NOT BEHIND THE WHEEL. I AM SURE A HEAFTY ENGINE REPLACEMENT BILL IS COMING MY WAY.
Other or unspecified, May 26, 2017
ENGINE RECALL