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
605 reports, newest first.
Steering, Dec 13, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at about 35 MPH, The steering wheel was seized on a winding road; the steering warning light had also appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to veer to the right direction as the contact forcefully steered the vehicle back to the left direction to avoid hitting a fence. The vehicle then spun into the opposite side of the road before hitting a curb. Once the vehicle hit the curb, the vehicle flipped three times before the vehicle came to a halt. All air bags deployed during the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic but was later towed by her insurance for an investigation. All three passengers were taken to the hospital by a family member where they were treated for various injuries. One passenger sustained temporary ringing in both ears after the accident and the other passenger suffered temporary back pain. The contact sustained a head injury and a muscle strain to both their neck and back. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 7, 2023, fire
The vehicle caught fire while driving due to unknown cause. The vehicle was unable to break as smoke began coming into the vents. Car came to a stop and the flames were present underneath the vehicle before engulfing the entire hood. Vehicle has been deemed total loss by insurance.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Nov 20, 2023
Dealership verified several months ago that vehicle engine is burning oil (was initially informed of this issue about 6 months prior from a quick oil change business). In spite of documented evidence of oil changes every 3,000--5,000 miles since purchasing the new vehicle, claim filed with Hyundai for a new engine was denied (engine is 1 year past warranty). On 11/11/23, engine catastrophically failed traveling 70 mph on the interstate (loud "bang" from engine compartment followed by inability to accelerate; created hazard due to density of traffic and vehicle location in the passing lane). Was able to get vehicle to shoulder without incident. Check engine light was blinking. Had vehicle towed to Hyundai of Cookeville, TN. Since then, have struggled to get dealership to determine precise cause of engine failure. (Engine is available for inspection upon request.)
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2023
On July 26, 2023 the brakes totally failed on my 2013 Santa Fe Sport. I paid $$$ to have the brakes fully repaired. This week I received a Hyundai recall campaign notice 251 that suggested brakes might fail with a potential for resulting fire. This recall message prompted me to report my incident to Hyundai. Since it has been over 10 years, Hyundai says it has no responsibility. The issue for me was traffic safety to protect our loved ones and to avoid causing a serious accident or injury to others. I would Hyundai to be be responsible and pay for my brake repair and ensure its vehicle are safe and road worthy.
Engine, Nov 4, 2023
While driving, engine suddenly shut off. Engine light was on and I had to pull off road in traffic, almost causing an accident. Tow truck was unable to start car, while stating the battery was good The car has been at dealership for 4 months. Hyundai requested and was given all maintenance receipts from local dealership in NC, and dealership in AZ where the car was purchased.. Still waiting for word if Hyundai will replace the engine. The car sat at dealership for 2 months before they even looked at it, and was then determined the engine was frozen/blown. There were no warning lamps, symptoms or messages before this incident. Was not offered a loaner car, am unable to afford a rental.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2023
Hello, I'm not sure if this is something that you would handle or not. My husband and I have a Hyundai Santa Fe (husband-2015, Mine - 2013). We both bought the vehicles used and haven't had any major problems until about a year ago when both of our vehicles started drinking motor oil like people drink water. We don't have any signs of a leak anywhere. We had taken it to the Hyundai Dealerships and other mechanics and both say that Hyundai has been known to have this problem. Many years ago, I had a Hyundai Sonata which I bought brand new around 2003 and had it for many years. I never had this problem. After doing my research, I have seen where other people have had this problem with their Hyundai vehicles. I emailed several people about our situation, one being [XXX] , and received a response from Hailey, Customer Service Specialist with Hyundai Motor America and her response was for us to have Oil Consumption Testing done. She said that it would be our responsibility to pay for the testing and any repairs that need to be done since we're past the warranty and the years of our vehicles. From what the dealership and other mechanics keep saying, I feel it should be a recall for this problem due to Hyundai being aware that this has been a problem with their vehicles for years. I've known people to have cars much older than ours that never had an oil consumption problem such as this. Also, from what I read, this Oil Consumption Testing is a process that is done in stages which can be costly. Plus this Oil Consumption problem can lead to our engine dying without us knowing when it will die. With this problem, we don't have any warning that our motor oil is low or empty for our oil light will either blink or don't come on at all. I have seen mine blink, but by then the oil was already gone. My husband's oil stick had burnt and he purchased another one from Hyundai. The new one is now burnt and mine is burnt as well. This is a safety hazard. I feel that Hyundai should INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2023, fire
My car engine compartment fire while parked in front of my condo
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Recently, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after refueling the vehicle. The warning lights disappeared after driving for an extended period. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Oct 21, 2023
I purchased this vehicle 07/05/2022. I have had regular oil changes and maintenance. I have all of my maintenance records. I went in for an oil change on 05/15/2023 and the mechanic told me that there was only 3-4 drops of oil in the engine. I called Hyundai of Nicholasville and they told me that there was nothing they could do until the vehicle showed signs of engine failure. I was driving home from work one day in August and my vehicle would not travel over 40 MPH. I had my vehicle towed to Hyundai of Nicholasville and it has been there ever since. The mechanic at Hyundai has been trying to get Hyundai to do a motor replacement. Hyundai denied the request. We are now trying my extended warranty. I have done so much research on the motors of this specific make and model of car (2013 Hyundai Santa Fa Sport) and I have found several articles and personal testimonies of early engine failure. From the time I bought the car and put it in the shop I had only had the car for roughly 13 months and done all car maintenance on time.
Steering, Engine, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle had lost power causing the vehicle to decrease in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed where it was informed that the failure was due to a faulty rod bearing. The vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Structure, Oct 9, 2023
The vehicles panoramic sunroof shattered while driving. This created an unsafe situation and the insurance company still has not fixed in 6 months.
Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2023
I turned on my car and we able to drive approximately 2-3 miles down the road when all of a sudden my ABS light, traction control light, and my hill start assist light lit up on my dashboard. Approximately a week later I was notified of the safety recall on my vehicles ABS module. The lights have remained illuminated since they initially came on.
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
The car ran great when I bought it and did for about one month before it suddenly stalled and went into limp mode. The engine started making a loud knocking noise that kept getting worse. Only got to drive the car for a little over one month. It’s been at the Hyundai dealership for almost 3 months now still waiting on the rod bearing clearance test because there were 17 other Hyundais in front of mine. If for some reason they won’t replace it then it’s a total loss because I don’t feel safe getting back in it and especially my kids. I would rather just be reimbursed for the price of the car so I can buy a different brand all together. I don’t want the same issue to keep happening. The dealership I bought it at completely failed to mention anything about the theta II engine recall, they even told me it didn’t have any recalls and that it was a great reliable car. If I would’ve known the smallest thing about the recall I would’ve NEVER bought it, period! It’s ridiculous that a company would rather keep letting people die than fix the problem completely.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 5, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa FE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost all motive power, but he was able to safely coast to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers provided by bystanders. A fire report was filed, and a police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow and deemed a total loss. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2023, fire
My husband was driving home and noticed the rpms showed 0 when he was idling. Then a little bit of smoke come out of the hood so he pulled over. When he stopped, there was thick black smoke coming out of the hood. Seconds after he got out of the vehicle the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The check engine light was on and we were going back and forth with dealers since I baught the car 2 months prior about getting it fixed. Before the fire, the vehicle was inspected by a huyndia representative and was scheduled to be worked on the next day. The insurance company did an investigation as well.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2023
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. EVEN WHILE I AM DRIVING IT WILL SAY MY DOOR IS AJAR. WHEN I LOCK THE DOORS THEY AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK THEMSELVES. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I AM AT WORK. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO GO OUT TO THE PARKING LOT TO TURN IT OFF. I HAVE YET TO TAKE IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR REPAIRS. 3 MONTHS AFTER BUYING THIS CAR THE MOTOR BLEW UP AND LUCKILY THERE WAS A RECALL SO IT WAS FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO ME. I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL DOOR NOT WANTING TO OPEN. I USUALLY HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE PULL THE LEVER WHILE I AM TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR AT THE SAME TIME FOR IT TO OPEN.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 19, 2023
I was driving on a highway going 65mph when my engine suddenly, and without warning, failed. My foot was on the gas pedal when it suddenly went to the floor, but my car stopped accelerating. My check engine light began blinking as well. I was in the far left lane and, without the ability to accelerate, had to merge over through 3 lanes of highway traffic in order to safely pull my car over on the side of the highway. This put not only my own safety at risk, but also that of every car around me while I tried to maneuver my car safely to the side of the highway without the ability to accelerate. There were no signs or lights illuminated prior to the incident that would of given me any warning to the impending failure. My car was towed to the closest mechanic then towed to my local Hyundai dealership. Both the mechanic and the Hyundai service department found the engine knocking and determined it was a total engine failure and my engine needed to be replaced. I discovered my engine was affected by the Hyundai engine recall 162.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle off the roadway, but the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and after numerous attempts was able to restart and drove the vehicle to a nearby service station. A mechanic at the service station checked the vehicle and found metal shavings in the oil filter and determined that the engine had seized. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2023
Issue # 1 - Door open light flashing on instrumental panel. I checked out the door and it was closed tightly. It continues to flash today (09/13/2023). During the end of April 2023, I could not lock my doors and the interior dome light stayed on. I was not aware of this and it drained my battery a couple of times in which my vehicle would not start. I now keep my interior dome light in the "Off' position. Now, when I drive at night, it get in and out of a dark vehicle. This is a safety concern since I am a female and I care for my disabled mother. I also cannot keep my doors locked when I am driving due to this issue. For safety reasons, I prefer to drive with my doors locked and I am unable to due this. I took it to the dealer and they believe the door actuator is the root cause. They gave me an estimate of $850 for parts and labor. I declined the repair, I thought it is too costly. Issue # 2 - Air Conditioner stops blowing cold and starts blowing nothing but hot air. This started in July of 2022. The AC works intermittently. I believe the blower needs to be replaced.
Seat belts, Sep 2, 2023
Upon exiting a parking lot at low speeds, the driver’s seat belt disengaged from the buckle. Despite multiple attempts to fasten the seat belt, it would not stay buckled throughout the drive, which was at speeds 40mph and below. Warning chimes sounded each time it unbuckled. It seems like a mechanical failure because the seat belt would become unbuckled if just a little force was applied to pull on the seat belt such as when making a turn.
Engine, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 27, 2023
Car engine is over heating car engine locked up care engine manufacturer recall needs to be requested on all 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe 2.0T model vehicles this is a safety risk to all customers driving this model. The car engine was diagnosed and verified by the hyundai dealership service department. There were no warnings prior to failure. The service department notified me on August 10 2023 of the services needed due to auto risk and recall statements on the hyundai model vehicles.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
My engine blew on the highway almost killed me! It just stopped at 70 mph! No power nothing I had it towed and had to replace my engine! I heard I can file a complaint because of the problem with the engine! I paid $6187.31 for the replacement and took forever to get the engine due to Covid!
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle into a parking lot before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she then called her husband, and her husband was able to restart the vehicle and drive it to the residence safely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty alternator. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the failure reoccurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced twice and the battery had been replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,904.