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.
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.
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2023
ABS was repaired 6 months ago. Now light comes back on today.
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2023
Brake failure. Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is having serious brake issues. On pressing brake pedal, it'll travel all the way down, and only pumping the brake might get vehicle to stop. My wife almost hit a vehicle at a traffic light. We've had both front and rear brakes replaced, and master cylinder has been replaced by a certified mechanic, but to no avail. Our mechanic suggested contacting Hyundai dealership, as next option would be ABS. I made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer in Odessa, Texas, but said they can only get me in on February 9th, and this vehicle is needed for work. The vehicle is a serious hazard to drive. I've since noticed several ABS recalls, but none for this year model. Something is seriously wrong. My wife almost rear ended a vehicle on the first incident.
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.
Service brakes, Jan 8, 2023
Brake failure. Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is having serious brake issues. On pressing brake pedal, it'll travel all the way down, and only pumping the brake might get vehicle to stop. My wife almost hit a vehicle at a traffic light. We've had both front and rear brakes replaced, and master cylinder has been replaced by a certified mechanic, but no avail. Our mechanic mentioned possibility of an ABS issue, and suggested we contact Hyundai first. I made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer in Odessa, Texas, but said they can only get me in on February 9th, and this vehicle is needed for work. The vehicle is a serious hazard to drive.
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.
Steering, Dec 22, 2022
The car started to make a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel whether straight or turning. The wheel was shaking and there was some wiggle with steering. I was hours from home and did not feel safe driving the vehicle. Left it at a non-Hyundai repair shop. Was told the next day it was an issue with the plastic coupler in the steering column and Hyundai had a recall on it. Drove it home and brought it to my local dealer where we have all our repairs done. Was told there's no recall. After reading the exact same complaint by so many people on here and other online places I was shocked there was no recall for this issue. Others have stated Hyundai did recalls on some of their other vehicles for just this part/problem.
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2022
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCH BROKE. PIN HOLDING TWO COMPONENTS OF LATCH FAILED RESULTING IN INABILITY TO CLOSE DOOR COMPLETELY. BLACK PLASTIC OR OTHER PROTECTIVE MATERIAL COVERING LATCH ASSEMBLY DISINTEGRATED WITH APPARENT WEAR, EXPOSING PIN WHICH HOLDS TWO COMPONENTS OF LATCHING/LOCKING MECHANISM AS SHOWN IN ATTACHED PHOTOS. REPLACED PART WHICH REQUIRED REMOVAL OF INNER DOOR PANEL. NOW DRIVER'S DOOR BEGINNING TO MAKE SAME ABNORMAL SOUND AT CLOSING AS WELL AS RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR.
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.
Engine, Aug 31, 2022
Every time u start my car if knocks don’t matter if the engine is hot or cold and even after u change the oil
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2022
My abs, traction control lights came on meaning the abs system is rendered inoperable. Hyundai has a campaign (949) for the same make and model as my SUV but my VIN isn’t included in that campaign. The SUV has 70,000 miles on it.
Steering, Aug 9, 2022
August 2020 , dealership repairs under under warranty 'Steering coupler' . Wheeling when engine on making 'Clunky' sound, and vibrations . Hyundai has current Recalls on other makes and models of their line, but not 2013's , or my year AND model This is a Safety issue. Please advise Hyundai to extend and issue a Recall The dealerships wants hundreds of dollars to repair.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2022
While driving vehicle on freeway car stalled and would not accelerate. Car was then pulled over to side of road .Turned vehicle off now it will not turn back on . This almost cause accident on freeway .
Engine, Aug 3, 2022, fire
While driving for approximately 4 hours I heard a loud pop and the car shut off with no warning. Smoke began to come from under the hood and as I opened the hood you can see a small fire coming from underneath the engine. Luckily I was able to put out the fire and had the car towed to a mechanic who informed me that I had a hole in my engine block. Had vehicle towed to dealership and contacted Hyundai about issue. I’m told their was a recall but I never received notice. There’s a case being investigated by Hyundai but as of now no details. Vehicle remains at dealership until further notice.
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
My car shut completely off while turning at the traffic light.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2022
The light will indicate that the driver door is opened when it is closed. Which is causing the alarm to go off randomly and it’s draining my battery completely. I just bought a new battery in June 2022 and when I went to start my car today it wouldn’t start. Something is not connected properly but I don’t know what it is.
Power train, Engine, Jul 28, 2022
my car is burning oil i change the oil often and after a oil change it burns about 1 to 2 quarts every 2000 miles. at 108,000 mile i had a tune up plugs coil packs and fuel injectors my car was putting a code for misfire in 3 and it was cleared after the tune up. then 4 weeks later #4 was misfiring the car is burning more oil and smoking and the knocking and ticking nosie is coming from the car the car doesnt want to start and it vibrates. if you goto drive it feels terrible and unsafe the engine light is on steady i called the hyundai dealer they said there was a engine recall on certian motels my car is in that recall. i have no use of my car and the engine needs to be replaced and the dealer said they have to try to appove it. im out the use of my only car and still have payments to make on it and insurence i have no public transportation in the poconos and im stuck no help from the 3 dealers no loaner car avaible even after the manufacture said they should supply a loaner car. no one is helpng me expidite this issue they are selling cars with dangours engines risking being stuck and blowing up the motor. numoruos people have been gong to the local news channels for help and some are waiting months to get approved for new engines i need my car im spending 400.00 per month for a car i can't use.
Engine, Jul 25, 2022
This car has 81K miles on it and the engine started knocking, no engine light nor oil light came on. The car stalled a couple of times at a red light. I dropped the car off at my local repair shop and they said it had very little oil in it and advised me to take it to a Hyundai dealer. I have video of the dash showing no lights ever came on. The dealership confirmed it had very little oil in it and no dash lights were on and advised me to call Hyundai to see about getting a replacement motor. I had the oil changed at the dealership and drove the car home. The engine was still knocking very badly and the engine ended up seizing up and the car shut down and isn't working now. I'm waiting on Hyundai to call me back. This is evidently a known problem with these cars/engines and they've had numerous class action lawsuits but haven't done an official recall. This is unacceptable. I realize the government has fined them as well but more needs to be done.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. As the contact continued driving, he began to hear an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The contact added oil to the engine however, the knocking sound persisted. The contact towed the vehicle to his home where his brother inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with a defective timing chain. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rod bearing. The contact was then given an estimate for the replacement of the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.