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.
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
Steering, Oct 25, 2021
The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which wore out and causes a “thud” type noise when turning the steering wheel. Steering is affected by this. Problem has ben reproduced by service center.
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.
Engine, Oct 21, 2021
October 15, 2021. Driving South on Hwy 99 near Pixley when all of a sudden the engine died and the car started coasting. I was in the fast lane doing approximately 65mph. Put the blinker on and when a semi truck on the other lane finally passed me I was able to coast off the 99 onto a off ramp where I pulled over shaking because the engine stopping could have caused a very tragic accident. Tried to restart the engine and it did but could hear it rattling so I shut it off and called Auto Club for a tow. Had it towed back to Fresno to Auto Works where they confirmed the lower end had failed. Left it there and picked up my Jeep and continued my trip to So Cal. While there I was told by a friend there were numerous 4 cyl engine failures. I then found out thru Hyundai that there was a recall on my vehicle.
Engine, Oct 21, 2021
Engine seized up while driving. How many complaints before NHTSA investigates?
Engine, Oct 16, 2021
Engine oil level is low even though the car had just an oil change. Car was brought to Subaru dealership where we bought the car. They said the engine is burning oil and the oil was very dark. They recommended to bring it to a nearby Hyundai dealership for engine recall or warranty. We contacted Hyundai dealership but they told us there was no recall nor warranty nor are they going to conduct a diagnosis. We brought the car to a trusted auto repair shop and they said the same thing the Subaru dealership told us. We contacted Hyundai dealership but told us again that there is no recall or warranty.
Service brakes, Air, Oct 14, 2021
ABS system lights going off after recall Recall #205 being completed. My vehicle has only 27,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition. I took it in for the recall and have spent thousands of dollars at the dealership for regular maintenance over the past year. Two days after the recall being done, my ABS system lights went off. Rick Case Hyundai wants to charge another $l,200 for ABS sensor replacement. This is incredible since nothing was wrong until I took it in, as advised, for the recall on the ABS system. Now they say I need to keep the car outside in case of a fire and that the sensors aren't covered. This is an outrange and I get NO assistance since contacting Hyundai Customer Care and the case manager of my Case #l8756193 is an absolute joke and of no help whatsoever. The sensors should be replaced at NO Cost to me as it was a direct result of the recall visit.
Air bags, Oct 5, 2021
Three safety issues: 1st Steering column coupler went bad at 95k miles causing steering wheel to shake. Cost $1700 to repair. I was at risk for steering to lock up, which would have caused an accident and injury to myself and others on roadway. 2nd Airbag indicator light is currently on. Diagnostic scan shows steering wheel airbag is faulty. If in an accident occurs and airbag does not deploy, could cause serious bodily injury. I do not have a copy of the diagnoses sheet, estimate to repair was $800. 3rd ABS sensor is currently faulty on rear tires causing dashboard indicator lights to constantly be illuminated. If rear brakes actually go bad and I'm not aware because the sensor is faulty, could cause bodily injury to myself and others on roadway if they malfunction or cease to function. I do not have copy of diagnosis sheet as I don't have funds to repair at this time.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
My vehicle engine has an oil consumption problem that was diagnosed in July of 2021. The car was making a bad vibrating rattling noise, and the red oil light came on which prompted immediate diagnostics July 6th, 2021. When they assessed they stated to drive it and check the oil level and on August 2nd I brought the vehicle back and they recommended starting the Hyundai protocol for diagnosing burn of oil due to smoke The Hyundai dealership I have had my car serviced at went through the 1000 mile burn test to diagnose the problem and this was confirmed to be the issued September 10th, 2021. Hyundai states that engine is under warranty but will only repair (or replace) the engine if the engine undergoes a catastrophic failure involving the bearings. This seems highly dangerous and illegal. If the engine burns too much oil the engine will seize. When the engine seizes, this could cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle causing harm to the driver, passengers, or others on the public roadway. I have contacted Hyundai corporate headquarters about this, though links provided on their website are broken and make it difficult to get clear answers. I have done the required maintenance and have records to prove this. However I am VERY FRUSTRATED AND SCARED. My engine has not seized or failed yet, but if this issue is not resolved, it WILL fail. When the manufacturer knows this issue exists, and when the consumer proactively maintains their vehicle, brings it into the dealership to be told “to drive it and let it catastrophically fail” for Hyundai to acknowledge their warranty is unethical and if not illegal, it should be. Reading online, there are many others who are having similar problems. These are the cases related to this issue: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation, No. 8:17-cv-00838-JLS-JDE (C.D. Cal.) Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al., No. 18-cv-02223 (C.D. Cal.) PLEASE look into this. Thank you, Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Engine, Sep 15, 2021
On Saturday, September 11, 2021 while driving, the engine light came on and the car started to to hesitate a little. We were able to make it home and to a mechanic. The mechanic said the engine seized up and now needs to be replaced. There was a recall on this model due to this very thing but my car was not part of the recall. Hyundai is now saying the 10year/100,000 mile power train warranty only applies to the original owner. I have never missed an oil change, I'm up do date on all the manufacturers recommendation for service for the mileage, which is just under 94,000. I feel they should be responsible. Thank you.
Engine, Aug 25, 2021
There has been a recall on vehicles like this one with the smaller engines. But, not for the 3.3 engines like I have. Everything the small engines were recalled for, this one is doing too. When you get up to high speeds on the highway the engine starts to knock/stall. I almost was in a car accident with my children because of this. Hyundai is refusing to help pay because they are saying the 3.3 engines weren't affected. But, clearly they were. I took it to a mechanic and he confirmed it was the engine and he has seen dozens just like mine going through the same issues. The check engine light came on last September. It only blinks when at high speeds on the interstate. We had tried fixing other things on it, not thinking it was the engine itself. Until when we took it in yesterday and they ran a test and said that this has been reported multiple times on the tsb mechanic website of these 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles, the engines going out. My car only has 94k miles and they are still refusing to help us. I am floored with how we are being treated. This is a known problem and I have four children who need a vehicle to get around for school, doctors appointments, activities. This has been some the worst stress of my life dealing with this SUV. I have kept up so well on my vehicle, only for something that is not my fault to go wrong and now my kids/family is having to suffer because of it.
Engine, Aug 2, 2021, fire
A hole developed in the bottom of the engine while driving, after a popping noise. Smoke started, and fluid leaked. Why was this VIN not part of the engine recall for Sante Fe Sport SUVs that was announced in May 2021? I just bought this car from a dealer in July, and they said there were no open recalls. Now the car is useless, and not sure if it is still covered by the limited used car warranty.
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.
Engine, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated the vehicle would not immediately start-up and required several attempts before the vehicle would start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. A case was opened. The failure mileage was 95,934.
Engine, Jul 10, 2021
The waste guage on the turbo stalled and would not work while I was driving. Next the call stopped and the engine stopped working with no warning while I was driving. This could have been very serious if I was in traffic on the highway or in front of a truck at a high rate of speed.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 8, 2021
My vehicle had been stalling on I assign for a couple of months until one day in June 2021 it wouldn’t start at all. I got a new battery installed and assumed that all was well. Weeks later, I was in route to visit family when my ABS, traction, and down hill break lights all came on. I pulled over and tried cutting my car off and on a few times to see if that would resolve the issue and it did not. My car also seemed to slow down a bit and struggled slightly accelerating up hills. In 2019 my turbo engine was replaced after my vehicle stopped accelerating while I was on the interstate. There is currently a recall on 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe’s that reads: “ Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short… If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.“ unfortunately my VIN is not included in the recall and I fear my car may catch fire any day now as a result of this failure.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2021
In May 2020 the vehicle started experiencing an issue that would constantly put it in limp mode. Took it in at an automotive place and they replaced it with a brand new computer. A few days later, the issue happened again. Took it back. They could not determine the problem and said we should bring it to the local Hyundai dealership in Naples, FL. Hyundai dealership in Naples, FL swore up and down it was the brake pedal assembly. Trusted their judgment and replaced it. Not even a few days later, car goes back into limp mode. Take it back to the local Hyundai dealership. They swear up and down it is now the tracking device on the vehicle. So between the warranty company, the dealership we bought the car from and the local Hyundai dealership we get the tracking device reinstalled. We take the car not even a few days later car goes back into limp mode. We dealt with this issue since May 2020-September 2020 at the local Hyundai dealership. They finally disconnected the tracking device. Now mind you the limp mode issues with the vehicle only happen when it is raining. In our dry season we experience no issues. Fast forward to June 2021 limp mode issues have returned since we are now in our rainy season. Local Hyundai dealership swore up and down again it is the tracking device. I had advised them it is impossible since they unplugged it and this issue only happens in the rain. They still swore it was the tracking device. They finally got the vehicle really wet and they finally were able to see what we were talking about. So now they changed their professional opinion that it is the wiring harness. Apparently this vehicle has two different wiring harnesses. So they are suggesting we replace both, but they can't guarantee that will work. So it appears they really do not know what is wrong with the car. If it was truly wiring then why would it only malfunction in the rain and not when it is dry? How is rain getting getting under the hood and through the protective component
Engine, Jun 25, 2021
engine failed driving down the road. was told by hyundai mechanic said to report matter possibly was missed by manufacturer metal debris that caused lock up no recall for my vin as of yet
Engine, Jun 18, 2021
Right before the Christmas Holidays our vehicle began leaking oil profusely and running hot. We quickly took to a local mechanic who told us there were major issues with our vehicle. At his urging, we promptly called your service department to look over the vehicle. We were told it would need a new motor and radiator at a cost of $10-$13K. The vehicle was 6 years old and we have maintained the vehicle regularly. Early on, we were told that an oil consumption test needs to be completed, which was a complete waste of time. The car would not go 50 miles without losing 100% of it’s oil. We took it back to Hyundai and they stated there was nothing they could do.
Structure, Jun 17, 2021
The latch of the driver door doesn’t lock. It remains open . There was a recall for it but not sure if it ever got done before I bought the car.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 12, 2021, fire
We pulled off the highway to get gas and noticed smoke coming from the hood. We immediately parked at the gas station and my husband, our dog and I got out of the car and within minutes the entire front of the car was in flames. Several passersby stopped and sprayed the fire with their fire extinguishers. We called 911 and the fire department quickly arrived and put out the fire, but the entire front of the car was destroyed. The front of the car melted along with the windshield from the intense heat. The police inspector came and inspected the car and took photos. The car was then towed and our insurance company took possession of the car. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The only thing we noticed was a slight hesitation in power as we climbed a hill several times in the half hour preceding the failure. My husband, my dog and I would have been in mortal danger from the fire if we had not stopped immediately and gotten out of the car. The safety of other people nearby had also been at risk if the fire department had not arrived so quickly to put out the fire as the smoke began as we were entering the gas station and parked about 50 feet from the gas pumps to escape the vehicle. We have no idea what caused the fire. The engine had been replaced by Hyundai due to a defect that had caused it to fail about 2 years prior to the current failure.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2021
The problem related to the class action for the Theta II GSD engine happened to my engine (Rod Bearing Failure). This is causing the engine to knock. Will have to replace the entire engine with less than 100k on the vehicle. Ran the vehicle normally and then parked it. Once I got back in the vehicle, I tried to start it and it would not start. I brought it to the dealer, and they came back and said there is a Rod Bearing Failure causing the engine to knock.