VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe carries two red flags at once: 806 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.7× the Santa Fe norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Santa Fe years to avoid. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 279 reports (35% of the total).

806

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

8

Investigations · 1 open

25

Crash-involved

66

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Santa Fe years?

Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted1,231 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 219 complaints2003: 390 complaints2004: 386 complaints2005: 300 complaints2006: 143 complaints2007: 981 complaints2008: 718 complaints2009: 506 complaints2010: 331 complaints2011: 268 complaints2012: 474 complaints2013: 806 complaints2014: 679 complaints2015: 331 complaints2016: 288 complaints2017: 1,231 complaints2018: 143 complaints2019: 268 complaints2020: 270 complaints2021: 236 complaints2022: 292 complaints2023: 307 complaints2024: 186 complaints2025: 170 complaints2026: 39 complaints
Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine27935%
Steering9612%
Electrical System648%
Brakes648%
Other587%
Transmission526%
Fuel System435%
Suspension233%
Body & Structure223%
Visibility & Wipers213%
Speed Control213%
Tires & Wheels182%
Lighting162%
Seats91%
Driver Assistance81%
Airbags51%
Seat Belts30%
Latches & Locks20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

17V358000Latches & LocksJune 5, 2017 · 437,400 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V355000TransmissionAugust 12, 2013 · 20,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 31, 2021 · fire

“WHILE TURN LEFT INTO A SUBDIVISION THE STEERING WOULD NOT RE-CENTER THUS THE CAR RAN OVER A COUPLE OF LARGE STONES LINING THE ROADWAY AT THE ENTRANCE. THE ABS DID NOT ENGAGE. FINALLY THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 30 FEET LATER. I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY STEER THE CAR BACK ON TO THE STREET. THERE IS DAMAGE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 4, 2015 · crash

“DRIVING 15-17 MILES AN HOUR, RUSH HOUR, ON STREET TRIED TO STOP, BUMP CAR IN FRONT, DEALER SAID I NEED AN MASTER CYLINDER AND AN BREAK BOOSTER, BROUGHT MY CAR 4/9/16, CERTIFIED USED CAR, NOW I HAVE TO PAY 1200.00 TO GET THE BRAKES FIX PLUS 500.00 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ACCIDENT PLUS 100.00 DEDUCTIBLE FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 31, 2016 · crash

“PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING. STRUCK THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER CAR WITH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF SANTA FE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SANTA FE WAS TOTALED. I SUFFERED A BROKEN NECK IN TWO PLACES AND DISLODGED TWO CERVICAL DISC. NOW HAVING TO GO FOR SURGERY TO REPAIR DISC DAMAGE. HOPEFULLY I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 28, 2014 · crash

“I was driving when it stalled out while driving and people helped me push my car out of turning lane to safety. The hood engulfed in flames. It was out the blue I had just bought the car a few months earlier. I was notified later that there was a recall on the car that caused fires but was unaware…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 15, 2021 · fire

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 806 complaints put the 2013 model at #3 of 26 Santa Fe years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Santa Fe years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Santa Fe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (279 complaints), steering (96 complaints), electrical system (64 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among Santa Fe years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.