2013 Hyundai Santa FE

High concern

Owners filed 605 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
55,870 milesMedian miles at failure

356 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine231
1201
Steering83
313
Unknown or Other39
050
Service Brakes38
211
Power Train35
101
Electrical System35
060
Structure › Body15
111
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15
130
Suspension13
100
Fuel/Propulsion System12
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module23V651000Park outside
Filed Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

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.

Risk. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch17V358000
Filed Jun 5, 2017437,400 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft13V355000
Filed Aug 12, 201320,300 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 2026TX

I was driving my car and my “open” door light came on out of nowhere. When I stopped I got out and closed my door the light turned off. When I was driving again the light came on and when I tried to open my door, it got stuck. I had someone try to open it from the outside and it sounded like it unlatched but wouldn’t open. Now I have to hold the door when I’m driving because it sounds like the door is not shut all way even though it won’t open at all.

Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2025TX

Burning oil fast has been confirmed. I always go get frequently oil changes and top off Because it burns a lot. I never get a warning lamp When I go toc get my oil service representative tells me my oil is completely gone.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2025MO

While I acknowledge that my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I remain extremely concerned about the excessive oil consumption issue. My vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which has been the subject of multiple class action lawsuits and recalls due to serious engine defects, including excessive oil consumption and internal engine failure. To be clear, I have already had the vehicle inspected by a non-Hyundai dealership, which confirmed there are no external oil leaks. This indicates the issue is likely internal and consistent with the known defects associated with the Theta II engine. Given Hyundai’s awareness of these problems — as reflected in class action settlements and technical service bulletins — I believe it is reasonable to expect Hyundai to cover the cost of diagnostic inspection and consider goodwill assistance if a defect is confirmed. Hyundai got back to me but and said We have reviewed your vehicle information and have determined your vehicle is affected by Campaign TXX8. However it’s over the 150000 miles

Engine
Filed Jun 4, 2025OK

While driving to work the gas pedal suddenly would not make the vehicle Excellerate and i was barely able to get the car on the side of the road, when i stopped and turned it off it would not start again. I had it towed to the mechanic and they have let us know it was total engine failure, and they would be attempting to get ahold of the manufacture.

Engine
Filed May 30, 2025MO

2013 Santa Fe burning oil, current with regular maintenance and oil changes. At times will have to top off weekly. Between full oil changes. Doesn’t seem like I should have to do that. My engine could blow if I don’t keep oil in it. Cost me tons of money Have documented all of my oil changes, from a professional business Thank you.

Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2025NC

The engine completely failed while I was driving. This is the second engine failure I’ve experienced with this vehicle. My first engine blew at 100,000 miles, and despite having a warranty, Hyundai refused to cover it. In a panic, I had to deplete my savings to buy a replacement engine, which only lasted six months before failing again. Hyundai still refuses to cover the second failure. The failed engine may still be available for inspection if needed. I was driving on the highway with both of my children when the engine completely shut off in the middle of the road. This left us stranded in a dangerous situation with speeding cars all around us. A sudden engine failure at high speeds could have caused a major accident, risking my life, my children’s lives, and other drivers' safety. The failure was confirmed by a service center, but Hyundai refuses to take responsibility for the defect or provide coverage under my warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by a service center, but Hyundai has refused to inspect or assist in any way. There were no warning lamps or messages before the engine shut down. The failure was sudden and unexpected, leaving me in a life-threatening situation on the highway.

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2025NE

O don’t appreciate someone activating my vin the same day the remedy comes out on compaign , this had been ongoing battle since 2018 when it states on the website they will replace the engine , when it had a theta engine settlement but thanks to the bearus exposures if info n loss of employee, employment data missing ti why I get denials the Chinese that infiltrated Equifax this vehicle was manufactured out of Georgia issues with dealer m notifying corporate when violation of the fair credit reporting act , off cc reports tampering with my insurance policy n these POs place there names in my policy in 2018 loss of years off n on of employment , medical n o gotta stew L pay to detain a pos car I absolutely love until they destroyed my life , nice to find a pos male in my medical records when it’s fraud , n I gotta fight every aspect of everything when I’ve been deprived hacked n comprised no data available on this vehicle hmmm , fishy to me , whew Did I spent most my time at work, home , or the dam Library this is a violation of the law privacy , national public data exposure of brokers my social , not only that my primary email was connected to blue link Hyundai n that email been hacked n comprised n I gave not been able to access shows it.connected To my old Facebook n my old cell phone orginal do not call.gov if your in violation of the Law , consumer im cheating and stealing I can’t get anywhere but why would they remove phone numbers n documents n numbers are there n etc

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2025MI

Rear subframe is rotted out prematurely, other vins had this issue recalled but my vin was not included in the recall even though I have all the same issues as the vehicles that were recalled

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2025MI

Unknown car was purchased in september started having engine problem in december

Steering
Filed Jan 24, 2025NY

Car will drift under acceleration to the left really hard then go straight when let off the accelerator scary feeling and all suspension parts look ok no one can figure it out and is scary

Electrical System
Filed Jan 8, 2025MN

Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehicle when it only had 35,000 Miles on it. Front suspension creaks for years. No way a vehicle should have all these issues with low mileage and has been very well cared for!

Engine
Filed Dec 10, 2024MS

All of a sudden, while driving the car it started to shake. When I slowed down to stop it was shaking more and idling so low I thought it was going to shut off. Went to the mechanic we use, mis firing on multiple cylinders. After replacing the plugs it was still doing the same thing. The oil was checked, only 2000 miles from my last oil change, I was nearly out of oil. I was told that these cars run a lot of oil, and run hot. Basically getting that low on oil the engine burned up. I never got a low oil light. Its only been 2000 miles into my recent oil change. The mechanic said this is a common problem with these cars, people shouldn't go more than 2000 without at least checking oil level and probably will need oil added. I was told not to drive it anymore, it could potentially over heat or stall out.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 2024FL

Abs module making noise abs light turn on, parking brake stay on, traction light stay on, odometer does not work, speedometer does not work, steering effort decrease, car also stop all of sudden. Car need it to be tow to my house. I took it to dealership they recommended to replace abs module because of a short. I found a recall for ABS MODULE INSPECTION AND MULTI-FUSE INSTALLATION for my santa fe sport 2013 (RECALL CAMPAIGN 205) but my vin #[XXX] does not appear when enter into system to look for recalls. JUNE, 2021 SANTA FE SPORT (AN). The part number in my car is the same as the one in the recall. Module Part #58920-4Z000QQH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Nov 26, 2024TX

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is consuming a quart of oil and more within a 7-10 day time period. I took it to my local Hyundai dealership but it's not covered by a recall for this and there are No open recalls.

FirerelatedFire
Filed Nov 4, 2024FL

The contact's mother owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact's mother received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact's mother that the recall was not urgent and there was no fire risk. The unknown dealer-scheduled an upcoming appointment for the recall repair. The contact stated that the failure later occurred while her mother was inside the store. The vehicle caught fire while parked in the parking lot. The flames spread to a nearby pillar. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. A fire department report was filed; however, the contact didn't have any additional information. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 28, 2024SC

The engine went on fire and smoke’s up. I had to remove the battery and get out of the car before it burn. Luckily I am okay but the engine seized

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2024SC

The car has class action repair due to faulty engine crank shaft. The oil passages in the crankshaft causing rapid wear to the connecting rod bearings. The car stopped and broke down in the middle of the highway and engine broke down. The engine completely seized. I contacted Hyundai but they don’t wanna replace the engine. The class action lawsuit agreed to replace the engine but they don’t wanna help with my case

Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2024FL

I purchased a used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe from a Dealership in January and the engine locked up in July. I originally had the vehicle towed to my ASE Certified Mechanic and they advised me the engine was locked up and also that there was a RECALL on this model year's engine. I then had my Santa Fe towed to the local Hyundai dealership, King Hyundai. There is a Recall on the engine and I entered my VIN# on Hyundai's website and it said my vehicle was AFFECTED under the "Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall". I had it towed to King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL. They initially denied my claim and requested prior Maintenance Records which I did not have because I recently purchased the vehicle. They said they needed prior records, so I was able to obtain the records from CarFax and it showed my vehicle was also maintained at the same King Hyundai dealership on a regular basis. I filed a claim with Hyundai Corporate and they are giving me the run-around and denying my claim. I did not drive the car excessively as it only has a 4 cylinder motor and it was not neglected. There was a $210 Million dollar fine against Hyundai by the NHTSA in 2020 for their handling of this EXACT SAME issue: the handling of the engine recalls on this same Model year Hyundai Santa Fe and they are still doing what they were fined a $210M Civil Penalty for doing a few years ago, so obviously they did not learn their lesson. The Hyundai consent order is for three years, with an option for NHTSA to exten

Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2024MO

My wife was driving the vehicle and it was operating perfectly fine. As she was making a turn and accelerating the check engine light and other lights turned on. She started to experience loss of acceleration and was fortunate to get out of traffic where she turned off the vehicle. She let it sit for a little bit and then attempted to start it. It would not start so I came to try to help and when I attempted to start it, the engine would not turn over. We had it towed to our mechanic and he indicated that the engine was seized up. This vehicle is always serviced and babied by my wife. As I mentioned there was no warning, I.e. no rough idle, no loud noises, no leaking fluids,etc.. Prior to the catastrophic failure it was a very smooth and great driving vehicle. After searching this issue it appears that the 3.3 liter V6 that was in our vehicle has several recalls and accounts of similar failures. Had this happened on the highway it could have caused a serious accident. Given the number of complaints online and allegations, it is reasonable to assume that Hyundai was aware of an issue and they either failed to investigate it, or failed to communicate it. Had there been some sort of recall to address this issue we would’ve had it resolved, but there wasn’t anything tied to our VIN despite us having one of the plagued engines. Please help ensure that they are held responsible for this known liability so that the consumers aren’t. It is not only a financial matter, it is causing r

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2024MO

I was stopped at a red light and proceeded to turn right when my car shut down. I was able to pull over and turned my car off. It wouldn’t turn back on. I had it towed and they found the engine is locked up.

20 of 605 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202636400Routine
2025131500Routine
2024146710Routine
2023207130Above average
2022199510Routine
2021166720Routine
2020209290Above average
20191982120Routine
2018108240Routine
20179626230High concern
2016236320Above average
20152542130Above average
20144933300High concern
2013 — this page6053410High concern
20123531170Above average
2011181381Fatalities reported
2010258361Fatalities reported
2009358353Fatalities reported
2008541670Above average
2007683982Fatalities reported
2006106130Routine
2005216302Fatalities reported
2004303370Above average
2003308450Above average
2002165420Routine
2001209440Above average

Compare every Santa FE year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 22, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.