2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 Santa Fe years
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 87 and 605 NHTSA complaints. Engine problems dominate at 48% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 85,500 miles, and the year carries 3 recalls, giving it an overall 'Avoid' verdict relative to other Santa Fe years.
- Complaints
- 605
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 14 / 41
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine293 (48%)
- Steering95 (16%)
- Brakes72 (12%)
- Electrical System67 (11%)
- Other60 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain52 (9%)
- Fuel System42 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires40 (7%)
- Structure & Body32 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers20 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine losing power and shutting off while driving on the freeway, sometimes followed by smoke or an under-hood fire.
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle in time despite the anti-lock system engaging, with some owners needing a master cylinder and brake booster replacement afterward.
- Steering reportedly fails to re-center after a turn, causing the vehicle to run over curbs or stones before regaining control.
- Suspension components reportedly give way after striking curbs or ramps at low speed, causing the vehicle to tip onto its side.
- Side airbags reportedly deploy during a collision while the front airbags fail to deploy at all.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
- NHTSA 17V358000Jun 5, 2017Structure & Body437,400 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.
- NHTSA 13V355000Aug 12, 2013Transmission & Powertrain20,300 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
- Compared to other Santa Fe model years, the 2013 ranks 3rd worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 87 and 605 NHTSA complaints, earning an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 48% of complaints (293 total), with a median failure mileage of 85,500 miles.
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Santa Fe, covering brakes (owners told to park outside until repaired), a hood latch cable that can corrode and bind, and a front axle shaft assembly on certain 2.4L models.
- How does the 2013 Santa Fe compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 87 is higher than the 2011 (13), 2016 (7), and 2018 (0) model years, which rank as 'Best,' but it is lower than the 2017 Santa Fe, which has the highest complaint index at 100.