2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 72 brake complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 12% of that year's 605 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 84,000. A related recall (23V651000) covers brake hydraulic components and requires owners to park outside.
- Brakes complaints
- 72
- 12% of 605
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 8
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 84,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the anti-lock brake system failing to slow the vehicle when the pedal is depressed, leading to low-speed rear-end collisions.
- Some drivers describe the brake pedal becoming hard to press after the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while driving, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell.
- Several complaints describe engine compartment fires that started while driving or parked, with smoke entering the cabin and brakes becoming ineffective as the fire spread.
- One owner reported needing a replacement master cylinder and brake booster after the brakes failed to stop the vehicle in slow traffic.
- Multiple owners who received the NHTSA recall notice (23V651000) for the brake hydraulic system reported fires or strong odors before the recall repair parts were available.
When 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe brake complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 21, 2013, latest Mar 8, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 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.
Brakes complaints by Santa Fe model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- NHTSA lists 72 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Santa Fe, which is 12% of the 605 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Yes. Recall campaign 23V651000, reported in September 2023, covers the service brakes and hydraulic system. It does not require owners to stop driving, but they are advised to park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Santa Fe?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 84,000 miles.
- Have the 2013 Santa Fe's brake issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set shows 3 crashes, 8 fires, and 1 injury reported.
- Is the 2013 Santa Fe's brake complaint rate high compared to other years?
- At 12% of that year's total complaints, 2013 is roughly mid-range; other years like 2018 show a higher 17% share, while 2020 and 2021 show lower shares of 5% and 4%.