Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission reliable?

NHTSA recorded 52 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Santa Fe, making up 9% of all complaints filed for that year. Owners most often described front axle failures, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration.

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have a transmission or powertrain recall?

Yes. Recall 13V355000, reported August 12, 2013, covers front wheel drive Santa Fe Sport models with 2.4 liter engines built between July 13, 2012 and March 12, 2013, due to a front axle shaft manufacturing defect. Hyundai replaces the front axle shaft assembly free of charge.

At what mileage do 2013 Santa Fe transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 48,427 miles.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these powertrain complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Santa Fe lists 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the 52 complaints filed.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 52 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 9% of all complaints for the year. A related recall (13V355000) covers a front axle shaft manufacturing defect on Santa Fe Sport models with 2.4 liter engines. Median mileage at failure was 48,427 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 52; 9% of 605
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 48,427 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the front axle shaft popping or cracking, sometimes accompanied by a loud boom or clunk and sudden loss of forward power.
Some vehicles stall or hesitate severely when accelerating from a stop or during highway merges, with dealers citing fuel injection issues.
Drivers report the transmission getting stuck in first gear, unable to accelerate past low speeds before requiring a tow.
Several owners who received the axle recall notice (13V355000) said replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving the defect unrepaired.
One owner reported metal shavings found in the transmission along with repeated front axle separation from the transmission housing.

When 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 1, 2013, latest Jan 12, 2024.

52 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2013 to Jan 2024; peak Jul 2013 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010109 (42%)
201121 (12%)
201224 (7%)
201352 (9%)
201436 (7%)
201522 (9%)
201621 (9%)
2017163 (17%)
201810 (9%)
201935 (18%)
202026 (12%)
202150 (30%)
202257 (29%)
202344 (21%)
202442 (28%)
202521 (16%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission reliable?: NHTSA recorded 52 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Santa Fe, making up 9% of all complaints filed for that year. Owners most often described front axle failures, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have a transmission or powertrain recall?: Yes. Recall 13V355000, reported August 12, 2013, covers front wheel drive Santa Fe Sport models with 2.4 liter engines built between July 13, 2012 and March 12, 2013, due to a front axle shaft manufacturing defect. Hyundai replaces the front axle shaft assembly free of charge.
At what mileage do 2013 Santa Fe transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 48,427 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these powertrain complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Santa Fe lists 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the 52 complaints filed.