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Model year record

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls & problems

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 safety recalls and 605 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (273 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints605filed by owners
Crashes · fires14 · 41reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths13 · 0reported in complaints

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 22, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6510001,649,478 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Fix
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/linkagesJun 5, 2017

Hood › Latch

Recall 17V358000437,400 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 trainAug 12, 2013

Axle assembly › Axle shaft

Recall 13V35500020,300 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Santa Fe 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Santa Fe 4WD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine273226189,163 mi
SteeringElectric power assist system963132,284 mi
Unknown or other5617061,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables5317159,733 mi
Power trainTransfer case (4-wheel drive)5211148,427 mi
Service brakes4524170,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system3208059,600 mi
Suspension2330111,100 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members2341425,218 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control2111011,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPedals and linkages; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module18140105,000 mi
Exterior lighting1600029,387 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations