2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 200
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 200 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 200 |
| 2014 | 163 |
| 2015 | 84 |
| 2016 | 68 |
| 2017 | 356 |
| 2018 | 324 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
55% · 109 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle suddenly stopped and suddenly smoke appear in the front part of vehicle. Firemen appeared and when the front of the car was opened the flames of the fire were all over the engine of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28
While driving the car, started to smell gas and saw smoke. Tried to pull over and ABS lights came on and lost brakes. Was able to stop using emergency break. Car was completely engulfed in seconds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-06
To whom it may concern, two weeks ago my 2013 Hyundai santafe sport turbo (Which I purchased new in 2013) experienced an engine stall as I was driving on the freeway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-01
Also filed under Electrical system
Service brakes
22% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Electrical system
8% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On July 26, 2018 vehicle lost all power and engine began smoking and emitting flames. Car was in motion at approximately 70 mps in the middle of a tunnel on Colorado interstate 70 with no pull off space.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-02
Power train
6% · 11 reportsEngine and engine cooling
6% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the odor of gasoline was present inside the cabin of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-08
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-07-10Engine and engine cooling17V226000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.
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2017-08-04Latches/locks/linkages17V358000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
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.
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I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-03-01Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V934000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2020-12-22Service brakes, hydraulic20V520000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020.
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2021-08-25Service brakes, hydraulic21V303000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic23V651000 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,...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 109 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 18V934000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V520000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 21V303000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.