MYRModel Year Report

2013 Hyundai Santa FE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
605
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 605 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2011 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 605 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2015 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2011 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 605 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2015 2016: 236 complaints 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints

2013: 605 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007684
2008541
2009358
2010259
2011181
2012353
2013605
2014493
2015254
2016236
2017968
2018109
2019202
2020213
2021166
2022199
2023211
2024153
2025135
202638

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

45% · 273 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving on the interstate on Friday, June 29, 2018 in my 2013 Hyundai Santa FE limited 3.3L V6 and all of a sudden I hear something similar to a shotgun going off & my car began to stall and I noticed smoke & flames from the sideview mirrors...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-23

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa FE. While driving 55 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming through the air vents. He then observed flames under the hood. A police report was filed. The local fire department extinguished the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-16

I was driving the vehicle to work and the engine stops and all the dash lights are on. The vehicle will not even turn over let alone start.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-04

Steering

16% · 96 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

11% · 64 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

9% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My car engine compartment fire while parked in front of my condo

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-23

Power train

9% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2013Complaint volume 605 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-07-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-09-20 Front Axle Shaft Failure
  3. R
    2013-09-19Power train13V355000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  5. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  7. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  8. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  9. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  10. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  11. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  12. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 273 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 96 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 64 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V355000 · Power train
  • Recall 17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.