MYRModel Year Report

2013 Hyundai Santa FE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 683 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 258 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 235 complaints 2017: 957 complaints 2017 2018: 108 complaints 2019: 194 complaints 2020: 204 complaints 2021: 165 complaints 2021 2022: 196 complaints 2023: 205 complaints 2024: 140 complaints 2025: 127 complaints 2025 2026: 32 complaints 2026
2013: 605 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007683
2008541
2009358
2010258
2011181
2012353
2013605
2014493
2015254
2016235
2017957
2018108
2019194
2020204
2021165
2022196
2023205
2024140
2025127
202632

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 45%

45% of complaints: engine — 273 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20181023

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, 20181016

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, 20180304

STEERING 16%

16% of complaints: steering — 96 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20231023

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 605
I 20130705 — PE (closed 20130920)

Front Axle Shaft Failure

R 20130919 — power train

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.

Campaign 13V355000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20170518 — RQ (closed 20211222)

Scope and Timeliness

R 20170804 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Campaign 17V358000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240410 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V651000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (273 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (96 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (64 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 13V355000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V358000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V651000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2026 ▲ 2006 ▲ 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2007 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.