MYRModel Year Report

2013 Hyundai Santa FE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-08-02

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: 681 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 357 complaints 2009 2010: 256 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 352 complaints 2013: 604 complaints 2013 2014: 492 complaints 2015: 253 complaints 2016: 235 complaints 2017: 937 complaints 2017 2018: 108 complaints 2019: 190 complaints 2020: 193 complaints 2021: 162 complaints 2021 2022: 187 complaints 2023: 199 complaints 2024: 130 complaints 2025: 116 complaints 2025 2026: 27 complaints 2026
2013: 604 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007681
2008541
2009357
2010256
2011181
2012352
2013604
2014492
2015253
2016235
2017937
2018108
2019190
2020193
2021162
2022187
2023199
2024130
2025116
202627

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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 — 95 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 51 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 50 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20231023

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 45 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 604
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 (95 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (51 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

▲ 2006 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2025

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.