2013 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and 605 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (273), steering (95), service brakes (64). EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2013 ranks #13 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (308). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
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/linkages · hood · latch
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 train · axle assembly · axle shaft
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I was driving my car and my “open” door light came on out of nowhere. When I stopped I got out and closed my door the light turned off. When I was driving again the light came on and when I tried to open my door, it got stuck. I had someone try to open it from the outside and it sounded like it unlatched but wouldn’t open. Now I have to hold the door when I’m driving because it…
Burning oil fast has been confirmed. I always go get frequently oil changes and top off Because it burns a lot. I never get a warning lamp When I go toc get my oil service representative tells me my oil is completely gone.
While I acknowledge that my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I remain extremely concerned about the excessive oil consumption issue. My vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which has been the subject of multiple class action lawsuits and recalls due to serious engine defects, including excessive oil consumption and internal engine failure. To be clear, I have alr…
Safety ratings
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Santa Fe 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Santa Fe 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/22/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on 605 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (273), steering (95), service brakes (64).
Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2013 ranks #13 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (308). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe range from 20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SANTA FE, Santa Fe.