This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Reverse and Drive
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe recurring powertrain failures. The most severe involve complete engine shutdown while driving—one owner experienced it twice within 3,000 miles, with the second incident nearly causing a collision with an 18-wheeler on the interstate. Symptoms include loud clicking or tapping from the engine, violent vibration, jerking, and sudden loss of power; one failure occurred at 47,000 miles, another at 50,000 miles. A separate owner's engine seized merging onto the highway at 78,000 miles.
Rear differential housings have cracked during low-speed turns with a loud pop and fluid leak. One owner discovered the housing cracked in half at just 32,000 miles.
Multiple owners report random stalling at stop lights and during slow driving, with the RPM gauge dropping and the vehicle entering limp mode that sometimes clears after a restart. One vehicle experiences unpredictable acceleration and extremely hard gear engagement, sometimes reaching dangerously high RPM before shifting.
Hyundai issued recall campaign 17V-226 for engine defects affecting over 1.5 million vehicles, but owners state the company knew of the problem before their failures occurred and refused reimbursement. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty applies only to the first owner—a second owner's warranty became void at 32,000 miles, leaving them responsible for major repairs.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine failure with loud clicking/tapping and loss of power
Complete engine failure marked by loud clicking, tapping, or vibration sounds, loss of power, and jerking. Check engine light appears before failure. One owner had engine fail twice in 3,000 miles; second incident included near-miss with semi truck at highway speed.
When: 47,031 miles (first incident), 50,897 miles (second incident); 65 mph highway speed; 45-55 mph; reported at various speeds in other complaints
Symptoms owners cite: loud clicking or tapping sound from engine; vehicle jerking or vibrating; loss of engine power; loss of power steering; check engine light; loud pop followed by engine shutdown; engine ceases functioning while in motion
Codes mentioned: Check engine light stored (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: fuel pump replaced, engine block replaced at no cost; other repair items (air filter, serpentine belt, spark plugs, fuel injector cleaning) owner was charged for separately. Another owner: forced to purchase replacement vehicle due to 6-week engine wait and no loaner; no explanation given. One owner: engine replacement needed but warranty claim denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued recall NHTSA Campaign 17V-226 for known engine problem; owner stated Hyundai knew of problem before incident and refused reimbursement. Complaint narrative references recall campaign 23V651000. One dealer replaced engine block at no cost after initial misdiagnosis.
Rear differential housing crack
Sudden cracking of rear differential housing while driving at low speed, evidenced by loud pop and fluid leak. Owner states failure occurred early in ownership at 32k miles after purchasing used vehicle with powertrain warranty that applied only to first owner.
When: 32,000 miles (purchased as used vehicle); during low-speed turning (25-30 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: loud pop from rear of vehicle; fluid leaking from rear differential; vibration felt while turning
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential housing completely cracked in half, requiring replacement. Owner had extended warranty through dealership that covered repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai powertrain warranty (10-year/100k mile) applied only to first owner; warranty became void when vehicle was purchased by second owner at 32k miles. Owner purchased extended warranty from dealership to cover repair.
Intermittent stalling and limp-mode hesitation
Vehicle randomly stalls or shuts off while stopped at lights or driving at low speed. RPM readings disappear on dash and vehicle enters limp mode with sputtering, bucking, and hesitation. Symptoms sometimes resolve after restart.
When: Various; at traffic lights, during slow speed driving; complaint noted 'over the past several years'
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls or turns off at traffic light; vehicle stalls or turns off while driving slowly; RPM readings disappear on dash; limp-mode sputtering or bucking; hesitation during acceleration; unpredictable acceleration; near-miss fear due to stalling on highway on-ramp
Codes mentioned: CHECK STORED CODES ASAP (owner notes this needed but not yet performed)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair notes provided; symptoms sometimes normalize after stopping and restarting engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 23V651000 noted as open and to be scheduled; no other manufacturer response documented.
Hard shifting, high RPM engagement, and power loss
Vehicle experiences loss of all power at various speeds (20 mph, 55 mph, at stop light). Hard shifting when gears engage; vehicle reaches extremely high RPMs before shifting. Check engine light cycles on and off repeatedly. Symptoms intermittent and may not appear when vehicle is taken to dealer. Owner reports symptoms began after bringing vehicle in for recall work.
When: Nearly 5 years old with 68,530 miles; symptoms began after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: loss of all power while in motion; check engine light cycling on and off repeatedly; extremely hard shifting; extremely high RPMs before gear shift; vibration felt like 'bottom of car going to fall out'
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (cycles on/off; specific codes not documented)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer stated nothing they did during recall would cause these issues. Symptoms do not reproduce when vehicle brought to dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied any connection between recall service and symptoms; no other manufacturer response provided.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 76,500 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 76,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Santa Fe Sport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.