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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE
2013 · hyundai

hyundai Santa Fe problems

1 safety recall. 604 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
208 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
95 reports · avg $700
severe
powertrain
50 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
46 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
43 reports · avg $450
severe
visibility
16 reports · avg $350
severe
body
15 reports · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
15 reports · avg $600
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Santa Fe · powertrain
While driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly shuddered and immediately died, dash lights were still on but all power was cut off. Cars around me were swerving to avoid hitting me from behind as well as avoiding cars in the inside lane. Thankfully able to coast to the…
12/31/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562789.0
2013 Santa Fe · brakes
ABS & BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON. EVEN AFTER REPLACING BRAKES. THIS IS CURRENT RECALL BUT MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP UNDER THIS RECALL. THE RADIO & GPS WORKS BUT THERE IS NO SOUND COMING OUT. I WAS ABLE TO RESET BEFORE BUT NOT ANYMORE.
12/30/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385572.0
2013 Santa Fe · engine
ON 11/02/2020 MY HYUNDAI SANTAFE SPORT BROKE DOWN. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC AT UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI THAT THE 4TH CYLINDER WAS MISSFIRING AND THAT GASOLINE WAS SPRAYING INTERNALLY. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY CAR AND HAVE CHANGED OIL REGULARLY AND HAVE NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE…
12/30/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385697.0
2013 Santa Fe · engine
MANY TIME MY HYUNDAI ENGINE HESITATES WHEN STARTING OFF. ONLY DOES THIS OCCASIONALLY. MY 2013 SANTE FE HAS DONE THIS HESITATION SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I DO NOT EXPECT IT TO BE DONE. THE DEALER HAS CHECK IT AND ADJUSTED IT BUT STILL HESITATES, BUT NOT OFTEN.DEALER INDICATES THAT…
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292133.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V355000 12/08/2013

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

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 questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 208 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Santa Fe has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 604 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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