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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FENHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 604 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 604 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 208 complaints, typically surfacing around 90,797 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Santa Fe?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
16 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Steering: 95 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 2,284–75,000 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 208 owner reports
· tends to show around 90,797 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 95 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,392 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 50 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,558 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 46 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,688 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 90,797 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
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<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2013-hyundai-santa-fe/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2013 Hyundai Santa Fe reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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.
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles
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.
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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
AQService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 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.
Should you avoid the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 16 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Steering: 95 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 2,284–75,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 208 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,797 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 604 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 90,797 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. Typical failure occurs around 90,797 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 90,797 miles. 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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