Lots of lateral play (clicking sound)in steering even when not driving.while driving steering shakes violently.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems
severe 95 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
95
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 95 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Hyundai Santa Fe we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 95.
Owners have filed 95 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I own a Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 GLS, at about 78,000miles. There is currently a loud clicking noise that occurs when you turn the steering wheel, also steering wheel vibration when you apply the brakes. There is a play when you turn the steering, from my review and research, it is caused by a disintegrated rubble coupler in the steering motor. I called Hyundai customer support, and also when to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai sant fe. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact stated that while driving, braking, turning, or stopping, the steering wheel shook abnormally. The vehicle was taken to pinehurst Toyota (10760 us 15 501 hwy, southern pines, nc 28387, (833)267-2310) an authorized service dealer for Hyundai, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that…
The car started to make a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel whether straight or turning. The wheel was shaking and there was some wiggle with steering. I was hours from home and did not feel safe driving the vehicle. Left it at a non-Hyundai repair shop. Was told the next day it was an issue with the plastic coupler in the steering column and Hyundai had a recall on it. Drove it…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
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 steering problem on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 95 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 2,284 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 34,598. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,284; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.
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.