NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 13 recalls, 185 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Santa Fe Sport, making up the largest share of what owners report. The most consistent pattern involves the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, owners frequently describe sudden knocking followed by complete engine seizure while driving, often with little or no warning. A related theme involves excessive oil consumption, where owners report needing to add oil between regular changes, sometimes accompanied by smoke from under the hood and a noticeable burning smell entering the cabin. Many owners also report a P1326 diagnostic code appearing alongside check engine light warnings, often as a precursor to engine failure. Brake complaints form the second-largest group, though the narratives in this set are less detailed. A smaller but notable cluster involves door latch failures, where occupants report being unable to open doors from either the inside or outside.
185
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
13
Fire-Related
By System
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 13 recalls, with the most serious being multiple fire risks: brake fluid leaking into the ABS control module can cause an electrical short and start an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is parked or moving.
The brake fluid and ABS fire risk appears across several filings, including one where a prior repair attempt did not fully resolve the issue and affected vehicles require an additional fix. A separate fire risk involves the rear parking assist sensors in the rear bumper, where moisture and road salt can cause a short circuit; similarly, one earlier repair under this issue was found to be insufficient and required a follow-up remedy. On the fuel system side, vehicles that previously had their engines replaced under earlier recalls may have a high-pressure fuel pipe that was damaged or improperly installed during that procedure, allowing fuel to leak near potential ignition sources. The engine itself also has a recall for metallic debris left over from manufacturing that can restrict oil flow to the bearings, leading to premature wear and potential engine seizure. There is also a structural concern: the cable connecting the secondary hood latch can corrode and bind, leaving the hood secured only by the primary latch and at risk of flying open while driving.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear parking assist sensors in the bumper can short circuit, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Hyundai will replace the rear parking assist sensor fuse and any defective sensors at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear parking assist sensors in the bumper can short circuit, potentially causing electrical failure or overheating.
What the fix does
Hyundai will replace the rear parking assist sensor fuse and any defective sensors at an authorized dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak into the brake electronic control unit and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect and replace the brake control unit if needed, and replace the ABS multi-fuse.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System module, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse and inspect or replace the ABS module as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak into the brake control unit and cause an electrical short circuit, which may trigger the ABS warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake control unit if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak into the Anti-lock Brake System module, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may be damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued from a previous engine replacement, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cable connecting the hood latch lever corrodes over time, preventing the secondary hood latch from closing fully. If the primary latch fails, the hood could open while driving, blocking your view and potentially damaging the windshield.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch cable with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch cable can corrode and stick, leaving the secondary hood latch unlatched even when the hood is closed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary latch cable at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Metallic debris from factory machining may be present in the engine, restricting oil flow to main and rod bearings. This causes premature bearing wear, potentially leading to bearing failure and engine stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealer will inspect the engine and replace the engine sub-assembly if debris or wear is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause engine bearings to wear prematurely, potentially leading to engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace the engine short block if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture and road salt can enter the rear parking assist sensors in the bumper, causing an electrical short that makes the sensors overheat and potentially start a vehicle fire.
What the fix does
All four rear parking assist sensors will be replaced by your dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
