NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
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.
This page covers 4 recalls, 604 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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.
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Santa Fe's complaint record by a wide margin, with over a third of all reports pointing to that system alone. The most persistent theme is excessive oil consumption, owners across many reports describe the engine burning through oil far faster than expected, often with no warning light activating. Many say they have to top off oil between scheduled changes, sometimes weekly, and a number report discovering the engine was nearly or completely dry at service intervals. A significant share of these cases escalate to full engine failure, with owners describing sudden loss of power while driving, the vehicle being towed, and in some cases requiring complete engine replacement. Steering complaints form the second-largest named category, though at roughly a third the volume of engine reports, that pattern is less prominent. The oil consumption and engine failure reports are the clearest recurring thread in this vehicle's complaint history.
604
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
41
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
Recalls 1 and 3 describe the same underlying defect (right front axle shaft fracture on FWD 2.4L Santa Fe Sport vehicles). I'll treat those as a single issue.
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The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 recalls, the most serious being a right front axle shaft that can fracture on front-wheel-drive Sport models with the 2.4L engine, cutting power to the wheels and, if the parking brake is not set, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
The hood latch system also has a concern: the secondary hood latch cable can corrode and bind, leaving the secondary latch disengaged even when the hood appears closed. If the primary latch is then accidentally released while driving, the hood can fly open and block the driver's view entirely. There is also an electrical risk tied to the anti-lock brake control module, where an internal fault can cause an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. This last recall covers a wide range of Hyundai models across multiple years, and certain 2013 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport trims fall within its scope.
At a glance
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.
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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 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 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
The right front axle shaft may fracture due to a manufacturing defect in certain 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles with 2.4-liter engines.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side axle shaft may break, causing loss of power to that wheel. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and the vehicle rolling away when parked on an incline.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right front axle shaft assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
