2013 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls and problems

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 safety recalls and 605 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-651 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
605
Crashes / fires
14 / 41
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: 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.

Recall 17V-358: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 5, 2017 · 437,400 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: 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.

Recall 13V-355: Power Train

Reported Aug 12, 2013 · 20,300 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: 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 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.

Risk: 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.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine273
Steering96
Unknown or Other56
Electrical System53
Power Train52
Service Brakes45
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Suspension23
Structure23
Vehicle Speed Control21
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Exterior Lighting16

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 20
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 10
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,870 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Aug 16, 2026
I was driving my car and my “open” door light came on out of nowhere. When I stopped I got out and closed my door the light turned off. When I was driving again the light came on and when I tried to open my door, it got stuck. I had someone try to open it from the outside and it sounded like it unlatched but wouldn’t open. Now I have to hold the door when I’m driving because it sounds like the door is not shut all way even though it won’t open at all.
Engine · reported Jul 29, 2025
Burning oil fast has been confirmed. I always go get frequently oil changes and top off Because it burns a lot. I never get a warning lamp When I go toc get my oil service representative tells me my oil is completely gone.
Engine · reported Jun 30, 2025
While I acknowledge that my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I remain extremely concerned about the excessive oil consumption issue. My vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which has been the subject of multiple class action lawsuits and recalls due to serious engine defects, including excessive oil consumption and internal engine failure. To be clear, I have already had the vehicle inspected by a non-Hyundai dealership, which confirmed there are no external oil leaks. This indicates the issue is likely internal and consistent with the known defects associated with the Theta II…
Engine · reported Jun 4, 2025
While driving to work the gas pedal suddenly would not make the vehicle Excellerate and i was barely able to get the car on the side of the road, when i stopped and turned it off it would not start again. I had it towed to the mechanic and they have let us know it was total engine failure, and they would be attempting to get ahold of the manufacture.
Engine · reported May 30, 2025
2013 Santa Fe burning oil, current with regular maintenance and oil changes. At times will have to top off weekly. Between full oil changes. Doesn’t seem like I should have to do that. My engine could blow if I don’t keep oil in it. Cost me tons of money Have documented all of my oil changes, from a professional business Thank you.

Other Hyundai Santa Fe years

Compare all Hyundai Santa Fe years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V-358 (latches/locks/linkages), 13V-355 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owners report engine problems most often (273 reports), followed by steering (96). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,870 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.