repaired · 2026 Q2
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2013 Hyundai Santa FE SportProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 205 owner complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-651 the manufacturer reports only 25% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 12, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport has problems
205 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
111Engine14 crash/fire/injury
32Service brakes, hydraulic
17Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
11Power train
11Engine and engine cooling
11Service brakes
9Fuel/propulsion system
7Latches/locks/linkages
5Structure
2413 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 111 | 14 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 32 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 5 |
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 24 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Engine
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q4
Hood: latch
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…
repaired · 2018 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
90kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 73 engine complaints. 63% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles46under 100k miles27100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Santa FE Sport year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Santa FE Sport median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport safety ratings
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 19V-204
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 20V-393
In owners' words
What Santa FE Sport owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
NHTSA SAFETY & CAMPAIGN NON-COMPLIANCE COMPLAINT (VIN: [XXX] | HYUNDAI CASE #XXX): On XXX, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L Theta II GDI (covered by Hyundai Warranty Extension TXXI Limited Lifetime Warranty under TSB 22-EM-001H-1 / NHTSA MC-10211673-0001 and Service Campaign T3G / NHTSA [XXX])…
While driving my engine seized up and my car completely stopped. I was luckily able to coast it to the side of the highway without getting into an accident. I had it towed to Go Hyundai in [XXX]. The did the diagnostic, found it was covered by the recall and allegedly ordered the engine. The engine…
The vehicle suddenly stopped and suddenly smoke appear in the front part of vehicle. Firemen appeared and when the front of the car was opened the flames of the fire were all over the engine of the car. The front glass broke and the hood has visible signs of the fire. Police were everywhere while…
Own a 2013 Santa FE Sport?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.