Engine failures and ABS fire recalls
The 2013 Santa Fe has about 910 complaints per 100,000 sold, more than twice the average. Engine faults and the ABS module fire recall lead the list, with 56 fire reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 807 owner complaints and 7 recalls
Not rated
908 2.1x the Santa Fe average
7 free to fix at a dealer
Every Santa Fe year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Santa Fe
Top problems and what they cost
Engine knock and failure
Rod bearing failure, knocking and stalling on 2.4L and 2.0T engines.
Fix: Free engine under warranty extension if eligible; otherwise $4,000 to $7,000
Engine
ABS module fire risk
The ABS module can leak and short, causing a fire.
Fix: Free under recall 23V651
Brakes
Steering coupler noise
A plastic steering coupler wears, causing clicking and play.
Fix: Coupler $200 to $400
Steering
Recalls
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 wh...
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Show all 7 recalls
If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Confirm engine recalls 17V226 and 18V934 and ABS recalls 21V303 and 23V651 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Santa Fe has 7 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for engine knock at idle and under load.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 216 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2013 Santa Fe, one of the worst years for it.
- Turn the wheel at a standstill and listen for clicking.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.99 of the 807 owner complaints about the 2013 Santa Fe involve the steering (12%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
Engine failures and ABS fire recalls. The 2013 Santa Fe has about 910 complaints per 100,000 sold, more than twice the average. Engine faults and the ABS module fire recall lead the list, with 56 fire reports.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
7 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Engine knock and failure; ABS module fire risk; Steering coupler noise.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.