NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 605 owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Most complaints involve engine (273) and steering (95). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Santa Fe model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 171 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 684 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 359 |
| 2010 | 260 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 355 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 494 |
| 2015 | 255 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 972 |
| 2018 | 110 |
| 2019 | 203 |
| 2020 | 218 |
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2022 | 202 |
| 2023 | 214 |
| 2024 | 156 |
| 2025 | 137 |
| 2026 | 37 |
“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.”
“car will drift under acceleration to the left really hard then go straight when let off the accelerator scary feeling and all suspension parts look ok no one can figure it out and is scary”
“O don’t appreciate someone activating my vin the same day the remedy comes out on compaign , this had been ongoing battle since 2018 when it states on the website they will replace the engine , when it had a theta engine settlement but thanks to the bearus exposures if info n loss of employee, employment data missing ti why I get denials the Chinese that infiltrated Equifax this vehicle was manufactured out of Georgia issues with dealer m notifying corporate when violation of the fair credit reporting act , off cc reports tampering with my insurance policy n these POs place there names in my policy in 2018 loss of years off n on of employment , medical n o gotta stew L pay to detain a pos car I absolutely love until they destroyed my life , nice to find a pos male in my medical records when it’s fraud , n I gotta fight every aspect of everything when I’ve been deprived hacked n comprised no data available on this vehicle hmmm , fishy to me , whew Did I spent most my time at work, home , or the dam Library this is a violation of the law privacy , national public data exposure of brokers my social , not only that my primary email was connected to blue link…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 432 |
| Santa Fe 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 443 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 605 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (273), steering (95), electrical system (53). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).