Problems · by component
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe electrical system problems
53 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe cite electrical system, 9% of all 605 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
53
9% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
“Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehicle when it only had 35,000 Miles on it. Front suspension creaks for years. No way a vehicle should have all these issues with low mileage and has been very well cared for!”
“This complaint relates to Recall Campaign 251 from Hyundai, specifically the ABS Control Module. I own an affected 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport. I bought it used in October 2023, and it driven by my minor child. While the affected components have yet to cause a problem, the mere fact that this vehicle could start on fire concerns me. Moreover, Hyundai has the wherewithal to fix the problem, rather than simply replacing a fuse and hoping for the best. As a father, it is my privilege and responsibility to protect and provide for my family. In order for me to do this, I would like NHTSA to throw the full weight of their influence on Hyundai and insist that they fix this problem. The very least they could do is provide a suitable vehicle as a loaner until my vehicle is fixed. Better yet, they can buy this vehicle and I will use that money to buy the same, or nearly same, type of vehicle from them. That is a win-win situation in my opinion. I am a retired State Trooper and for over half of my career I conducted numerous Traffic Homicide Investigations and Accident Reconstructions. I lost count of how many civil trials I testified in. I was considered a subject matter…”
“Please reference NHTSA recall number 23V651000. I am registering a complaint because the manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety issue in a timely manner. It is a fire hazard. Our vehicle is among the affected. This needs to be rectified immediately.”
“The ABS sensor failed on my vehicle, causing it to no longer accelerate past 20 mph on the highway. This put my safety at risk, as well as my passengers and others on the road because it happened suddenly while I was on the highway. My car could no longer accelerate suddenly while all cars around me were traveling at high speeds. The ABS light came on my dash, as well as the traction control and incline warning. I can no longer drive my vehicle so it has not been inspected yet.”
“Hyundai has not yet come up with a remedy. There is conflicting information about whether car is drivable considering fire can occur while in operation. I have read some information to suggest it can be driven until ABS warning light comes on however that information is not included in recall notice. Would NHTSA be able to confirm we can drive the vehicle if ABS light is not on? Have contacted Hyundai and there is still no remedy. No offer of compensation, buy back or loaner. Note while we can park our vehicle outside, it is not at all reasonable to suggest it be parked away from buildings. That suggests we could be held liable if the car catches fire and nearby structures catch fire. Cars would have to be parked in a field or vacant lot somewhere far and away from any home or business, rendering the vehicle not usable. I noticed there was a recall issued in 2022 for THE SAME DEFECT but affecting a smaller number of vehicles. So this ABS electrical issue has been in effect in actuality, since 2022. How long does a manufacturer have to find the remedy and repair a vehicle once a recall is issued? I do not feel safe driving my vehicle nor having parked in front…”
Showing 6 of 53 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.