MotorDeets

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: 3 recalls, 605 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
605owner complaints
14mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Photo: Captainmorlypogi1959 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V355000 · 2013 · 20,300 vehicles

What's wrong: 4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft May fracture.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2013.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #17V358000 · 2017 · 437,400 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 41 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine273
Steering95
Other / unknown56
Electrical53
Transmission & drivetrain52
Brakes45
Fuel & propulsion32
Suspension23

What owners describe

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has 605 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 26 Santa Fe model years for complaints (2.1× the average Santa Fe year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (72 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 55,135 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (353 complaints, 1 recalls), 2014 (493 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive182521Regular
3.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive182420Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Owners have filed 605 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (273), steering (95), other / unknown (56).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Santa Fe years

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