2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

693 serious complaints of 804, the most about engine (382) and steering (99); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 7 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation PE13025: front axle shaft failure.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Sep 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking noise and shook violently. The contact had to hold the steering wheel tightly to maintain control of the vehicle.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Aug 2018

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement related to engine noise or damage has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. Warranty coverage is valid for original and subsequent owners. (24-EM-007H, Aug 2024)
• Extended coverage Certain 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may experience abnormal engine noise or engine damage. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement related to eligible conditions has… (TXX8, Dec 2024)
• Extended coverage Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for the engine under this condition to 15 years/150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use,… (25-EM-008H, Jul 2025)
• Extended coverage Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be set. In an effort to… (Z01, May 2026)
• Extended coverage The warranty coverage of certain engines for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles (15years or 240,000km) from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners in Puerto Rico. (HSE25-12-P270, Aug 2025)
• Extended coverage The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine sensors to continuously monitor for symptoms that may precede an engine failure. In addition, Hyundai will extend the warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles (up from 100,000 miles) for original and subsequent owners of the… (953, Feb 2019)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

804 owner complaints · 7 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–24 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features