CarModelProblems.com

2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.8× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
189Complaints
6Recalls
1Crashes
13Fires
0Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (55% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 4.8× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine104 · 55%RecalledRecall 18V934000 · Recall 17V226000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic32 · 16.9%RecalledRecall 21V303000 · Recall 20V520000 · Recall 23V651000
Electrical System14 · 7.4%not available
Power Train11 · 5.8%not available
Fuel/propulsion System9 · 4.8%not available
Engine And Engine Cooling9 · 4.8%RecalledRecall 18V934000 · Recall 17V226000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE104 · 55%
Unspecified / other18 · 9.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14 · 7.4%
POWER TRAIN11 · 5.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9 · 4.8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9 · 4.8%
SERVICE BRAKES8 · 4.2%
STEERING4 · 2.1%
VISIBILITY/WIPER3 · 1.6%

Percentages are the share of the 189 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 6 campaigns

Engine

NHTSA campaign 18V934000 · 2018 · reported 12/28/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 2017 · reported 06/05/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V226000 · 2017 · reported 03/31/2017

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 21V303000 · 2021 · reported 04/28/2021

An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 20V520000 · 2020 · reported 08/27/2020

If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 2023 · reported 09/22/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact observed a gasoline odor. The ABS…”NHTSA complaint 11556102 — filed 11/20/2023 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH up a slight incline, the vehicle lost motive…”NHTSA complaint 11541876 — filed 08/31/2023 · ENGINE
“The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he detected fumes inside the vehicle and saw black…”NHTSA complaint 11525505 — filed 06/05/2023 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

262017602018302019220206202172022182023282024332025292026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 104 of 189 NHTSA complaints (55%), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (32), unspecified/other issues (18), electrical system (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have?

189 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 1 involved a crash, 13 involved a fire, and 0 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have any recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V934000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.