2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport 2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t, Sport 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t Premium, Xl Gls/Limited AWD 4dr SUV, Xl Gls/Limited FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,616–4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints683 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 160 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,772 lb (Sport 2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 4% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 683 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport 2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,772 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t Premium | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,616 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl Gls/Limited AWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,101 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl Gls/Limited FWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,946 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Sport 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +4% | $2,800 | 375 |
| Santa Fe Sport 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 396 |
| Santa Fe Sport 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +3% | $3,050 | 406 |
| Santa Fe Sport 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 426 |
| Santa Fe 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 432 |
| Santa Fe 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -7% | $3,350 | 443 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (7)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 28, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V303000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V520000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Engine · Dec 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V934000 · 150,730 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 437,400 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V226000 · 572,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Aug 12, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V355000 · 20,300 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Custom Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 112.
Not every 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 362 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 62 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 58 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 291 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →