2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

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

Hyundai Santa Fe
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Luxury AWD in Hampton Grey, front left, 2024-06-30. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–2.4L
Engine–2.0L turbo
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Sport Popular / Sport Leather / Sport Tech / Sport Turbo / Sport Turbo leatherSport Turbo Tech

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sport 2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,772 lb56/44
Sport 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t Premium184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,616 lb56/44
Xl Gls/Limited AWD 4dr SUV192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in4,101 lb56/44
Xl Gls/Limited FWD 4dr SUV192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,946 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Santa Fe Sport 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+4%$2,800375
Santa Fe Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 230%$2,900396
Santa Fe Sport 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+3%$3,050406
Santa Fe Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-2%$3,200426
Santa Fe 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-9%$3,200432
Santa Fe 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-7%$3,350443
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)24 MPGNot rated7
2013 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated2
2013 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated6
2013 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated12
2013 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (7)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

683Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
56Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
79,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine362
Unknown Or Other77
Steering62
Electrical System58
Service Brakes54
Service Brakes, Hydraulic48
Power Train44
Fuel/Propulsion System35
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 224/12: 225/01: 325/02: 125/03: 525/04: 125/05: 525/06: 225/07: 525/08: 625/09: 325/10: 225/11: 125/12: 126/01: 526/02: 126/03: 426/04: 426/05: 326/06: 226/07: 526/08: 426/09: 226/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Engine — 362 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Steering — 62 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Electrical System — 58 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Santa Fe36–Not rated00
2026 Santa Fe36190.2 inNot rated458
2025 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★5240
2024 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★7191
2023 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★2291
2022 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8265
2021 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8187
2020 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★2218
2019 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★3229
2018 Santa Fe24184.6 in★★★★★5432
2017 Santa Fe24184.6 inNot rated71,327
2016 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated3306

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →