2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 17, 2026 · Filed: November 1, 2026

While driving my engine seized up and my car completely stopped. I was luckily able to coast it to the side of the highway without getting into an accident. I had it towed to Go Hyundai in Renton, WA. The did the diagnostic, found it was covered by the recall and allegedly ordered the engine. The engine is apparently on back order and has to come from Korea. They are dragging their feet in providing me with alternative transportation. Because I don't have a credit card I'm not able to use their loaner vehicles or rent a car myself from a car rental company. I am having to pay every day to go to and from work in Ubers. I can't continue to afford this and Go Hyundai is acting like it's MY problem the engine failed. Hyundai has been contacted directly but there doesn't seem to be much they can or will do either. I'm running out of money and without a vehicle I can't get to work.

Incident: October 26, 2026 · Filed: October 26, 2026

Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited, VIN [XXX]. Registered and titled in Georgia, USA since July 2022. Built in the USA (VIN begins with 5); originally retailed in Canada. The vehicle has an unremedied ABS module defect that can cause an engine-compartment fire even when parked and turned off. Hyundai Canada lists it as open safety recall R0246-1 (41D013, Transport Canada 2024-080), remedy available since 2024-05-27. The same defect and the same remedy (ABS fuse replacement) are covered in the US by NHTSA recall 23V651 / Hyundai Recall 251, which includes 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles produced 7/12/2012 to 6/15/2013. A second Canadian fire-risk recall is also open: R0212 (21DG01, TC 2022-659, rear park-assist sensors). The NHTSA recall lookup for my VIN shows 0 open recalls (checked 10/26/2026), apparently because the vehicle was first sold in Canada. Georgia Hyundai dealers refuse to perform the recalls, telling me they do not do recalls on Canadian vehicles. As a result, a US-registered vehicle with a known fire defect that Hyundai Motor America has recalled in the US cannot get the remedy anywhere in the US. I have asked Hyundai Auto Canada (10/26/2026) to authorize a US dealer. I ask NHTSA to ask Hyundai Motor America (1) why US-registered vehicles that are the same as those in recall 23V651 are excluded from the remedy because of their original market, and (2) to authorize its dealers to perform the remedy on my vehicle. I am parking outdoors away from structures in the meantime. My family, including three young children, rides in this vehicle. No fire, crash or injury has occurred. Documents available: Hyundai Canada recall lookup and NHTSA lookup for this VIN, both dated 10/26/2026. [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: October 15, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY AND WARRANTY COMPLAINT Date: [XXX] From: [XXX] Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2.4L Theta II engine Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles (exact current reading to be confirmed) Subject: Recurrent Check-Engine Warning Following Repeated Repairs; Request for Theta II Engine Investigation I am submitting this complaint to formally document recurring engine-related symptoms affecting my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and my repeated requests for investigation of a possible connection to the known Theta II engine defects and related warranty programs. On [XXX], the check-engine light illuminated again. Previously, on three separate occasions, the vehicle experienced a flashing check-engine light and a light ticking noise while idling. I was advised each time that the knock sensor was responsible, and the sensor was replaced. The vehicle returned to normal operation after those repairs, but similar symptoms subsequently recurred. While my vehicle was still below the 150,000-mile threshold, I repeatedly expressed concern that the symptoms could relate to the Theta II engine issue. During the most recent dealership visit, resulting in repairs on September 10, 2026, I emphasized that the recommended valve-cover gasket and spark-plug work might address a secondary issue without resolving the primary recurring problem. The check-engine light has now returned approximately five weeks after that repair. I am not claiming that a connecting-rod-bearing defect has been conclusively diagnosed. I am asking that the possibility be properly evaluated and that my earlier reports, repair attempts, and the mileage at which I first raised these concerns be preserved and considered when warranty eligibility is reviewed. I am sending this as a record of contact and communication.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: September 23, 2026 · Filed: September 28, 2026

The vehicle suddenly stopped and suddenly smoke appear in the front part of vehicle. Firemen appeared and when the front of the car was opened the flames of the fire were all over the engine of the car. The front glass broke and the hood has visible signs of the fire. Police were everywhere while firemen worked to stop the fire in the car. The car was towed to our home.

Incident: September 5, 2026 · Filed: September 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to unlatch as intended using either the interior or exterior door handles or the locking mechanism. In addition, the contact exited the vehicle using the front passenger’s side door to exit the vehicle. An appointment was scheduled with the local dealer. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 14-01-004-1. The contact stated that it might be a potential safety risk for passengers in an emergency. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 142,622.

Incident: October 30, 2023 · Filed: August 17, 2026

In October/November of 2023, while Hyundai was actively initiating Safety Recall 251 (NHTSA Campaign 23V-651), my vehicle's ABS Control Unit suffered an internal fluid leak that resulted in an electrical short-circuit. The failure caused major electronic communication errors, illuminated dashboard warning lights, and placed the vehicle into Limp Mode, rendering it unsafe to drive. Because the failure occurred prior to receiving a formal owner notification in the mail and the vehicle was un-drivable, I paid $1,300.54 out-of-pocket on November 17th 2023 to replace the failed ABS module. Hyundai Corporate has twice denied reimbursement, arguing that Recall 251 only covers a multi-fuse replacement and claiming internal fluid leaks are not covered. This contradicts NHTSA 23V-651 documentation, which explicitly identifies internal ABS module fluid leaks and electrical shorts as the core safety defect. Installing a fuse current-limiter cannot repair an already-ruined ABS circuit board or resolve a safety-mandated Limp Mode. I am reporting this to document on the official public record that Hyundai is actively denying reimbursement for the exact root-cause failure identified in NHTSA Campaign 23V-651. PLEASE NOTE: This report is submitted solely to document Hyundai Motor America's non-compliance and improper reimbursement denial for official record-keeping under Campaign 23V-651. I do not require follow-up contact from NHTSA regarding this submission.

Incident: August 14, 2026 · Filed: August 14, 2026

I was driving down a highway and was slowing down as motorcycle in front of me was turning. I than proceeded to drive, I heard a loud noise which everyone in the vehicle thought it was the motorcycle (it wasn't) we pulled over into the nearest gas station and saw that my oil light was barely blinking (it was barely noticeable) was fading in and out) we got out checked the dipstick and it was low. Was not due for an oil change for another 1500miles. We put oil in and waited checked the dip stick it was then reading between the two lines of L and F. We waited another 5-10 minutes before leaving. We pulled out and the vehicle acted as if it had no power. I pushed on the gas to get up to speed and the car died out; I got pulled over to the side of the road. The car gave me no indication of anything. No oil light. I drove the days before with no issues I was 38miles from home.

Incident: July 31, 2022 · Filed: August 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that after a routine oil change, while driving back to the residence, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not eligible for a recall repair because the engine software update was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 136,434.

Incident: July 30, 2026 · Filed: July 30, 2026

While driving a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport on a city street, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and shut off while idling at a red light. The vehicle completely failed to restart. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or fault messages illuminated prior to or during the stalling event. Immediately following the engine shutdown, a fire erupted under the engine hood. The fire rapidly escalated and completely engulfed the entire vehicle, resulting in a total loss. The local fire department responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze

Incident: June 30, 2026 · Filed: July 30, 2026

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / NHTSA Recall 17V-226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine replacement based on mileage. I escalated the matter to Hyundai Motor America Corporate Consumer Affairs. Hyundai has now confirmed in writing that, because my vehicle is more than eight years old and has more than 150,000 miles, Hyundai is applying the high-mileage provision of the Theta II settlement and will not replace the engine. Instead, Hyundai is offering either a repurchase or $2,000 in lieu of engine replacement. I understand that Hyundai is relying on the court-approved settlement. My concern is specifically whether Hyundai’s application of that settlement to my vehicle is consistent with the administration of Recall 162 and the federal safety-recall remedy, given that my vehicle is experiencing the engine failure that Recall 162 was designed to address. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of Hyundai’s handling of this safety-related recall matter.