Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at about 35 MPH, The steering wheel was seized on a winding road; the steering warning light had also appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to veer to the right direction as the contact forcefully steered the vehicle back to the left direction to avoid hitting a fence. The vehicle then spun into the opposite side of the road before hitting a curb. Once the vehicle hit the curb, the vehicle flipped three times before the vehicle came to a halt. All air bags deployed during the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic but was later towed by her insurance for an investigation. All three passengers were taken to the hospital by a family member where they were treated for various injuries. …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was loose. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an insulator pad for the power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle had lost power causing the vehicle to decrease in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed where it was informed that the failure was due to a faulty rod bearing. The vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Hyundai has a problem with the steering coupler in numerous vehicles, including our Santa Fe. Problem is caused by deterioration of the plastic coupler between the electric power assist motor and the steering column. Hyundai has not recalled this item on other Hyundai models, but is doing an EXTENDED SERVICE REPAIR for 15 years unlimited mileage if you bring it in and ASK FOR IT TO BE FIXED. However, they are NOT doing this for the Santa Fe, as they say "they are not seeing a problem with this model", even though it has the same defective part that is being replaced in other Hyundai models. My vehicle is showing signs of this defect and has a definite "BAD SPOT" in the steering when you drive the vehicle. It is very dangerous and WILL LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL IF IT IS NOT FIXED as soon as possible. …
The car started to make a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel whether straight or turning. The wheel was shaking and there was some wiggle with steering. I was hours from home and did not feel safe driving the vehicle. Left it at a non-Hyundai repair shop. Was told the next day it was an issue with the plastic coupler in the steering column and Hyundai had a recall on it. Drove it home and brought it to my local dealer where we have all our repairs done. Was told there's no recall. After reading the exact same complaint by so many people on here and other online places I was shocked there was no recall for this issue. Others have stated Hyundai did recalls on some of their other vehicles for just this part/problem.
I own a Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 GLS, at about 78,000miles. There is currently a loud clicking noise that occurs when you turn the steering wheel, also steering wheel vibration when you apply the brakes. There is a play when you turn the steering, from my review and research, it is caused by a disintegrated rubble coupler in the steering motor. I called Hyundai customer support, and also when to the dealership, and I was told that it is not covered under warranty. This seems to be common problem with a number of Hyundai cars. I expect that Hyundai to announce a recall on this as its a safety issue, rather, they don't seem to care.
Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe had a steering coupler failure at about 35,000 miles that resulted in a loud clunking sound in the steering wheel and less responsive steering, which is unsafe. Hyundai and Kia have extended warranties for many of their models for this exact same problem, but for some reason they have not offered extended service for the Santa Fe. I believe the defective coupler that very commonly falls apart is identical to the one in the vehicles that did receive extended coverage.
August 2020 , dealership repairs under under warranty 'Steering coupler' . Wheeling when engine on making 'Clunky' sound, and vibrations . Hyundai has current Recalls on other makes and models of their line, but not 2013's , or my year AND model This is a Safety issue. Please advise Hyundai to extend and issue a Recall The dealerships wants hundreds of dollars to repair.
The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which wore out and causes a "thud" type noise when turning the steering wheel. Steering is affected by this. Problem has ben reproduced by service center.
I was driving west on U.S. Hwy 80 at about 30 MPH, after pulling out of a parking lot about 1 block before I lost control of my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, at an intersection. It made a sharp right turn without my help at all. After hitting another vehicle and then jumping a large curb, I came to stop about 18" from a small tree. I was completely traumatized. The right front wheel had a blow out from the outside side wall of the tire. The mechanic said it looked slashed. The big question is, did the blow out occur at the time my vehicle made the sharp right turn at the intersection, or did it occur when it hit the curb? I don't know, but I feel something happened to cause that sharp right turn in the first place. I had the mechanic check out the right front wheel area (axle, etc). They said they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicles parts, that wasn't caused by the accident. …
Steering complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 16% of the model year's 605 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 59% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.