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).
We brought our vehicle into the dealer for a recall for undercoating on [redacted]. The work was completed by Tarbox Hyundai in north kingstown ri. We noticed our car started drifting to the right and our tire was out of align. We brought the car to our local mechanic and were told that the entire under carriage is rotting away and needs to be replaced. I feel Hyundai should be responsible for this because they knew about it and didn't tell us. Instead they just did the undercoating trying to hide the fact that is was completely rotted. thank you
Engine has always burned oil and vehicle only has 72,000 miles on it.leaking black liquid/oil out exhaust pipe, blowing out Black clouds of smoke and have to keep adding oil. Whole rear end had to be replaced, timing chain and cover replaced, AC unit replaced, rear camera replaced, climate controls change settings by them selves, leaking gaskets, all this and more has been going on with this vehicle when it only had 35,000 Miles on it. Front suspension creaks for years. No way a vehicle should have all these issues with low mileage and has been very well cared for!
As I was traveling east on a main road, I turned left on to a secondary road at a very low rate of speed. I was completely shocked by the impact of my vehicle with a vehicle that was in the opposite lane, headed in a southerly direction. Prior to the collision I had no awareness of the presence of a vehicle stopped in that location, as the vehicle was completely obliterated from my view by the left side view mirror. I believe that the exaggerated size of the mirror, and the location of its position made it impossible for me to have a clear, unobstructed view in that situation. I feel the design/placement of the mirror was definitely a contributing factor in this accident.
While turn left into a subdivision the steering would not re-center thus the car ran over a couple of large stones lining the roadway at the entrance. The ABS did not engage. Finally the car stopped about 30 feet later. I was able to finally steer the car back on to the street. There is damage to the undercarriage, the inner wheel well on the right side was torn off, the left front air dam, the exhaust system, the right front wheel was damage, and a flat tire.
While driving my AWD Santa-Fe through snow. Snow begins to build up on tires and rims as due all vehicles. While having parked my Santa-Fe for 30-45 minutes or continually driving through snow and returning to drive said Santa-Fe you start to feel vibrations and then vehicle starts violently shuttering the faster u go. The snow throws off the wheel balance and makes car shutter violently. The only fix from dealer is park car in warm garage while parking or scrap inner wheels before driving. You would think any cuv/SUV with AWD should not have this problem, really any vehicle should not have this problem. I guess I bought the AWD to stay on clean dry roads. Defeats the purpose of an AWD. Guess it will take someone crashing before looked into. My fix, buy can of never wet and spray rims and tires so no snow or ice sticks to wheels or rims or change rims more money$ but both work. …
Tl contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, a loud banging noise emitted from the suspension. The failure recurred multiple times and only when there was at least four passengers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but there was no diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to return the vehicle to the dealer for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,500. Updated 04/06/15 updated 9/21/2017
The vehicle drifts from side to side at speeds above 40 MPH. I've taken it to the dealership, they said there was no problem "its probably just the different driving modes on the steering wheel." they suggested to drive in "sport" mode which doesn't help.this is a major concern because its a huge safety issues and it must be addressed. There are too many complaints on the internet for this problem to be ignored.
Passed out while driving. Struck the rear passenger side of another car with the front drivers side of Santa Fe. Airbags did not deploy. Santa Fe was totaled. I suffered a broken neck in two places and dislodged two cervical disc. Now having to go for surgery to repair disc damage. Hopefully I will regain use of left hand do to nerve damage.
I bought the vehicle 2 months ago, and 2 weeks ago, I noticed the car was shaking when I applied the brakes. The engine light came on and I took it to the shop, and was told I needed a new engine.
Rear subframe is rotted out prematurely, other vins had this issue recalled but my vin was not included in the recall even though I have all the same issues as the vehicles that were recalled
Suspension complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 4% of the model year's 605 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.