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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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)
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: ABS light or ABS activating
19 of the 204 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 120,000
- recalls
- 3
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
In October/November of 2023, while Hyundai was actively initiating Safety Recall 251 (the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency regarding this submission.
After having the ABS recall fixed a while back all of the lights came back on about a week ago. There has been a loss of oil meaning i have been adding oil in between oil changes at least once a week, there has been smoke coming from under the hood and if you run the heat or air you have to have circulate cabin air button pushed or it pulls the smell inside the car and it is overwhelming. The smoking has been going on for about at least a month now.
Official Dealer Refusal to Perform Critical Safety Recall (VIN: [XXX] ) Description: I am reporting a formal refusal by the official Hyundai distributor in the Dominican Republic (Magna Motors) to perform critical safety recalls on my US-spec vehicle. Pending Recalls: Recall #251 (the federal safety agency 23V651000): ABS module fire risk. Campaign #953: KSDS software update. The dealer (Magna Motors) refuses to perform the service, claiming a "lack of tools," and has declined to provide a written explanation for this denial. This is a severe violation of safety regulations regarding life-threatening defects (Fire Risk). As the vehicle is a US-spec unit, I request the federal safety agency’s intervention to ensure the manufacturer (Hyundai) compels its local representative to complete these repairs immediately at no cost. PLEASE NOTE: I am using a US mailing address only to complete this form. The vehicle and I are physically located in the Dominican Republic. The local official distributor, Magna Motors, is failing to honor these the federal safety agency safety recalls." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I requested Engine oil consumption tests on November 12, 2020 and March 27,2021 at Vandergriff Huyndai, Arlington, Tx. Nothing was resolved,. I have been adding oil myself and getting oil changes regularly since. At 146,000 miles it's been worse. After just 2,000 miles after an oil change it was below low, my mechanic topped it off 3 weeks ago and I've had to add oil since. Took my car to Jerry's Huyndai, Weatherford, Texas on December 29,2025. Due to oil consumption, smoke, smell, and I'm wondering if the vibrating is from the engine or if I need new spark plugs. I was told that my valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. I feel like I'm still getting the run around and the car can't keep oil above low level. I've never seen oil under the car and when i took the car to Vandergriff in 2020 and 2021 they didn't see a leak they said. I also took my car in 8/21 and had the ABS repaired and as of recent its out again. I took my car into an independent mechanic shop today 1/2/2026 and he said he felt that the valve cover gasket is not the main problem he feels it would be a waste of money until the engine is replaced. I also heard a new noise today not knocking but tapping noise while driving. My car has hesitated recently, but Jerrys huyndai didnt have that happen while driving it. My car would be available for inspection any time requested. I am just concerned about the smoking if it will get worse, is there a risk of fire and I'm disabled, so I'm concerned if I will have a problem getting out of the car in time if that were to happen or if the car would stop in the middle of the street. This is my only car and I care for 2 sons that are disabled. I need a safe car. Also, the car manager Rachel at Jerry's Huyndai seemed focused that I would be charged 225.00 if it was not the rod bearings. It just seemed like she more focused on that instead of finding the problem. The only lights on is the ABS.
While driving the car, started to smell gas and saw smoke. Tried to pull over and ABS lights came on and lost brakes. Was able to stop using emergency break. Car was completely engulfed in seconds.
On June 6,2025 my car caught fire under the hood on the way home from work. I was then told my car has an ABS module recall and thats whats caused the fire, as well as, electrical shortage. Hyundai finally came to get car on June 27. They refuse to fix or communicate with me on my car that I am still having to pay car note on. They refuse to give me an estimate of damages that results in total loss for insurance purposes
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine warning light, battery, and ABS warning lights illuminated, with another unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle returned to function as intended; however, the failure recurred a short distance afterwards. The contact was able to pull over to a rest area and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed that the engine had seized, and metal shavings were found in the oil. The dealer declined to perform the repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact advised that the vehicle never passed inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport - [XXX] [XXX] System failed or malfunctioned: Sudden Engine Failure while driving at highway speed. Indication: Illumination of flashing warning light, while operating the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle entered into “protection mode”, driving at a slower acceleration and limited engine speed. Safety risks: Defective Engines: A manufacturing defect in the engine, particularly in the connecting rod bearings, can cause them to wear out prematurely. Potential for Stalling: the bearings wear, they can fail, potentially causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. Risk of Crash: a sudden stall while driving can significantly increase the risk of a crash. Engine Fire: in some cases, a damaged connecting rod can puncture the engine block, leading to oil leaks that can ignite on hot engine surfaces, causing a fire. Recalls: there have been multiple recalls related to these engine issues. Hyundai Motor America, the automaker has issued recalls for vehicles with these defective engines. Other Potential Issues: some 2013 Santa Fe Sports have been recalled for a potential fire risk due to a faulty ABS module. The problem has been inspected and identified by a certified Hyundai Dealer. The vehicle has not been directly inspected by the Manufacturer. Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure: Illumination of flashing warning light, while operating the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle entered into “protection mode” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the service brakes and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the ABS fuse had been replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was an issue with the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake...
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a “Check Engine” light on and one or more of the DTC...
- This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC),...
- If the rear wheel hub in the affected vehicles is submerged in salt water, salt water can enter the rear...
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V651000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Recall number 21V303000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 the federal safety agency 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.
Recall number 20V520000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
19 of 204 owner complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (9%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
There are 3 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Engine failure 48Check engine light 35Stalling 31Knocking 24Loss of power 18Fire or smoke 13Oil consumption 10Fuel pump 7Door locks 6Jerking 6Won't shift 5Sunroof shattered 5
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