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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine complaints

Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 121, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Engine · PA

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)

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Engine · 67,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions for abnormal oil consumption and a burning odor on the exterior of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where the PCV valve, valve cover gasket, sealant, drive belts, ribbed-V belt, RTV silicone gasket maker, turbo, and gasket engine oil plug were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 111,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and waste gauge. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the original engine was previously replaced under an unknown recall repair in 2021, however the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the mileage of the new engine was approximately 20,000. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the doors were independently unlatched. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door independently unlatched and independently opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · Engine · 166,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle's speed suddenly reduced to under 30 MPH. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 166,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Engine · 110,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while decelerating. The contact stated that 6,000 miles before the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that piston #3 was blown. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being expired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletins: 22-EM-001H-1 and 22-EM-002H-1. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine · 107,680 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling and making the vehicle difficult to control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,680.

Filed Nov 21, 2023 · Engine · 58,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an unknown dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer charged a fee for the diagnostic testing. The contact declined to pay the fee and towed the vehicle to her residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was sludge in the engine and charged a fee for additional diagnostic tests. The contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 161,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact observed a gasoline odor. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and inspected. The contact's husband observed gas around the fuel pump and condensation underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pressure pump line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 172,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, several warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle several times, the warning lights turned off. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 172,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2023 · Engine · 101,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH up a slight incline, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a secondary dealer closer to her residence for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Engine · 190,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he detected fumes inside the vehicle and saw black smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated he was able to coast to the side of the roadway; however, upon exiting the vehicle, the contact saw flames coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the California Highway Patrol extinguished the fire. Neither a Fire nor a Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Engine · 166,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the dealer and manufacturer stated that the engine would not be replaced for free. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Engine · 90,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 114,964 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel line. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated at start-up due to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 114,964.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Engine · 98,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started stalling. The contact pulled over to the side of the road safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had a Salvage Title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2022 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced and would be covered under warranty; however, the vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2021 · Engine · 48,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2021 · Engine · 131,000 miles · MD

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle required frequent oil top up. The contact's daughter had taken the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed that the engine needed to be taken apart to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. He was then referred to the federal safety agency for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2021 · Engine · 100,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact noticed after having an oil change, there was no oil in the engine several days later. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where the oil change was provided, and more oil was added. The contact noticed that several days later there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 23,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost power, and accelerated without warning. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited for a few minutes. The vehicle was restarted and failed to resume normal operation. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to hyundai of long island city (34-54 44th st, long island city, ny, (718) 819-6160) where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred multiple times. The contact mentioned that the battery was replaced two additional times. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · Engine · 127,000 miles · CO

While driving 55 MPH up a small incline my vehicle seemed to lose power. Since that moment the vehicle would not accelerate over 10 MPH. I was able to make it home while at idle speed. The dealership now believes the engine has failed and will know more after full investigation. The engine was replaced on previous recall and the 'new' engine is experiencing failure reported before a recall was ever issued. Seems to be a larger issue here and the manufacturer still not being held responsible nor are they accepting responsibility. The reviews on similar experiences make it hard to believe the issue was ever addressed and the manufacturer continues to put individuals and families lives in danger.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Engine · 82,000 miles · ME

Was driving for an hour on the highway and just after I took an exit and was driving about 60km/hr my car shutdown and I had to come to a rolling stop off the side of the road, lights came on the dash, and I was unable to start the car again. Initial thoughts was the alternator as it was a hit day with the A/C full on. Then I had the vehicle towed an hour to a local shop, who informed me that the engine had blown up.

Filed Jun 26, 2019 · Engine · 127,000 miles · VA

I was driving my vehicle at rate of speed of 75-80 MPH on the interstate in considerable traffic. I began to reach slowed traffic and pressed my brake to slow down, when I did the engine completely stalled putting myself and my children in grave danger as we were surrounded by vehicles also going at 75-80 MPH. No warning lights proceeded this happening. I was able to get my vehicle restarted and off the highway, still no alert lights appeared. I checked all belts, hoses, fluids and nothing appeared wrong. At a later stop, 316 miles from the initial incident, to refuel, the engine began clicking as I pulled off from the fueling station. I stopped again and checked all components and fluids, which all checked out ok. I tried to reenter the highway in hopes of getting closer to home when the engine again stalled. I pulled off the highway and got a hotel room and called hyundai to state this was the problem stated in their recall. They have been very resistant to help, even refusing to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. They are also refusing any reimbursements without signing a release of liability waiver that states I "release hma from any liability with respect to any claim that hma failed to conform the vehicle to warranty in connection with your concerns and the vehicle's repair history to date. You also acknowledge that any such concerns have been resolved as of the date of signing this letter." to date, nothing has been done other than the dealership looking at the vehicle and stating the vehicle is covered by the recall. No work has been started! I will gladly provide letter if requested!

Filed May 15, 2019 · Engine · 108,500 miles · FL

Engine malfunctioned and seized while in motion without warning on a city street. Theta ii style engine that hyundai has determined has to be replaced. There needs to be a recall for all hyundai's and kias with this engine.

Filed May 9, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 72,400 miles · AZ · fire

While driving down the highway, the vehicle started to loose power, started having a vibration and could see smoke in the rear view mirror. I pulled over and the engine had caught fire. Within minutes, the whole vehicle burst into flames.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 76,500 miles · IA

This car was included in the recall of over 1.5 million hyujdai and kia vehicles due to a factory defect that can lead to premature engine failure. This car broke down on april 28th, 2019. I am having it towed to the hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The "what to look for" section on hyundai's websites lists a number of symptoms of this recall issue and what I experienced when my car left me stranded along the highway is exactly what is described on the hyundai website. The engine also shutdown going 65mph on the highway.I wanted to bring this to your attention since the federal safety agency was instrumental in ordering this recall. Thank you very much.

Filed Apr 27, 2019 · Engine · 106,000 miles · WI · fire

We were driving in an interstate when the gas pedal stopped working and we weren't able to go faster than 65mph. A few minutes later, we heard noise from the engine and other drivers were signaling us to move to the shoulder. We found out our car started on fire. According to the tow truck mechanic, the engine blew a rod.

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine · 124,000 miles · NE

A recall was issued for this make and model for debris from the manufacturing operation that remained in the engine. The engine displayed the symptoms of this issue through a metallic knocking noise which increased as the RPM increased. The hyundai dealership in lincoln nebraska reviewed the vehicle and subsequently released the car back to me. Prior to this recall work at sid dillon, the vehicle did not consume oil. After the recall work the vehicle immediately started to consume oil at the rate of one quart every 500 to 600 miles . The sis dillion dealership in conjunction with hyundai refuses to address this issue. Additionally, the knocking noise from the engine continues to concern me relative to the engine locking up and creating a stall condition while still in motion.

Filed Mar 21, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 97,000 miles · VA

Husband was driving my santa fe sport 2013 on the highway when the car just died, 97,000 miles on the car, no warning at all. No engine lights or anything. Took to a mechanic, said the engine seized and will need to be replaced. Also said there was no oil in the vehicle, even though it was not due for an oil change yet. He said they couldn't find a reason for there to be no oil, proper maintenance has been completed on this vehicle. Had it towed to the dealership, waiting to see if it is under warranty, but I am sure they will try to find a reason not to pay to have it fixed. Second problem with this car in the last 3 months. The fuel pump went out less than three months ago and had to be replaced. Will not buy hyundai again.

Filed Mar 19, 2019 · Engine · 53,000 miles · FL

Driving car on interstate and engine blew up while driving. The car steering wheel locked up and was able to veer off the interstate. Had to be towed to a local dealership (car was only 2 years old.) we had multiple problems prior to that. I bought the car brand new and as soon as I drove off the lot, we had issues. There were electrical problems. The battery had to be replaced. The vehicle left me stranded at places because the gear shifter would not come out of park. There was an internal failure to shift lock so they replaced it. I would turn the car off at times and my radio would continue to play. It wouldn't turn off. The car has been in the shop over 20 times since I bought it brand new. Wasnt considered a lemon because the hyundai technician didn't label it correctly on the 3rd time in a year. Finally got rid of the car. They ended up replacing the engine and im sure they put it back on a lot which that car was unsafe.

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