FaultScore

2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport brake problems

42 of the 249 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport are about the braking system — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 84,500 miles.

B

42

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 32 76.2%
Service Brakes 9 21.4%
ABS Warning Light 1 2.4%

Brakes across every Hyundai Santa FE Sport year

2013 42 20.6%
2014 31 15.2%
2015 23 11.3%
2017 58 28.4%
2018 50 24.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Brighton, TN

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #11757483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St Albans, WV

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #11728684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peaster, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #11708416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 189,000 miles Dacula, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

NHTSA complaint #11604131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles Cherry Valley, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to register as closed when locked. The back over prevention camera failed to display the rear-view image while in the vehicle was in reverse. The contact stated that during the failure with the back over prevention camera the radio also became inoperable. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light erroneously illuminated with the tires properly inflated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the other failures. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11600804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Kissimmee, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

NHTSA complaint #11595154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kempner, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11588964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Savannah, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA complaint #11586828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Damascus, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11586848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bel Aire, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11586027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Damascus, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11584428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11584052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Allentown, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11583534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dresden, TN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA complaint #11583578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Angola, IN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11583048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harrison, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11582398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the dealer and was initially informed that parts were available, and an appointment was scheduled to perform the recall repair. Upon arrival at the dealer, the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication and that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11581284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. The brake pedal kicked back and went two-thirds of the way to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ABS. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the ABS again. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11580711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Sunset, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated for two years. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS sensor needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11575264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11574315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Prairie, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11567942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westminster, CO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11566011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Melbourne, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11565066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11563822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeport, CT

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the independent acceleration failure was intermittent. The contact stated that after shifting the gear shifter into park(P), the vehicle unintendedly rolled forward. The contact stated that the failure was constant, and the parking brake was activated while parking the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11557780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11556466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winter Garden, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11556001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle and inspected the brake fluid level. The contact noticed that the brake fluid level was low. 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11555440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Centerville, UT

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11555062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA complaint #11554832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport problems

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