15 of the
249 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE Sport are about the
electrical system — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
94,000 miles.
F
15
Complaints
0
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
15100.0%
Electrical System across every Hyundai Santa FE Sport year
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.
Urbana, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wire on the right-hand side of the engine, a valve cover gasket leak, and engine timing chain noise. I was informed that gasoline had sprayed throughout the engine bay. This created an immediate fire hazard even though no actual fire occurred. This problem was especially concerning because the vehicle had been inspected and serviced by an authorized Hyundai dealer in December 2025, less than about 3,000 miles earlier. The loose engine ground wire and fuel leak raise serious concerns about vehicle safety and the adequacy of the prior inspection. I contacted Hyundai the same day and reported this as a fire-risk safety issue, but I did not receive timely assistance. Because immediate dealer service was not available, I had to authorize emergency repairs at a local shop for safety reasons. No warning lights were noted before the incident. The failure was confirmed by the repair shop.
NHTSA complaint #11726301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 (NHTSA 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 NHTSA’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 NHTSA safety recalls." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The door latch assembly. It continues to show warning lights that my doors are still open when they are not. As well as my key fob when pressed twice, my car will not make any audible sounds. It continues to drain my power and kill my batteries. Have had my engine replaced due to engine recall. I have also had my hood latch replaced from a recall. My car sound be eligible for the door lock assembly recall. I have two children under 6 years old and safety of the door being shut properly is of the utmost importance to me. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealership and they have quoted me the problem as stated above. I can provide the quote! There is also a TSB 14-01-004-1. Which my car should be able to qualify for. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11704566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesAugusta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle intermittently lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, and the starter was replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign. The local dealer was contacted; however, it was unclear if the vehicle had been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the same local independent mechanic, where the alternator was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000
NHTSA complaint #11693428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCherry Valley, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 172,000 milesArnold, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11547777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesNEW York, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11286858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,400 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11206589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesRiverton, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RESET BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SHORTS OUT EVERY YEAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR AND THE DEALER ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE RELUCTANT TO REPAIR IT. THIS NEEDS A RECALL URGENTLET!
NHTSA complaint #11180344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesAyden, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS SENSORS GOING BAD ON THESE MODELS. HAPPEND TODAY WHEN I WAS JUST SITTING WITH SUV RUNNING. GOT A C1209 BAD RIGHT REAR SENSOR, READ UP ON IT AND MORE PEOPLE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THIS. SOME STATED THEY GOT RECALLS DEPENDING ON WHERE THEY LIVE AND OTHERS DIDN'T.
NHTSA complaint #11150757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON A FREEWAY TO PICK UP MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. MY CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED/STALLED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH. AS SOON AS I TRIED TO GET INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I GRABBED MY PURSE WHICH WAS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT NEXT TO ME, AND I EXITED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY . AS SOON AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND FRONT OF MY CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIREMAN ARRIVED ON THE SCENE WITHIN 5-10 MINUTES, BUT BY THE TIME THEY HAD GOTTEN THE FIRE OUT, MY ENTIRE CAR WAS TOTALED. I HAD A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING A YEAR AGO, I TOOK MY CAR INTO SACRAMENTO HYUNDAI WHERE THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD FIXED IT, ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OTHER RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THAT I WAS UNAWARE OF. NOW, A YEAR LATER AFTER HYUNDAI SAID THEY FIXED MY RECALLS, MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING, BUT THIS TIME THE ENTIRE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WITH IT, AND THE ENTIRE CAR IS TOTALED. IT WAS THE SCARIEST, MOST TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER BEEN THROUGH. IF I DID NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY, I MIGHT NOT HAVE MADE IT OUT SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #11144445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesJohnstown, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON JULY 26, 2018 VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING AND EMITTING FLAMES. CAR WAS IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TUNNEL ON COLORADO INTERSTATE 70 WITH NO PULL OFF SPACE. CARS BEHIND REPORTED FLAMES FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. WE WERE ABLE TO EXIT WITHOUT BEING HARMED BUT INHALED HORRIBLE SMELLING FUMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO KEEP THE ENGINE FROM CONTINUING TO FLAME AND SMOKE. TOWED OFF INTERSTATE TO SAFE AREA WHERE THEY CONTINUED TO MONITOR VEHICLE FOR CONTINUING SMOKING AND FLAMING.
NHTSA complaint #11132927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesWoods Cross, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, TWO WEEKS AGO MY 2013 HYUNDAI SANTAFE SPORT TURBO (WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2013) EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE STALL AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE FIRE THAT HAS CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT NOT BEFORE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE HAD BEEN CAUSED. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THEY HAVE QUOTED THE DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $2,000 AND INDICATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPON DOING SOME QUICK RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT MY EXPERIENCE IS NOT UNCOMMON. I SEE THAT AN OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED IN JULY 2018, YET THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL YET. IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, I WOULD NOT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS LOSS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT COURSE OF ACTION I SHOULD BE TAKING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11132734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesOverland Park, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE TOOK OUR 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT VIN #[XXX] INTO SHAWNEE MISSION HYUNDAI ON APRIL 16TH, 2018, AS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IT, WE HAD PULLED OUT OF A PARK ON TO A STREET THAT IS HEAVILY TRAVELED AND IT MADE THE SHUT DOWN NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, BECAUSE I WASN'T SURE IF THE CARE WAS STILL RUNNING OR NOT. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND ON AND IT WAS STILL BLACK. THE CAR WAS LOCKED INTO THE PARK POSITION AND WE COULDN'T GET IT OUT. WE CALLED AAA AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK DRIVER OUT. HE SHOWED ME HOW TO USE THE KEY INSIDE THE FOB TO GET IT OUT OF PARK AND SAID TO IMMEDIATELY TACK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED AS THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NAMED [XXX] FROM THE DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO MIKE, THEY ORDERED A REPLACEMENT PART THAT ARRIVED LAST WEDNESDAY AND IT HAD A BROKEN PIECE ON IT, SO THEY ORDERED ANOTHER ONE. IT ARRIVED ON FRIDAY AND AFTER INSTALLATION, ON SATURDAY OUR CAR STILL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WE FINALLY GOT OUR CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON APRIL 27TH AND THE PANEL WENT OUT AT 12:30 ON APRIL 29TH AFTER GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND STOP LIGHT. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON APRIL 30TH AND GOT IT BACK ON MAY 4TH AND THE PANEL WENT OUT ON MAY 5TH AT 11:00 AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY, MAY 7TH. THIS PARTICULAR CLUSTER GOING OUT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND WONDER IF YET ANOTHER RECALL NEEDS TO GO OUT? SO ON APRIL 26TH I OPENED A CASE FILE WITH HYUNDAI'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, BUT HAVE YET TO TALK TO THE CASE WORKER. SHE CALLED AND LEFT A MESSAGE, I RETURNED HER CALL AND LEFT A MESSAGE AND EMAILED HER TO CALL ME TODAY AT 4:00 CST AND SHE DIDN'T CALL. THE CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11092342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.