2013 Hyundai Santa FE Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 9%of 605 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,733miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE, 9% of the 605 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,733 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1) radio stopped working about 1 year ago. 2) about 6 months ago, the door and truck open light on the dash appeared and never went off. 3) on 1/14/21, the car started making a rattling sound, and stopped accelarating; auto shop determined the engine was ruined and needs to be replaced. With the 1st 2 issues, I was still able to use the vehicle. However, now that the engine is ruined, I am no longer able to use the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11388425, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“I have brought this car to my local Hyundai dealership at least 4 times within this last year with the most recent time being about a month ago, about a knocking noise coming from my engine that was so extremely loud when driving. The car hesitates and/or stalls everytime the knocking noise is present and, each time I bring it to the service department they tell me nothing is wrong with the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10994175, filed 2017-06, 70,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10596823, filed 2014-06, 25,437 miles“While driving 35 MPH through an intersection on a city street, the entire electrical system failed and shut off. I was unable to steer or brake, but managed to coast into a parking lot. The entire dash panel repeatedly flashed and all warning symbols appeared on dash panel. Briefly the dash panel displayed connect fuel sensor before completely shutting off. We towed vehicle to dealership and was told it appeared to be a failed alternator and starter and compromised battery cable and sensor and wouldn't be covered under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11232778, filed 2019-07, 138,263 miles“I bought a 2013 sante fe Hyundai in may, after driving for 2 weeks air conditioner went out, A/C light goes out and it stops blowing air. Pulled off road, turned car off and turned it back on. Took it to planet Hyundai in las vegas nv and they had the car for 10 days told me it was fixed. Replaced a transistor and said it was fixed, had the car back for 4 days and happened again, calling the dealer again tomorrow. Current mileage is 630.”
NHTSA complaint #10525984, filed 2013-07, 300 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
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- 11015936Mar 18, 2025Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s…
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 14% |
| 2025 | 29 | 21% |
| 2024 | 30 | 19% |
| 2023 | 36 | 17% |
| 2022 | 32 | 16% |
| 2021 | 29 | 17% |
| 2020 | 25 | 11% |
| 2019 | 27 | 13% |
| 2018 | 9 | 8% |
| 2017 | 70 | 7% |
| 2016 | 11 | 5% |
| 2015 | 20 | 8% |
| 2014 | 49 | 10% |
| 2013 | 53 | 9% |
| 2012 | 43 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 14% |
| 2010 | 28 | 11% |
| 2009 | 50 | 14% |
| 2008 | 74 | 14% |
| 2007 | 97 | 14% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 6% |
| 2003 | 28 | 9% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 35 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE
273 complaintsSteering
95 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsWheels
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology