2013 Hyundai Santa FE Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 9%of 605 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,427miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE, 9% of the 605 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,427 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission failure with no warning. No previous issues. Going up hill at 40mph transmission slipped and jammed into gear so hard it felt like I was rear ended. I had it towed to a garage. Transmission needs replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11337169, filed 2020-07, 74,648 miles“Recall 112 for Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. My car has had its front axel pop out of the transmission twice in less than 2 years and there are also metal shavings in the transmission. The recall 112 would address these issues, however Hyundai has taken the position that my VIN is not covered by the recall. The axel popped out both times while driving with my wife and kids in the car leaving them stranded. This is a huge safety concern as we are fortunate that they have not been hurt do to this issue yet. …”
NHTSA complaint #11243396, filed 2019-08, 87,000 miles“Takata recall - on 12/24/18 I was driving with my young kids in the car and we heard a loud boom and crazy sounds. We pulled over and had the car towed after my dad said the rear differential was completely blown apart. The dealership said theyve never seen such a thing and thought for sure Hyundai would repair with a good will repair but Hyundai declined it. Upon googling I found out this is a common problem and ive ever brought the car to Hyundai four times for the sounds and was told it was the AC.”
NHTSA complaint #11165843, filed 2019-01, 106,000 miles“First we heard what we thought was making a belt loose driving down the road in our local area of denver, then suddenly acceleration was not happening. Giving it gas and nothing. Check engine light came on. Made it home, thank goodness as acceleration was intermittent( and nothing over 25mph) but immediately had it towed to mechanic. Mechanic fixed one sensor and more problems arose. He felt it should be a warranty item but surprisingly its not. Now he thinks the resolve will be in the form of replacing the engine as he's run every other diagnostic test he could.”
NHTSA complaint #11413581, filed 2021-04, 92,000 miles“Takata recall. Religiously in for routine oil change and maintenance, not due for an oil change for 1200 more miles. The vehicle sat for 7 days while I was on vacation, ran fine before it sat. Drove the vehicle for 4 days after returning from vacation. About 6pm coming home from work, opposite from rush hour traffic. I suddenly heard slight ticking sound when I pressed on the gas to accelerate quickly getting on to the highway, I also noticed the rpms were high and not much power behind accelerating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11002595, filed 2017-06, 63,701 milesRelated recalls
- 13V355000Aug 12, 2013Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2013 front wheel drive Santa Fe Sport vehicles manufactured July 13, 2012, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with…Covers: Hyundai Santa FE 2013
Related service bulletins
- 10241874Aug 17, 2023Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response…
- 10176194May 21, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM…
- 10174807Apr 17, 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10174799Apr 9, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related…
- 10172227Feb 20, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related…
- 10170899Jan 2, 2020This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10167235Oct 7, 2019This bulletin provides information regarding the changes in the timing chain and the crankshaft sprockets on certain Azera (HG), Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL (NC), Genesis (BH/DH)…
- 10165455Aug 12, 2019If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid…
- 10163279Jun 4, 2019This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10160098Apr 15, 2019This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 8% |
| 2025 | 22 | 16% |
| 2024 | 45 | 29% |
| 2023 | 45 | 21% |
| 2022 | 57 | 28% |
| 2021 | 51 | 30% |
| 2020 | 26 | 12% |
| 2019 | 37 | 18% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 166 | 17% |
| 2016 | 21 | 9% |
| 2015 | 22 | 9% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 52 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 7% |
| 2011 | 21 | 12% |
| 2010 | 109 | 42% |
| 2009 | 24 | 7% |
| 2008 | 24 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 7% |
| 2003 | 35 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2013 Hyundai Santa FE
273 complaintsSteering
95 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsElectrical system
53 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 31, 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