2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Suspension Problems
12 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (12)
Your rear subframe is experiencing premature rust and deterioration. Even though other vehicles with the same issue were recalled, your vehicle's VIN was not included in that recall despite having identical problems. This structural issue may require replacement of the affected subframe components.
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Your engine is burning oil excessively and leaking from the exhaust pipe, causing black smoke and requiring frequent oil top-ups even at only 72,000 miles. You've also experienced multiple failures including the rear suspension, timing chain, AC system, rear camera, and climate controls that change settings on their own, plus persistent front suspension creaks and leaking gaskets. These recurring issues started at 35,000 miles despite proper vehicle maintenance. Addressing this will likely require a complete engine diagnostic, valve seal replacement, gasket sealing, and potential engine rebuild or replacement if internal damage is confirmed.
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We brought our vehicle into the dealer for a recall for undercoating on [XXX]. The work was completed by Tarbox Hyundai in north kingstown ri. We noticed our car started drifting to the right and our tire was out of align. We brought the car to our local mechanic and were told that the entire under carriage is rotting away and needs to be replaced. I feel Hyundai should be responsible for this because they knew about it and didn't tell us. Instead they just did the undercoating trying to hide the fact that is was completely rotted. thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I bought the vehicle 2 months ago, and 2 weeks ago, I noticed the car was shaking when I applied the brakes. The engine light came on and I took it to the shop, and was told I needed a new engine.
WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING THE SUSPENSION MAKES NOISES.
I CAN HEAR LOUD CLUNKING SOUNDS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS FASTER THAN 25 MPH.
AS I WAS TRAVELING EAST ON A MAIN ROAD, I TURNED LEFT ON TO A SECONDARY ROAD AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED BY THE IMPACT OF MY VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS IN THE OPPOSITE LANE, HEADED IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION. PRIOR TO THE COLLISION I HAD NO AWARENESS OF THE PRESENCE OF A VEHICLE STOPPED IN THAT LOCATION, AS THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY OBLITERATED FROM MY VIEW BY THE LEFT SIDE VIEW MIRROR. I BELIEVE THAT THE EXAGGERATED SIZE OF THE MIRROR, AND THE LOCATION OF ITS POSITION MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO HAVE A CLEAR, UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW IN THAT SITUATION. I FEEL THE DESIGN/PLACEMENT OF THE MIRROR WAS DEFINITELY A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND ONLY WHEN THERE WAS AT LEAST FOUR PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ UPDATED 9/21/2017*CN
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. *TR
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP AND THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTED LIKE INTO THE OTHER LANE. I HAVE ASKED LOCAL DEALER BEFORE TO CHECK SUSPENSION AND THEY SAID ITS "OK". " THAT'S HOW IT IS". SINCE MY PURCHASE EVERY BUMP I HIT THE CAR IS NOT STUCK TO THE GROUND AND MOVES EITHER TO LEFT OR RIGHT. MIGHT BE A FACTOR IN THE HUGE STEERING PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS AS WELL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEWLY MANUFACTURED AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200. UPDATED 10-21-13 *BF
WHILE WAITING TO PULL OUT OF MY SUBDIVISION, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I HEAR A LOUD BANG UNDER THE CAR. DID NOT KNOW AT THE TIME WHAT IT WAS, SO AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO TURN, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. TRIED GOING IN REVERSE, AND NO MOVEMENT. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. SAID MY AXLE CRACKED. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR!! WHEN I ASKED IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, I WAS TOLD "NO", THAT I WAS THE FIRST PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO. I CALLED HYUNDAI CORP HDQTRS IN CA AND FILED A COMPLAINT. I WAS GIVEN A CASE #. THEY ALSO SAID NO OTHER COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED, AND NO RECALLS ISSUED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE! YES, THEY ARE FIXING IT, BUT I DID TELL THEM THAT I WILL BE LEARY DRIVING IT AGAIN. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!! THANK GOD I WAS NOT MOVING. *TR