Hyundai

Santa Fe (DM)

2013-2018 · Midsize SUV ยท 6 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
3,759 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
168 Fire Reports
85 Crash Reports
Includes data from: SANTA FESANTA FE SPORT
View all 5 generations of the Hyundai Santa Fe → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

T-GDI THETA II

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 240 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
15 complaints 7.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
8
transmission
3
brakes
2
cooling
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (8 complaints)
Transmission Issues (3 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

DOHC T-GDI THETA-II

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.5)
111 complaints 27.8 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
60
other
18
brakes
16
electrical
9
safety systems
7

Known Issues

Engine Issues (60 complaints)
Est. repair: $775โ€“$8,296 (8 reports)
Brakes Issues (16 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (9 complaints)

DOHC T-GDI Theta

2.0L Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
581 complaints 60.8 per year Gasoline
40 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
288
electrical
77
brakes
73
transmission
72
other
57

Known Issues

Engine Issues (288 complaints)
Typical onset: 58,000โ€“120,500 mi Est. repair: $1,400โ€“$8,775 (16 reports)
Electrical System Issues (77 complaints)
Brakes Issues (73 complaints)
Typical onset: 33,750โ€“99,500 mi

DOHC GDI THETA II

2.4L 4-cyl / 175 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
404 complaints 67.0 per year Gasoline
27 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
262
brakes
46
transmission
36
electrical
34
other
33

Known Issues

Engine Issues (262 complaints)
Typical onset: 60,000โ€“113,000 mi Est. repair: $400โ€“$1,225 (18 reports)
Brakes Issues (46 complaints)
Transmission Issues (36 complaints)

DOHC GDI Theta

2.4L
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
1,273 complaints 211.5 per year Gasoline
65 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
779
brakes
184
transmission
104
electrical
101
other
100

Known Issues

Engine Issues (779 complaints)
Typical onset: 68,438โ€“120,000 mi Est. repair: $400โ€“$6,187 (53 reports)
Brakes Issues (184 complaints)
Typical onset: 54,750โ€“121,000 mi
Transmission Issues (104 complaints)
Typical onset: 26,844โ€“101,000 mi

DOHC GDI LAMBDA

3.3L
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
1,205 complaints 200.8 per year Gasoline
26 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
773
transmission
139
brakes
124
steering
87
electrical
81

Known Issues

Engine Issues (773 complaints)
Typical onset: 74,706โ€“139,245 mi Est. repair: $2,150โ€“$10,110 (82 reports)
Transmission Issues (139 complaints)
Est. repair: $3,000โ€“$7,800 (19 reports)
Brakes Issues (124 complaints)
Typical onset: 84,750โ€“117,750 mi

2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Hyundai Santa Fe regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (2,173 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (445 complaints)
brakes critical
Transmission Issues (355 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (303 complaints)
electrical critical
Fuel System Issues (144 complaints)
fuel_system critical

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

The 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has accumulated 3,759 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Brakes, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe engine is most reliable?

The 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car?

The 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,759 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

The 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3,759 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe?

Before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Brakes, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Santa Fe?

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,759 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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