Santa Fe (DM)
Engine Reliability Ratings
T-GDI THETA II
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC T-GDI THETA-II
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC T-GDI Theta
2.0L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC GDI THETA II
2.4L 4-cyl / 175 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC GDI Theta
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC GDI LAMBDA
3.3LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
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.
All Generations
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.
Does the Santa Fe have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,759 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.