10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,976 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #94

Dec 112023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at about 35 MPH, The steering wheel was seized on a winding road; the steering warning light had also appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to veer to the right direction as the contact forcefully steered the vehicle back to the left direction to avoid hitting a fence. The vehicle then spun into the opposite side of the road before hitting a curb. Once the vehicle hit the curb, the vehicle flipped three times before the vehicle came to a halt. All air bags deployed during the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic but was later towed by her insurance for an investigation. All three passengers were taken to the hospital by a family member where they were treated for various injuries. One passenger sustained temporary ringing in both ears after the accident and the other passenger suffered temporary back pain. The contact sustained a head injury and a muscle strain to both their neck and back. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Panacea, FL, USA

problem #93

Sep 222023

Santa Fe

  • 119,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle had lost power causing the vehicle to decrease in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed where it was informed that the failure was due to a faulty rod bearing. The vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

- Nescopeck, PA, USA

problem #92

Feb 142023

Santa Fe

  • miles
On February 14, 2023 while driving Steering wheel broke (steering component failed) and had to stop at nearest repair station and was told not safe to drive. It was making clicking noise when turning wheel and backing out of a parking space. Next day had it towed to Hyundai and said the steering component in dashboard fell and metal crash bar was completely broken. They suggested I go through my insurance company because they didn-??t know how it happened and said it was from a road hazard or pot hole I hit, but that was not the case and the insurance investigator did not see any signs of a collision and said it was probably a faulty part. What concerns me most is that if I was driving at high speeds on a highway it could have been very dangerous to loose my steering and cause a bad accident. I-??m not sure how long my steering wheel was broken because I did hear noises but just thought it was the steering adjustment bar wasn-??t in the lock position. It-??s very disturbing to think I could have gotten killed. Hyundai doesn-??t seem to want to acknowledge that it could be a manufacturer default and a safety issue on there part because the car is out of warranty. They don-??t what to tell me what caused the problem of the steering column to fall and the metal bar to break. I-??m the original owner and the car is kept in excellent condition with no neglect for this safety issue to happen for no apparent reason is very concerning. The repair fix the problem will cost $5,000. I did research the issue and found that there was a safety recall for faulty steering columns on 2017 Santa fe models and could cause a bad accident. I would like to report this issue and find out if anyone else reported the issue with their 2013 model. I would like to know if the following recall on the 2017 Hyundai Santafe could be somehow connected to my steering column issue: Recall 173. NHTSA campaign number: 18V11800

- Howell, NJ, USA

problem #91

Dec 142022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car started to make a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel whether straight or turning. The wheel was shaking and there was some wiggle with steering. I was hours from home and did not feel safe driving the vehicle. Left it at a non-Hyundai repair shop. Was told the next day it was an issue with the plastic coupler in the steering column and Hyundai had a recall on it. Drove it home and brought it to my local dealer where we have all our repairs done. Was told there's no recall. After reading the exact same complaint by so many people on here and other online places I was shocked there was no recall for this issue. Others have stated Hyundai did recalls on some of their other vehicles for just this part/problem.

- Beacon, NY, USA

problem #90

Aug 092022

Santa Fe

  • miles
August 2020, dealership repairs under under warranty 'Steering coupler'. Wheeling when engine on making 'Clunky' sound, and vibrations. Hyundai has current Recalls on other makes and models of their line, but not 2013's, or my year AND model This is a Safety issue. Please advise Hyundai to extend and issue a Recall The dealerships wants hundreds of dollars to repair.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #89

Jun 012021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe had a steering coupler failure at about 35,000 miles that resulted in a loud clunking sound in the steering wheel and less responsive steering, which is unsafe. Hyundai and Kia have extended warranties for many of their models for this exact same problem, but for some reason they have not offered extended service for the Santa Fe. I believe the defective coupler that very commonly falls apart is identical to the one in the vehicles that did receive extended coverage.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #88

Feb 142022

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hyundai has a problem with the steering coupler in numerous vehicles, including our Santa Fe. Problem is caused by deterioration of the plastic coupler between the electric power assist motor and the steering column. Hyundai has not recalled this item on other Hyundai models, but is doing an EXTENDED SERVICE REPAIR for 15 years unlimited mileage if you bring it in and ASK FOR IT TO BE FIXED. However, they are NOT doing this for the Santa Fe, as they say "they are not seeing a problem with this model", even though it has the same defective part that is being replaced in other Hyundai models. My vehicle is showing signs of this defect and has a definite "BAD SPOT" in the steering when you drive the vehicle. It is very dangerous and WILL LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL IF IT IS NOT FIXED as soon as possible. However, Hyundai, at the dealership level and at the Hyundai North American level refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with the Santa Fe, using the same parts as the other models that they admit have a defect. There have been no repairs of modifications to the steering system of this vehicle. It was purchased new and used as a daily driver since purchase in May of 2013. Hyundai is refusing to replace the rubber steering coupler that is defective.

- Millers Creek, NC, USA

problem #87

Nov 012021

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was loose. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an insulator pad for the power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

- Westminster, CA, USA

problem #86

Dec 012021

Santa Fe

  • miles
I own a Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 GLS, at about 78,000miles. There is currently a loud clicking noise that occurs when you turn the steering wheel, also steering wheel vibration when you apply the brakes. There is a play when you turn the steering, from my review and research, it is caused by a disintegrated rubble coupler in the steering motor. I called Hyundai customer support, and also when to the dealership, and I was told that it is not covered under warranty. This seems to be common problem with a number of Hyundai cars. I expect that Hyundai to announce a recall on this as its a safety issue, rather, they don't seem to care.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #85

Oct 042021

Santa Fe

  • miles
The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which wore out and causes a -??thud-?? type noise when turning the steering wheel. Steering is affected by this. Problem has ben reproduced by service center.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

problem #84

Mar 152021

Santa Fe

  • 31,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering wheel seemed to have play in movement. Later developed thumping and knocking when driving, especially when driving on bumpy roads. Attendant at dealership made an appointment for two weeks later stating it could be the steering coupler and there may be a recall. She did not confirm the car may be unsafe to drive. I have not received a recall notification from Hyundai. Problem began in March 2021 and continues. Repair is due today at dealership.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #83

Dec 012020

Santa Fe

  • 65,000 miles
The mdps (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling that wears out over time resulting in a 'clicking' or 'thud' type noise when turning the steering wheel. It feels very unsafe to drive.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

problem #82

Jan 102017

Santa Fe

  • 40,000 miles
2013 Santa Fe 2.0T - car is unsafe to drive, the erratic steering and continuous wandering all over the highway has caused me to park my car more than I drive it. A majority of my driving involves highway speeds of at least 60mph and over which I can not achieve in this car due to its poor steering, unsafe wandering and unpredictable steering behaviors. I have had witnesses to this and actually state that it looks like I'm driving drunk. The car wanders all over the road! if it's windy outside, you might as well forget driving the car even at speeds below highway normal speeds. This car is unsafe and Hyundai knows this!!

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #81

Jan 102014

Santa Fe

  • 10,000 miles
This will be my fourth complaint and I will keep filing these until Hyundai resolves this! 2013 Santa Fe 2.0T - car is uncontrollable at highway speeds. The car erratically wanders all over the road. I constantly have to fight the car to keep it in the lane. If you get anywhere near a 18 wheeler or it's windy outside, you can forget about controlling the car, it literally wanders all over the road and it doesn't matter what mode the steering is in. This car is unsafe! I cannot take my family anywhere that involves the highway because the car is unpredictable. I have been to a total of 7 dealers and they all say the same thing 'nothing wrong with the vehicle'. however when the technician drives it, he definitely acknowledges the ongoing problem. Hyundai needs to recall this vehicle and fix this issue. I have spend $35K on a car that's not as safe as a $2K car on the highways

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #80

Jan 102016

Santa Fe

  • 30,000 miles
2013 Santa Fe 2.0T - car is unsafe at highway speeds. Car erratically steers all over the place and it's a constant fight to keep it on the road, let alone in the lane. If it's windy outside or driving anywhere near a semi truck you can forget about the safety of the car. I, along with many other owners of these vehicles have complained about this very dangerous problem. Hyundai needs to resolve this. I literally spent 35K for a car that can only be used in town. I can't even take road trips that involves going over 50mph or on highways because of how unpredictable and unsafe this vehicle is! why won't Hyundai fix this or recall this"!?!"!

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #79

Jan 102015

Santa Fe

  • 20,000 miles
2013 Santa Fe 2.0T erratic, unsafe, uncontrollable and unpredictable steering. I have to continuously fight the steering in my 2013 Santa Fe. This vehicle is unsafe at speeds over 50mph and you can forget about driving this car anywhere on highways or windy days. The car is so unsafe that I literally can't not make plans to drive anywhere that involves highways. I literally plan to take backroads, when applicable to go anywhere besides grocery shopping in town. The tires, alignment and everything else has been churched and rechecked more than a dozen times. This is infuriating not to mention unsettling. I have been scammed out of 35K for a car that should have never been released to the public. I only wish I tested this car at highway speeds before I purchased. These unsafe vehicles are being completely ignored by Hyundai.

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #78

Jan 052013

Santa Fe

  • miles
2013 Santa Fe 2.0T - car will not keep in the lane, it wanders all over the road at speeds over 40mph. I have filed this report twice now, this is my 3rd time. The steering is erratic, unresponsive and completely uncontrollable. The car wanders all over the road and if it happens to be windy outside, forget about it. I have spend hundreds of dollars to get this diasnosed with every solution and I still have the same problem. Hyundai you need to fix this! I was almost in two accidents because I literally can not control my car on highways!! the car drifts all over the place and I'm sick of it!! your product has almost caused me to run off the road or into other cars! I'm tired of the runaround from all the dealers I've been to. The car simply can not be controlled. I spent $35K on a car I can't drive unless I'm in town getting groceries!! I'm tired of fighting my car just to drive it. You put out a faulty product and people are now left with cars that can not be driven at highway speeds. The car is all over the place and I constantly have to fight the car to drive it straight!!

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #77

Dec 162020

Santa Fe

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai sant fe. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact stated that while driving, braking, turning, or stopping, the steering wheel shook abnormally. The vehicle was taken to pinehurst Toyota (10760 us 15 501 hwy, southern pines, nc 28387, (833)267-2310) an authorized service dealer for Hyundai, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering coupler failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

- Laurel Hiil, NC, USA

problem #76

Jan 012019

Santa Fe

  • miles
I cannot see at night with my headlights. Steering is very loose.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #75

Apr 012020

Santa Fe

  • 85,000 miles
1. speed sensor- replaced by recall and continue to fail. 2. rear glass in hatchback, just broke origination from wiper hole in glass while the car was occupied sitting not moving a a parking lot. 3. steering rattles because a shock damper wears out prematurely. 4. seats- electric control button contacts tarnish with use and quit working.

- Prattville, AL, USA

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