10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,225 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 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #72

Jul 272020

Santa Fe

  • 54,239 miles

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

While driving to work from my residence, I began hearing a clicking sound when turning my steering wheel, as well as experiencing extensive "play" in it as well. This made it difficult to maintain my lane on the highway, which has very close traffic, and made response to my steering actions seem delayed because of said play. Even on normal city, surface streets, it was not handling correctly, and took effort to maintain my designated lane, as well as making turns and response to other traffic where my steering was pertinent. The issue progressively worsened to the point I was afraid to drive it. I researched the issue and found that it is not an isolated incident in Hyundai vehicles, as well as their Kia vehicles. I could not find a recall, but did see where they extended the warranty on Kia vehicles to address the problem and avoid the recall. So why not on the Hyundai vehicles affected with this safety problem.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #71

May 292020

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • 20 miles
Since the vehicle made the 110,000 miles the steering wheel makes constant vibration and steering wheel clunking noise when moving in either direction and when driving around 60 to 85 mph,

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #70

Mar 152020

Santa Fe

  • 69,000 miles
Started out with the steering wheel having a lot of play and small clicking noises with sharp turns, this has gotten progressively worse. If I go over a speed bump or even slightly adjust the wheel in street traffic there is a clicking sound in the steering column. On a small highway when I accelerate to 65mph the steering wheel shakes and jerks back and forth to the point of nearly losing control and there is a constant clicking noise.I took the vehicle in to be serviced and was told the problem is a plastic coupler within the steering column. I was told this is a widely known issue and it should be recalled. I did my own research on line and I am very unsettled with what I read. Several people have complained of this issue yet nothing has been done. This is very dangerous and a very expensive repair that can only be done at the Hyundai dealership. This needs to be addressed and a recall issued asap.

- Lawton, OK, USA

problem #69

Mar 062020

Santa Fe

  • 70,000 miles

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

Steering wheel has too much play and clicks when moved in either direction. This happens when first turned. Not a constant clicking sound, but rather a mechanical click inside the steering column. Per research, this is apparently due to a well-documented failure of a rubber or plastic coupler inside the electric steering module. Dangerous, and a costly repair. This happens no matter stationary or in motion.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #68

Feb 212020

Santa Fe

  • 36,926 miles
Steering wheel clunking noise when moving, turning and medal to medal noise when going over bumps.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #67

Dec 172019

Santa Fe

  • 70,000 miles
Lots of lateral play (clicking sound)in steering even when not driving.while driving steering shakes violently.

- Gautier, MS, USA

problem #66

Oct 012019

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • 3 miles

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

2013 Hyundai sante fe sport 'steering began a "hesitation", "lag", "play" when turning the steering wheel even slightly in either direction.' The problem will increased as 3 diferente certified mechanics already informed me. It appears all these problems are attributable to Hyundai's election to use a cheap rubber coupler between the steering column and steering linkage.' 'the replacement part is $6.88. Hyundai dealerships charge $400-$500 to replace it. NHTSA should have long ago ordered Hyundai to effectuate a replacement of this part with one made of a material that will not degrade as this part does.' Hyundai has issued several extended warranties for some models, even though they know its the same problems for all the models with this cheap rubber coupler. Most of this information was from other owner's complains, but the new information I have was from the Hyundai service department. After replacing my engine in a recall (where my car stopped and fire started in my engine), I found out about this rubber coupler. Everyone from Hyundai service dep knows this problem should be in a recall, but they just will do nothing to get it to NHTSA. They just stated 'NHTSA is the only one that can request for a recall.' Today I spoke again with the Hyundai service manager (at red hoagland Hyundai winter haven, fl ), because after calling Hyundai recall dep and being told that 'if the service dep decides that this replacement should be in a recall they could request for a extended warranty from the Hyundai recall dep, or NHTSA needs to put a recall for this problem'. its clear that everyone knows this problem should be in a recall and that it is a life threatening situation, but no one does anything about it. Are you guys waiting for some one to die because of this problem before putting a recall? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Haines City, FL, USA

problem #65

Dec 032019

Santa Fe

  • 30 miles
Driving on the highway doing 65mph my steering all of the sudden got hard and the steering light indicator came on the dash board. I was able to make it to work with out any power sterring but made it a tough ride

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #64

Nov 082019

Santa Fe

  • 80,000 miles
Play in the steering wheel and a clunking noise coming from the steering wheel and under vehicle. From looking at vehicle forums appears to be steering gear used in electrical steering motor. Steering has play in it while stationary and while driving. Dealer contacted and said no recalls, unsure if covered under extended warranty dealer sold me.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #63

Sep 252019

Santa Fe

  • 89,000 miles
When I drive my car there is a clicking sound from the steering column while I'm driving, turning and when I hit bumps. My car will drift left or right while driving. This is my only means of transportation.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #62

Aug 022019

Santa Fe

  • 105,000 miles

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

2013 Hyundai sante fe limited (purchased new) - 8/2/19 steering began to experience a "hesitation", "lag", "play" when turning the steering wheel even slightly in either direction. The problem increased in the "hesitation", "lag", "play" experienced. Performed search on the internet and found that hundreds of owners of Hyundai across many models and years experiencing the same problem. A number owners experiencing extreme problems, I.e., steering going out completely or locking up while driving. It appears all these problems are attributable to Hyundai's election to use a cheap rubber coupler between the steering column and steering linkage. While researching I found that, in fact, Hyundai has issued several technical service bulletins. I have been the only owner of my vehicle. However, I have never received any notification of this potential very dangerous problem with an essential part to the safe operation of these vehicles. The replacement part is $6.88. Hyundai delearships charge $400-$500 to replace it. NHTSA should have long ago ordered Hyundai to effectuate a replacement of this part with one made of a material that will not degrade as this part does.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #61

Sep 012019

Santa Fe

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving various speeds and while the vehicle was stationary, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

- 601-569-4376, MS, USA

problem #60

Mar 012019

Santa Fe

  • 75,000 miles
Steering is malfunctioning, clicking, loose feeling, car sways while driving..not safe. Hyundai ignoring

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #59

Jul 162019

Santa Fe

  • 138,263 miles
While driving 35 mph through an intersection on a city street, the entire electrical system failed and shut off. I was unable to steer or brake, but managed to coast into a parking lot. The entire dash panel repeatedly flashed and all warning symbols appeared on dash panel. Briefly the dash panel displayed connect fuel sensor before completely shutting off. We towed vehicle to dealership and was told it appeared to be a failed alternator and starter and compromised battery cable and sensor and wouldn't be covered under warranty. We had just had the fuel line sensor replaced under recall and now this. This is after the total engine failure and that led to the engine being replaced with what we told was a factory new engine that fell under the metal fragments in oil chamber recall. We are fortunate we were unharmed during this incident. This is extremely frustrating that we have been hit with recall after recall. We were told to not be surprised if this issue also became a matter of recall.

- Eugene, OR, USA

problem #58

Aug 012018

Santa Fe

  • 70,000 miles
Steering column has started to make noise when going over lane dividers and other bumps in the road something is either loose or broken. Started around 70,000 miles. After reading other complaints (here) I'm taking it to the dealer for repair immediately.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #57

Dec 052018

Santa Fe

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 45 mph, the power steering malfunctioned without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column coupler was fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently at the independent mechanic for replacement of the coupler. The dealer (holler Hyundai, 1150 orlando ave, winter park, fl 32789, (407) 645-6203) was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall for the steering wheel failure. A case was opened and the contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #56

Jul 012018

Santa Fe

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking noise and shook violently. The contact had to hold the steering wheel tightly to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to legacy Hyundai (443 industrial blvd, mcdonough, ga 30253) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

- Elenwood, GA, USA

problem #55

May 042018

Santa Fe

  • 83,000 miles
Universal joint in steering column is loose, causing play in the steering wheel. Happens when the car is moving or stationary.

- Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

problem #54

Jan 022018

Santa Fe

  • 80,000 miles
My steering wheel clunks when turning, regardless of if it is stationary or moving. Was told it by the dealer it was a known issue with some steering wheel coupler and would be $1,500 out-of-pocket to fix.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #53

Feb 062018

Santa Fe

  • 29,374 miles
Steering / suspension. I purchased the vehicle new on 01.09.2014 out of the showroom. About 3-4 months later, I started to notice the steering and rough ride. The steering was like a vehicle with "jimmy legs" loose and all over the road. I took it back to the dealership to get checked out. First thing it was out of alignment on the front end (left toe -0.10D, right toe -0.09D). They checked the suspension and told me that the components were good with no damage or wear including the struts. I told them of how rough the ride is driving at variable speeds on the local roads. Ever since, I have had 5 alignments and still have the same handling and steering problems. I took my vehicle to sears to have an alignment checked and was told the left front was out by -0.07D. The mechanic told me that I was the 6th person with the same model vehicle to come in there in the past two weeks with the same problems. He stated that the reason for the issues are coming from the electronic steering module. When you adjust the steering wheel to on of the three settings (normal, comfort, sport), it causes the front alignment out. This to me sounds like a design flaw and Hyundai does not want to address this issue. I just get tired every time I take it to the Hyundai dealership of being told that there is no problem, it is how it is suppose to ride like that due to that it is not a car. I was at Hyundai dealership on 06/Feb/18, and that is what they told me but I had to pay another $89.95 for an alignment again, left front was out (toe -0.15D) right front was out (toe -0.18D). I was told that the struts and suspension was ok, but could be the tires. I have 29,374 miles on it and I am getting tired of having to bring it in to have the same work done and being told that there is nothing wrong. I have all paperwork to use to show the alignments that were done.

- Lafayette, IN, USA

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