2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a compact crossover SUV that was well-regarded for its stylish design, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. Engine options included a 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of the things people liked about the vehicle were the sporty look, the features it offered at its price point, and the peppier engine. Some of the things people disliked included the ride quality, lack of feeling in the steering wheel, and the fuel economy.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Engine Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, stalling, and possible engine failure due to connecting rod bearing failure. This often occurs without warning. Oil consumption may be a precursor.
  • Solution: Engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: 17V226000, 17V224000, 19V679000, 20V572000
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil levels requiring frequent topping off between oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may also be present.
  • Solution: PCV valve replacement, piston ring replacement, or engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 for PCV, $1,500 - $3,000+ for piston rings, $4,000 - $6,000+ for engine replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifting between gears, delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Software update of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for TCM update, $800 - $1500+ for valve body replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Coil Spring Corrosion/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Snapping sound while driving over bumps, sagging rear suspension. Visual inspection reveals significant rust and potentially broken coil springs.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining overnight or within a few days of non-use.
  • Solution: Identify parasitic draw by testing individual components and circuits. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories or a faulty Body Control Module (BCM).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+, depending on the source of the draw.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera display showing a black screen, distorted image, or no image at all.
  • Solution: Check camera connections, replace camera, or replace the head unit if the camera is integrated into it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on whether the camera can be replaced separately or if the whole head unit needs replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Airbag System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the issue using a scan tool. Could be a faulty clock spring, seat position sensor, or airbag module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the failed component.
  • Recalls: 17V226000, 17V224000

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may leak, get stuck open or closed, or make excessive noise when operating.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, replacing damaged seals, or replacing the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Bluetooth Connectivity Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to pair a phone, dropped connections, poor audio quality.
  • Solution: Software update to the head unit, replacing the Bluetooth module, or replacing the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves), $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport presents a mixed bag of potential issues. The most concerning are related to the 2.4L engine, particularly the connecting rod bearing failure which can lead to costly engine replacements. Other common issues include transmission problems, suspension issues and various electrical problems. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, it’s crucial for prospective buyers to be aware and perform a thorough inspection before purchase. Be sure to check the VIN for any open recalls to ensure any related repairs were completed.