Used car guide

2013 Hyundai Santa FE: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Hyundai Santa FEs, from 1,322 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,322MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
8,400typical miles a year
4.2×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Hyundai Santa FEs than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Track rod ends4.2× usual
    Hyundai Santa FE
    20% All 2013 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.9%, against 2.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints5× usual
    Hyundai Santa FE
    10.9% All 2013 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Steering rack15× usual
    Hyundai Santa FE
    7.5% All 2013 cars
    0.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Ball joint2.2× usual
    Hyundai Santa FE
    11.1% All 2013 cars
    5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.3× usual
    Hyundai Santa FE
    7.2% All 2013 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2013 Hyundai Santa FE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    47% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    30% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    21% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Steering
    15% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Hyundai Santa FE?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,953Tyres 22%
2021930Tyres 23%
2020522Tyres 24%
20191,093Tyres 25%
20181,924Tyres 28%
20172,608Tyres 30%
20164,270Tyres 31%
20152,928Tyres 30%
20142,471Suspension 38%
20122,848Suspension 49%
20113,052Suspension 54%
20102,813Suspension 59%
2009532Suspension 59%
2008570Suspension 59%
2007890Suspension 58%
2006867Suspension 58%
2005531Suspension 59%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Hyundai Santa FEs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score