My ESC, DBC, and ABS warning lights all illuminated at the same time this morning.

360

Asked by GekoFreako May 16, 2016 at 08:34 AM about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I drive a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited.  I have not noticed any change in driving experience.  My manual says to go to the dealer but I find it odd that all three lights should turn on at the same time.  More of a blown fuse or electrical issue perhaps?  My driving conditions haven't changed either (I live in perpetually flat Miami).  Any help is appreciated!

67 Answers

41,795

Have it read for codes, even if the check engine light is NOT on the computer will have stored information and codes. Discount auto stores will read codes for no fee. write them down. THEN replace the bad WSS wheel speed sensor, or connection, check the harness for damage and inspect the hub bearing too.

48 people found this helpful.
360

What do you mean by "harness"? Do you mean trailer harness? I never had one installed but would I still have such wairing?

6 people found this helpful.
41,795

The harness / wires that connect to the wheel speed sensor. No TRAILER harness. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited IS IT under warranty? take it to the Dealership.

10 people found this helpful.
360

Also, how long can I drive with such lights on? Will I be causing extensive damage to my car if I delay the repair on these systems?

30 people found this helpful.
660

The same lights came on my 2013 Hyudai Santa Fe this morning. What did they say was wrong with your car?

66 people found this helpful.
330

Happened to me today. Same make and model. Wondering if they're set to go off when you hit a certain mileage milestone.

33 people found this helpful.
230

I have the same issue just started yesterday with my 2013 Sante fe nothing but problems with this car

23 people found this helpful.
380

Happened to me today in a 2014. Any idea what it means?

38 people found this helpful.
150

The same thing happened to me this morning in my 2016 Santa FE Sport. I called the dealership and no harm in driving until I can get in there next week. He said it was probably the wheel speed sensor that hooks into the odometer.

15 people found this helpful.
100

a dealer told me it is an issue with the santa fe. and may need to change the hub as i had already change the wheel speed sensor or harness

10 people found this helpful.
550

It just happened to my 2014 santa fe I just bought from Carvana at 32k miles. I'm taking to the dealer tomorrow

55 people found this helpful.
250

My 2012 is displaying this again. Took it in to the dealer ship and spent 456.00 on 2 new belts. Initially these lights were popping up- then I made a left hand turn and my steering locked and all the lights lit up on dashboard. Now these have been on since 2 days ago...

25 people found this helpful.
900

All three light illuminated on my 2011 Santa Fe so I changed my front right ABS speed sensor which was the cause of the lights, but the dash lights are still illuminated. Took it to the dealer and they said there is a short in the ABS system wiring harness. What's the cost to fix? $4500.00 Really! I think a recall is due for this problem.

41 people found this helpful.
900

Update: I replaced the 2 wires coming from the right front wheel speed sensor to the ECM, by cutting the wires just behind the connectors and soldering the new wires on. Everything works as advertised. $4 fix. It beats the $4500.00 bill the dealers (Stealers) wanted. Before replacing, I had continuity in the wires but the Ohms resistance was to high which indicated there was a break of too many stands of the wire. So replacement was my only option.

49 people found this helpful.
250

My 2012 Hyundai is doing the same thing for the 2nd time. All three lights ABS, ESC, and DBC are back on after I changed the wheel hub. This is very annoying. I love my car. I owned a 2005 and the mileage was over 150,000 and this never happened. My mileage is only 95,500 now.

25 people found this helpful.
160

My 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is having the same problem. Probably the last Hyundai I will ever own. Seems like they don't stand behind their product. Of course my issue started shortly after warranty expired, big surprise

16 people found this helpful.
340

2013 Santa Fe ... 2 days ago my odometer started moving on its own once I turned my car on - and today these 3 lights smh ‍♀️ Have an appt. On Tuesday

14 people found this helpful.
70

Have a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. Had front wheel sensor replaced and odometer jumped from 135,000 to 213,000.

7 people found this helpful.
150

my wife's 2012 Santa fe has this issue again. last time was due to switch malfunction caused by moisture in driver side tail light housing. moisture has built up again this summer in both tail light housings now, so I suspect this is the cause again.

15 people found this helpful.
200

I have the same thing.. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. This is the 2nd time the lights have come on. I'm at 81,000 miles now, so waiting to hear back from the dealership, simultaneously my steering column started rattling and shaking...coupler is bad in it. OY VEY!!

8 people found this helpful.
340

Hope this helps but I had my 2013 inspected at the dealership... they wanted to charge me 365.00 to fix it. Long story short it was the speed wheel cap sensor, and no warranty covers it. I said nope, my husband purchased it online for $70 and he changed it on his own.

20 people found this helpful.
150

What code popped up so you knew which speed sensor to change out? I have the 3 same lights that all above said at 94500 miles

15 people found this helpful.
200

Y'all...mine was still covered by the Power train Warranty so I lucked out. HOWEVER, simultaneously my Flex Coupler Cable broke and tat is NOT covered by the Power train Warranty. I had the wheel speed sensor replaced and traded the car in & went back to Jeep. Couldn't take a chance on something else breaking that wasn't covered by the Power train Warranty and if they put $5.00 plastic parts in the power steering, that cost $360.00 in labor to fix) what else is plastic that won't last.

12 people found this helpful.
120

I Edison Lagaya, own a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 26,000 km, there's 3 lights on, one of them is ABS, is this problem has a recall ? I'm sorry forgot to mention my Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 is in the Philippines, thanks

12 people found this helpful.
280

On SantaFe II MY 2012 all the lights went on. Scan shows error code for front left ABS sensor in ABS/ESP and 4x4 electronics. I replaced the sensor and the errors were still permanent After some digging in the wiring harness I found the breakage:

28 people found this helpful.
140

Hi, I have the exact same problem on my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD with 77,000 miles all three lights came on. Im afraid to drive the car like this. I have seen a lot of people say its a wiring or harness problem? Do you guys now the parts number on what sensors I would have to change?

14 people found this helpful.
30

I have the same problem with my 2013 Azera - but with more lights being the issue. I had my ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), EPS, Low Pressure Tire, Parking Break and Break Fluid lights all come on at once. Hyundai sat on the car for a couple of weeks trying to "figure out what was wrong," then decided it was the ABS Module. Took another 4-1/2 weeks to get that in from Korea, and almost $3,500 later, they declared the car fixed. About 30 miles and 3 days later, the exact same lights came on. Hyundai took the car in for another week, and declared that the main fuse was the problem. They, of course, state that the ABS Module was the original problem (they didn't want to give up the $3,500 I paid for it), but putting in the new ABS Module caused the main fuse to blow. Nice - at least I had my car back. Until 4 days later, when ALL. OF. THE. EXACT. SAME. LIGHTS. CAME. ON. AGAIN. (Angry caps on purpose). They are now in week #2 of having the car again (or in longer terms - I'm now out of pocket 10 weeks for rentals), and they're saying that it appears the problem is the circuits in my back seat heaters (the ones that warm up the seats themselves) have their wires shorting out. They're not sure whether it's the left or the right, but by golly, that's the problem. Of course, this problem was caused by the new Fuse, which went out because of the new ABS Module, and yeah - the new Fuse is now out again because of the wiring, but the wiring started with its problem because of the new fuse... how many times can you go around on this? Let's just say I'm pretty much fed up with this - but what am I to do? I don't want to have to buy a new car when this one is paid off - I don't need the drain on my finances! The danged thing is supposed to work. I keep up with all regular maintenance. I can understand something going out - but this has become a sick game.

3 people found this helpful.
310

My 2010 Santa Fe SE 6-cylinder has the SAME DAMN problem! ABS/traction control lights on. Injured in Baghdad, do not drive much. Same car for 9 years only 62,000 miles on it. I have ignored the problem as the brakes work fine. The car runs. I replaced one harness, light went off for a week, then the light came back on. Been driving it for TWO YEARS with those lights on. Not willing to trust the thieves at the dealership. After I was tricked by them to "change my cabin filter" by being shown a dirty one, with a particular moth on it....then 6 months later seeing the same guy bring the SAME dirty filter to show a lady...I realized these guys were CROOKS. I have been doing my own maintenance since. Isn't there anyone honest that works on cars anymore??

27 people found this helpful.
240

GuruH175F, Good to know you have driven for 2 years with the lights on. I plan on driving the vehicle with those lights on because nothing has changed with it's braking capability.

14 people found this helpful.
320

They came on my 2012 Santa Fe. I checked the codes. Right rear sensor module. Being basically lazy and living in flat FL I ignored them and after a couple of months they went away. A couple of weeks ago they came on again and went away a day later. Next time I rotate the tires I'll take a look at the wiring. Not worried about it.

13 people found this helpful.
320

They came on my 2012 Santa FE about two or three months ago. Being lazy I ignored them as I notice no difference in driving. They went off about 3 weeks ago I checked the codes and it pointed to a RR wheel sensor. About a week ago they came back on and went of a day later. Seeing the various reported fixes some which work some seem not to. I'll take a look at the wiring loom that I can see next time I rotate the tires. Maybe buy a sensor. Not losing any sleep over it.

10 people found this helpful.
100

Same on my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Sounds like an epidemic, for these vehicles. Should be a recall!

10 people found this helpful.
280

Please let me put in an answer. I base this on 50 years as an electronics technician. The wiring that goes from the sensor to the cars frame and then on to the electronics ( computer,etc ) must flex between that sensor which is on the wheel which moves as you steer and the point that it is tried to the cars frame. Flexing wires tend to break. Why intermittent problems you ask?? Because since the wires are covered with plastic insulation even when the wires inside snap they are still butted up against each other. As you turn the steering wheel the wires flex and make and break their connection within the insulation. The point at which the wire is designed to flex should be the point of highest. failure. Things can flex only so many times. I hope this helps.

28 people found this helpful.
40

I’ve had all the issues listed above from the 3 lights on simultaneously to hard shifting and now have been dealing with the car 13 Santa Fe turbo sport2t stalling as I drive whether it’s when I’m starting or slowing and sometimes even while driving at a high speed, won’t start - it tries too though, it’s like it gets stuck in start but won’t catch To actually turn over,.. if that makes any sense. I’ve been to Hyundai a million times this year and have replaced both hub sensors and gas caps and many other things yet no one can figure out what’s up because it won’t happen when I take it there and the check engine light won’t illuminate when it’s the starting issue as well as no codes show up. I don’t know what to do. I’ve spent 6700. on the car this year and still have this issue. We’ve done all types of replacements, filters, belts, services, flushes, u name it. The start issue is much worse when I get gas but the stalling issue Is irrespective of gas situation. I’m at a loss. Hyundai said it’s not a vacuum or fuel system issue but they don’t know what it is. Just FYI.

3 people found this helpful.
310

Hello Regrus74, Have you done anything to your alternator? I'm thinking of having mine replaced.

80

I have a 2013 Santa Fe gls. It has abs, downhill, stability control lights on at the same time, I have not tasted the brakes, but stability control is not working at all, I don’t know about downhill because I live in Miami. I’ve been driving like this for about 4 o 5 months already but like a year or two ago I had the same problem, I went to the dealership with warranty and supposedly they change all sensors, now I have no warranty. What should I do? What sensor or wire should I change or check?

8 people found this helpful.
140

I have the same Issue with my 2013 Santa Fe Sport GLS - The dealer did a diagnostic - this is the write up. CODE C1209 Open/Short to Rear Right Hand wheel speed sensor - Tech then did Test - No power at Connector Ef11 behind inner splash shield. Did check harness from connector EF11 to wheel speed sensor Sub Harness - that is OK. Likely a open in white power wire between front ef11 to control unit. So my question is - it sounds like it is a wire further up from the connector. Which has me worried that the tricks done here to replace the wire connection or speed sensor will not work. Does anyone else understand what they are saying here? They said they would need to spend 3 more hours at least tearing the car apart to find out. I am not in a position to buy a new car but might have to. i am right on the fence about having them run the next check, and then of course i have no idea how much it will cost to fix. what would you do - would you at least spend the labor to have them complete the full check? would it likely be crazy money to fix or could a simple repair be done to the wire? your opinion would be greatly appreciated. thanks

7 people found this helpful.
320

I'm letting it fly as is. I wouldn't mind changing the RR sensor as indicated by the code reader but I can't find where the wire goes in the wheel housing to make the connection. Don't know if that's the problem but if I changed it and it doesn't solve the problem I'm not going to worry about it. I don't notice any driving difference.

3 people found this helpful.
10

Regrus74 that same issue with the car stalling happened to us and it was related to the AC. Shortly thereafter the dealership said we had "sludge" in our engine and implied that we had not been getting routine oil changes... but we had. After 3 months of them checking every 28 days they took our car back and gave us an ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE.... Oddly enough, we have had all 3 of our lights ABS, ESC, DBS all come on in last few days, dealership says is Left rear sensor short, wants to charge us $360 for the parts & labor. I'm trying to convince hubby to change it himself.

1 people found this helpful.
80

Hi guys, it happened to me again yesterday. I had the Rear Right wheel sensor replaced and some other parts and these lights went away for a good few months but they came back again. Do you have any idea on how to fix this properly? Anybody knows if we can file a report on Hyundai support and maybe they'll take this issue in account that so many owners we've had this problem on our cars? This should definetely be a recall on Hyundai's behalf. I own a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4*2 and have 85,000miles on it.

6 people found this helpful.
170

I found a fix from YouTube Https://youtu.be/uu1A7vtWlrE

9 people found this helpful.
10

Just purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sante FE Limited within a couple of days these lights appeared. Hyundai dealership diagnosed as bad transmission. Dealership I purchased from said I bought as is no warranty. Had a second place diagnose and came back with short circuit break light sensor. Got the car back drove for a day and the lights reappeared. ABSECS Assembly control module. So now I have a diagnosis of bad transmission and Brake issue. No I have $6500 in this car and still do not know what the problem is.

1 people found this helpful.
80

Hi Libby! Try having them change the rear wheel sensor, they changed both rear hub assembly on my 2012 Hyundai Santa fe Limited and just spent around $500 for everything. This is due to rain, use, and humidity.

2 people found this helpful.
20

These 3 warning lights fail a NH state inspection, but were not a problem in NC. Anyone know if that is true?

2 people found this helpful.
320

My lights came on about 3 months ago. I ignored them after reading all the nightmares. About a week ago they went off again.

1 people found this helpful.
100

Do people read the answers or just re-ask the question OMG. It is most likely the Wheel Speed Sensor.. Read the codes, If you get a P code or other, you may have another issue, Reading the codes will also tell you what side is malfunctioning.

3 people found this helpful.
100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu6V-5qzSbY

4 people found this helpful.
10

Gerry, provided the answer I was looking for. My lights came back on again. This vid shows where to disconnect the sensor pigtail, very helpful as I couldn't figure out where to go as it is inserted into the wheel well. This fix says it's says it for a Santa Fe up to a 06/2012. Wonder what's different with the vehicles after that date? Thanks Gerry!

80

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0Turbo 2WD. So, I have the same issue. ESC, ABS and traction control light came on randomly. Had it hooked up and it showed rear left wheel speed sensor, intermittent signals. So I had it changed, lights still come on. Occasionally, upon starting the vehicle, I my speedometer bounces around, anywhere between 60-20 MPH for a few seconds. Also, my blind spot detectors blink randomly, even in a completely barren parking lot. It is sitting in the dealership waiting to be diagnosed. If it is deemed unsafe, I will be asking for a refund for the vehicle and purchasing a new one. I personally love Hyundai. But after these issues, I will not be buying a new one.

1 people found this helpful.
180

I read this entire page..and I have lost all hope for humanity. - A few people came back to talk about their attempted fixes or their fixes. ...while 9 out of 10 people only thought to selfishly ask and not return to provide more information to the other people who have the same trouble. --- To the nice people who returned or responded with help -> THANK YOU, We DO APPRECIATE YOU. ..To the rest of the people(who didn't try to return to share their updated info) -> learn how to communicate and be a basic human. -------------------------------------- I have the multi-dash-light issue with a 2012 Elantra. Should I learn of a fix, I will return here to share the information.. because I know how to be a basic human being. - Cheers.

18 people found this helpful.
170

Yes I agree Mark. After researching here and other sources I realized I did not have the ability or resources to try to fix the issue myself. I took my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport to the closest dealership to fix. They called it a brake light sensor which would correct all the lights. After spending over $500.00 and driving it for the last three weeks it is working fine and no issues. I would think this should be a recall but we know how humanity is.

8 people found this helpful.
80

So, they diagnosed it with a bad wheel speed/ABS sensor in the rear left. Go to a private mechanic and have it read for codes, they should have a snap-on code reader, (looks like a tablet). Mine was giving intermittent signals of a rear left wheel speed sensor. Had that puppy changed and it went away. However, I did trade in my car for a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. I did not want to deal with any issues once I get custody of my siblings. Hope this helps you guys.

7 people found this helpful.
140

Sanity, I would agree that it would be great for people to return with help . But what I think is happening in this case is there is no clear answer. I believe if there was an clear available answer that is obvious then people wouldn't bother posting the question any longer. -but that is not happening. I personally am not getting it fixed the dealer had no idea how much it would cost and the dealer didn't even know if they had the car for a whole day they would be able to know exactly where the issue is in the connection. To me it is not worth it. The car really does seem to drive fine in the current state. Good luck to all - I hope that you find a satisfactory solution. A recall would be amazing but I am not counting on it.

7 people found this helpful.
240

update: after driving with all three lights on for 9 months, everything seems fine. Went thru Mass. state inspection and they never said a word about it

7 people found this helpful.
240

actually I just today noticed that the DBC is not working any longer

3 people found this helpful.
140

I had the same problems with my 2013 Santa Fe. I went to the mechanic and they said $130 just to read codes, so I started researching. I was pretty sure it was just a speed sensor, but I didn’t know which one. I waited for a couple months, I wasn’t driving much due to COVID. But we will be taking a trip in a week, so I went to O’Rielly and borrowed their code reader for free! It was the left rear speed sensor. I bought the part, put it on and the lights are gone! It was an easy replacement. I just took off the tire, took out the first two bolts, loosened the wheel shroud and took out the other two bolts. Replaced the part, out the shroud and tire back on. Easy.

14 people found this helpful.
40

I don't understand why folks spend money to have codes read when auto parts stores will do it for free and often give you ideas on fixing the problem, imho.

4 people found this helpful.

My 2013 Santa Fe's ABS, HAC and ESC lights are on. Unfortunately, the AutoZone and O'Reilly code readers didn't shed any light; apparently they read only check-engine light codes. Off to the dealership I go I guess.

20

Hi Michelle. Did you change the cable harness only or the whole hub bearings

2 people found this helpful.
320

I filed a safety complaint with NTSB this morning. Since Hyundai doesn't want to admit this is a vehicular problem maybe the hated gov't, by the right wing, will bring this to the surface. I encourage all to do the same. Squeaky wheels get the grease. https://www- odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

4 people found this helpful.
60

2012 Santa FE gls. All 3 lights on. Second time this has happened. First time lights went out after about 3 or 4 days. It's now 3 months later and they are back on. My fix is this, I have had many issues with this vehicle. To include an air conditioner that developed a mind of its own. Dealer no help. My fix: as soon as those lights go back off, I am ridding myself of this vehicle and will never buy another Hyundai. Was also on the engine recall list.

4 people found this helpful.
10

I finally out of desperation replaced the RRW hub/speed sensor. Didn't make a difference. 2012 Santa Fe (NC) 2WD. There is a Hyundai Campaign # 17-01--009--2, 03/2017 that addresses some vehicles but not mine.

10

I would urge all to contact NTSB & https://www.autosafety.org/thanks-for-complaint/? eid=11f1a0

1 people found this helpful.
310

2010 Santa Fe SE V6 fwd. Original owner I'm following up 2 years from my first post of having those lights on. I've driven another 15,000 or so miles, with no ABS or TRACTION CONTROL and have only almost died without those two twice. I mean, they are important safety features which really, really come in handy if you need it. But, after spending hundreds of dollars and many hours of my time changing out those damn speed sensors only to have the problem pop up again, and again, and again...just not worth it. If a couple of people died because of this problem, maybe then the NTSB might actually do something about this known defect in Hyundai's friking cars! In any event, the vehicle has given me good service for over a decade, not that I drive much, I am only at 80,000 miles after 11 years of ownership. All in all, a good vehicle...would I buy it again....eh, who knows. I think next time I am going for a Toyota which should be enough car to send me to my final resting place.

4 people found this helpful.
10

Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: Control unit/module Recall date 2021-04-27 Recall no. 21V303000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short. Hide details Recall consequence An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Recall action Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371- 9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Santa Fe

Looking for a Used Santa Fe in your area?

CarGurus has 1,722 nationwide Santa Fe listings starting at $499.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    me29
    Reputation
    6,550
  • #2
    JP1956
    Reputation
    2,810
  • #3
    SubaruTech5862
    Reputation
    2,010
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Hyundai Tucson
100 Great Deals out of 2,717 listings starting at $3,455
Used Kia Sorento
82 Great Deals out of 1,824 listings starting at $3,888
Used Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
30 Great Deals out of 809 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda CR-V
193 Great Deals out of 5,012 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota RAV4
117 Great Deals out of 3,078 listings starting at $3,900
Used Toyota Highlander
36 Great Deals out of 790 listings starting at $7,995
Used Nissan Rogue
123 Great Deals out of 4,804 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Sonata
44 Great Deals out of 799 listings starting at $1,543
Used Kia Sportage
63 Great Deals out of 1,931 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda Pilot
41 Great Deals out of 801 listings starting at $737
Used Hyundai Santa Fe XL
17 Great Deals out of 234 listings starting at $9,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.