2013 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,910 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 93 involved a crash and 97 involved a fire. 77 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 6, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
Campaign 22V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 28, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.
Campaign 20V121000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Campaign 17V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 24, 2012
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 12V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
260 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2024
The electrical has been an issue for this vehicle. The head and tail lights continuously go out. Sometimes they work, and other times they do not. Since the lights have been an issue, the electrical issue is also now inside the vehicle. The radio and other controls in the vehicle do not work any longer, as well as the lights in the radio, air conditioning, and other controls inside the vehicle. The steering wheel is also loose now and jiggles when driving the vehicle. There have been no warning lamps about these issues, and I had an auto shop confirm that there are electrical and steering issues. I did receive a letter about a recall for electrical for the year, type, and model of my car, however, the dealership said that my VIN number is not associated with the recall and will not fix the issues.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2024
All bulbs in vehicle do not work. No matter how many times I have them replaced they continue to blow or not work. Without headlights I cannot drive, without brake lights other drivers cannot see me. This is a HUGE SAFTY ISSUE. I cannot drive my vehicle because lights are malfunctioning.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2024
All 4 of my door lock actuators have failed since, 1 year in to owning the vehicle. There is a safety concern in not being able to get into or out of the vehicle due to the locks failing. As well as, making me a target for theft. Sometimes the locks will lock, other times they will not. I once put my dogs in the car and the locks would not open back up, it was terrifying. The component has not been checked yet, but I see there was a recall but my Vin was not included for some reason. This happens without warning.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2024
Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to determine when the car is braking for a stop at night. The secondary concern is that the lights pose a fire hazard.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2024
On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2024
Hello, My rear brake lights burn out frequently and the bulbs get so hot it deforms the plastic bulb holders and the light bulb falls out resulting in no brake lights. This has been happening for over 10 years. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem and sent a notice to repair it for free if the car is less than 15 years old or less than 200,000 mile. My Sonata has 210,000 miles and they will not repair the defect. I've replaced hundreds of bulbs and multiple bulb holders/wiring harnesses. My daughter has been pulled over multiple times and yelled at from other drivers because her brake lights do not work. The reason why these bulbs get so hot is because it receives to much voltage. Hyundai acknowledges this fact. My brake lights receive 13.4 volts instead of around 12. To much voltage gets them hot and burns them out quicker. It's a safety issue Hyundai acknowledges but wont repair. I guess I have no alternative but to keep replacing the bulbs.... This car is not ready for the scrap yard yet as it get a new engine from Hyundai because the original seized up from another Hyundai defect Do you have any recourse or advise on how to get Hyundai to repair it like they would if the car had 199,999 miles on it? Hyundai refused to budge on the matter. Any advice?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2024, fire
Wires, reverse osmosis system unauthorized and unknown
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 15, 2024
I see that the recall notice was issued in September of 2023 but I have to say that for no recall remedy to be available yet is disheartening. I drive my car every day and it is the only car I have, because of that I risk my life everyday. My car loses power because of this recall daily and it ranges from 3-6 times a day. I lose power on the highway, the main roads and back roads, it does not matter the speed or time of day. I would like them to push out a fix now. Eventually I will end up in an accident because sadly I cannot afford to get into a new car or a used car.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2024
Driver side brake lights keep melting the housing replaced at my cost the housing and bulb 2 times took to dealer no help went in at 202258 miles for service had a extended warranty which had expired at 200,000 dealer offered no help told me about cost of new housing I looked and found bad bulb replaced it for $6.00 insteaded of $300 plus dollars for housing dealer was no help with this problem safety problem with no brake light
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2024, fire
While driving the car at freeway speeds it died and quit running, and the engine compartment began smoking, and a fire ensued under the hood. Gasoline could be smelled before it started fire.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
Hyundai recall 23V651000 has no remedy after 4 months of the start of the recall.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
When headlights are turned on, rear window brakelight stays illuminated but both the right and left rear brake lights do not illuminate when foot brake pedal is depressed.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 21, 2023
Engine failure driving on the freeway. Many of the clusters in the dash suddenly lite up, check engine light also multiple warning lights.Suddenly vehicle would not accelerate. Feels like my life as well as my passengers were put at risk. Cars suddenly passing us at freeway speeds. As I pulled to the shoulder of cars were very close to hitting ours. Then when we pulled over we saw smoke coming out of the hood of the car and imediately smelled gas or plastic burning. We got out of vehicle thinking that the car might carch on fire.. The police pushed our car out the freeway to a safe zone. Had the car towed to a shop and confirmed engine failure. As of now the vehicle will not start.We are frightened that there may be a gas leak that might cause an explosion or engine may fail again while driving.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2023
My electrical system is giving me constant issues and I have to change light bulbs frequently. Also the recall is for the fuel line system which the dealers are not contacting me back about getting repaired which is why I am submitting this report.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
When activating gas pedal, there is a rattling and grinding when in motion and then it subsides. When stopped at light or intersection, when giving gas again, the rattling and grinding resumes. Car seemed to be running a little louder than it's ever been since purchasing a few years ago. At no time has there been any dashboard lights or warnings prompting any problems with engine, low oil or anything else which is what the dealer service center is now telling me is an issue with engine needing to be replaced. Current issues have not been occuring very long which causes me to give the service center a call for an appointment in the first place. Vehicle was dropped off a week ago today, Friday, 9/22/2023, waiting for parts. Currently no work has been done to my vehicle and is sitting on the service center's lot. Was told it will take quite a while to get parts. I've had a rental since Monday of this week and I'm scheduled to return it this evening. Rental is and was expensive and I don't have a spare vehicle to get back and forth to work. Service center hasn't offered a loaner vehicle or suggested a rental company that will provide reasonable rates and collaboration with them. I just want my vehicle fixed and not have to repair cost that would be equal to me just getting another vehicle which is what the quoted cost to repair my vehicle is equivalent to.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2023
Tail lights constantly burn out. I have now replaced the same taillight harness 3 times and each time it is burned. This is a serious fire hazard
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact became aware that the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the failure persisted. The contact stated that due to the brake lights remaining illuminated, the battery terminal had to be disconnected to avoid draining the battery. The contact stated that after one failure, a mechanic pulled over to the side of the roadway and the contact was informed that a sensor related to the brake lights had failed and needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,178.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the rear brake lights remained illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle failed to start up due to the battery being drained overnight. The contact researched the failure and discovered how to disconnect the brake lights to prevent the battery from being drained. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The engine lost power while getting on the highway. I was able to let off the gas and then go again. This happened several times. I took the car to the dealer where I bought it new. I found out that there was a recall on the brake stopper. The dealership never mentioned this. They said the program was over and charged me $231 for a part that was recalled. Are they allowed to not inform us of recalls? Please advise. The dealership is Keith Hawthorne Hyundai in Gastonia NC. 704-824-6010
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2023
I purchased the car used on 12/2/2022. Drove on local roads until 12/28/2022 then took the car on the high way for the first time, whiel driving 60 mph for approximately 5 minutes and warning siren came on and flashing dashboard that said to stop driving immediately, and pull to the side of the road if possible an electrical failure or battery failure and not power to battery or elctrical system. I pulled to the side fo the road, and got towed by AAA to Key Hyundai in Milford, CT. They kept the car for over 22days, and charged me $3148. Number 3 on the repair documet is Steering concern:ABS and traction control light DTC- it said it was a steering angle sensor circuit and they put a flexible coupling and removed and replaced sterring cupler and calibrated sterring angle sensor and reflash check. The car is leaking some type of fluid and still lurching which can cause an accident.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 29, 2023
Car needs to rewired because my break lights keep blowing out & will no longer work. They are burned from the inside. Also when turning on lights to my car the car stalls.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 15, 2023
Last year March 2022, took my car in because of the recall made an appointment for them to tell me on my appointment day they do not have the solution/part so I would get a call back when they have it and it’s been over a year. Now my car is experiencing sensor and electrical issues
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2023, fire
My 2013 Hyundai sonata caught fire yesterday after the car stalled at a red light - car is totalled - i am just hearing about this now that numerous car like mine have gone up in flames. I am devastated
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 27, 2023
I have been contacting Hyundai since before November 2022 on an issue with the engine. At this point, the engine was spuddering, hard to acclerate, lags, shuts off yet no warning lights were on. I was told about the engine recall which is why I went there. Set an appt and when I got in, he said it does not SOUND like a rod knock and sent me home even though there is an active recall on the car that is IMPORTANT to fix, the fuel line. He did not care to fix that. I wrote Hyundai and they sent me another dealer and that was that. No cares in the world at how we were treated. Its been now 3 months and the car has been sitting because Hyundai refuses to help. The car only has 105,000 miles on a 2013. I have a case manager assigned that is avoiding my calls and finance company yelling at me for maintenance receipts of the car. Maintenance receipts are not listed anywhere. I have barely had the car a year! The fact that they sent my family home in an unsafe car is not cool! Then on my travels, the car starts knocking loudly and the check engine AND oil light both come on but the check engine light was flashing. NOONE IS HELPING US. My fiance lost his job because we had to rely on uber or lyft for him to get to work and he was late a few times due to those services not being reliable. There is a recall on the engine with the same specifications that I am having AND an OPEN recall for the very very hazardous fuel line on the car to be replaced. I am tired of the run around. I need help! I have seen the numerous complaints on this car so why is it so hard to get help? When I start my car it sounds like a helicopter but with metal, not air so LOUD and is a rod knock. Another call to the case manager made today and again ignored. I cannot post a video
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 20, 2023
First off there was no lights on other than the low tire pressure symbol that shows up, so I decided to go have my tire replaced, got it done, I drove off after having a tire replaced and within a minute or 2 of being back on the road my car just shuts off. I pulls over to see or access the car, don’t know what happened. I ended up having to have the car towed home.