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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 19, 2023
The electrical system of the vehicle malfunctions regularly. When the headlights are on, the brake lights are stuck on and do not turn off, nor do they properly "activate" when braking. If the headlights are off, they work just fine. If the headlights are on, the entire dashboard lighting is prone to going haywire. On several occasions with the headlights on, the electrical system has malfunctioned and turned off all lights, inside and outside. They will not turn back on unless I turn the headlights off and back on. Turning on the high beams has made the lighting malfunction and the entire vehicle will decelerate, even when pressing on the gas. I will gladly allow my vehicle for inspection upon request. This is clearly a hazard to both myself and other vehicles on the road, especially at night. Not only is the lack of functional brake lights a hazard, but so is having rapidly flashing lights on the dashboard to myself as a driver. Moreover, the headlights randomly turning off at night is extremely dangerous, as is the random deceleration. Upon looking into it to see if I could find an answer, I learned it's a common problem with 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas and to see that so many have this issue but nothing has been done to correct it is shocking. My local dealership did inspect my car upon an engine seizure a few years ago, but all they reported was an issue with the passenger side brake light bracket and bulb (another common issue it seems). I have never received any sort of warning lamp or message, aside from the traction light randomly coming on from time to time for no reason.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2023, fire
I bought my car used from a private party in March of 2022 with around 132,000miles. In a year's time I have replaced the rear passenger side tail light bulbs 3 to 4 times, the whole light assembly, and the wiring harness twice due to the bulb getting to hot and the plastic caught on fire the first time and melting the second. Noticed the smoke when I pulled into a gas station that day and opened the trunk quickly and beat the small flame with a small blanket I had in the trunk. My kids sit in the back seat. So I'm constantly worrying while driving when they are in the back. The headlight bulbs go out quicker in this vehicle as well. I've had to replace the headlight bulbs 3 times already. This is also too close to the fuel pump for this sort of thing to happen in my opinion. This needs to be resolved A. S. A. P.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 4, 2023
ENGINE running is problem
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2023
The Engine Light is on and when you first take off ,you can’t press the gas pedal as much as the engine start shaking
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2023
Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive message appears on dash display. Not sure what is causing message. Code reader does not register a code to reference issue. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark is present. Car decelerates and is in operable. Check engine light remains on display. This is the 3rd time in the last 6 months this has occurred.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2022
Since November 2021, my 2013 Hyundai Sonata is found to have a dead battery on multiple random occasions. I replaced the battery with a brand new battery twice before bringing it in for inspection at a Hyundai dealer on September 1, 2022. The dealer diagnosed the problem as an electrical short circuit within the rear view mirror console and replaced said part for $711. The vehicle has had a dead battery twice since that repair, indicating there is still an electrical draw/short circuit somewhere within the vehicle. Each instance of a dead battery was preceded by rainy humid weather. I brought the vehicle back to the Hyundai dealer on November 14, 2022. I explained that I suspected moisture was getting in somewhere that it shouldn’t be and causing the electrical short circuit thus draining the battery. The Hyundai dealer found no electrical short and documented that the electrical system was performing to specifications (no electrical draw found that exceeds 50MA). There have been no dashboard warning lights or messages indicating the issue. Hyundai has no solution. I have replaced the battery three times within one year. I am concerned that the undiagnosed electrical problem may lead to a fire while parked and off and/or a dangerous failure while driving. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request.
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2022
Low beam headlight bulbs and brake bulbs burn out way before they should.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 21, 2022
I have been having problems with the electrical system in this car since I had it. The lighting is so dim that you can even see anything while driving at night. I have gone back and forth with Hyundai and the dealership to get a resolution but they keep telling me that nothing is wrong and that I need to replace all of the housings. I don't feel that I should have to do this because they have even had lighting that has burned out because of how hot they get. I have replaced the harnesses because they told me to replace but the electrical issues are all around the car. My lights are constantly flickering even when they are turned off. There are multiple consumers with the same issues in this model and other model cars in that range. I have made videos of the problems and provided to them and they still do nothing. This is affecting my safety.
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2022
My car will not come on. I purchased a new starter, thinking that was the problem. My car has push button to turn the car on. The car will not start. I thought it maybe a recall item, when the reason why the car will not start.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2022
I have been having this problem with the car since May 2022. I was driving normally and the car gave the warning: Hybrid System stop and do not drive - check brakes, well I took the car to the mechanic near where I live zip code 90017 (Pep Boys) I have the note of the service that was done the first was on 11 June/22 and the brakes were changed since I thought this would be the problem and more fluid. The problem continued even with new brakes. I went there again and they check the brake system and they said everything looks fine on 20 June/22. So, I decided to scheduled an inspection at Hyundai in Van Nuys zip code 91404 (29 July/22) and I reported my problem that I was having with warnings check brake all the time while I’m driving every day, but I don't have another car and I need to go to work. Hyundai also couldn't solve the problem of warnings check brakes and I still having this problem, I get the free way every day to go to work and I'm scared because I never know when a warning will appear and the car practically stops in the middle of the free way ( it happened every day) which is making me feel very insecure with this car because it is dangerous but I’m tired of this car and this problem I can’t even go to super market without stop the car because of the warning check brakes.. I will include the photos of the recipes of the services that were made. I would really like to be able to solve this problem and feel safe to drive the car. Thank you.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2022
My back passenger tail light has failed twice. When the bulb gets hot, it melts the plastic housing and falls out. Since the bulb can’t be replaced, the whole tail light assembly has to be replaced. This is a fire safety hazard, as well as a costly repair to replace the the whole tail light assembly. Consumers should be able to replace a tail light bulb without having to replace the whole tail light assembly at a cost of over $400 (parts & labor)
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights were blank. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 22, 2022
When using the turn signal the headlights turn off. A search of the internet shows this is a common occurrence for the car as multiple people have posted on boards that this is the result of the multifunction switch. This is a highly dangerous situation for both the driver and/or other cars on the road as if you attempt to signal a turn or try to place the high beams on you will lose loss of sight due to the headlights shutting off. This should be listed as a recall item for the car.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 17, 2022
I have contacted the Hyundai headquarters several times, about what I believe to be an electrical problem in my vehicle. The lights (break and drive) in my vehicle continue to blow out, even after being replaced numerous times. My break light casing has melted, as a result of what I believe to be associated with a previous recall. This recall, caused break lights to remain on, which caused overheating and burning. I took my car to the dealership to service this problem after being instructed to do so be a representative. However, I was informed that there was no issue, that needed to be serviced. However, I continue to experience this issue. I have witnessed countless Hyundai’s being driven by other drivers and they too, seem to experiencing malfunctioning break lights. I even paid to have a diagnostic test completed at the Hyundai dealership, in an attempt to rectify the problem. However, I was informed the there was no electrical issue present. This is a huge safety concern, because driving without properly working lights, is illegal and I have received traffic violations for doing so. It is extremely unsafe, due to having the ability to cause accidents on the road. If other drivers are not aware of my vehicle stopping or even being on the road, due to improperly displayed lights. It creates a huge safety concern. Recently, I’ve begun to smell gas coming from my vehicle and then I received the recall notice associated with the fuel pump. Since then, I have received a second notice regarding this recall. Neither letter, addresses when my vehicle will be serviced. I am extremely nervous to drive my vehicle, due to the fuel leakage and the ability that it can cause a fire in my engine. I am extremely displeased with Hyundai, and I no longer want this vehicle. Since purchasing this car, there have been several recalls. Additionally, I have attempted to speak with Hyundai directly, and they have refused to assist me further.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, she saw flames coming from under the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that his daughter pulled over immediately and exited the vehicle. The contact stated that soon after his daughter went away from the vehicle, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. The contact stated that a police report was filed. There was no injury. The contact stated that the insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2022, fire
I was driving one afternoon on my way from the nail shop with my sister my boyfriend & his friend when my call stalled in the middle in the street after managing to get the car out of the street it burst into flames. Due to not having the funds to move it it was towed. It did not have any lights on the dashboard which is why this was very weird for me. After not knowing what caused this stalling or fire I received a recall for my car in the mail.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2022
While driving the car flashed "Hybrid System Warning! Safely stop and do not drive" and immediately shut off propulsion. I was able to coast just enough to get off to the side of the road. Now the warning comes up as soon as the engine kicks on to charge the hybrid system and the car will not move. If I wasn't in the right hand lane on the highway this could've caused an accident. This happened once in December 2021 with about 86000 miles and went away after letting the car sit for about 30 minutes. It happened again today July 21, 2022 and left me stranded. The car is unusable as of now.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
The brake/tail lights get so hot they melt the plastic taillight assembly. I would think this is a fire hazard.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2022
The car start over but was unable to keep power upon hitting gas pedal. The seatbelt would unlatch. The back break lights wouldn’t shut off after turning off engine causing the car battery to lose power.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2022, fire
On May 7th 2022 my 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine caught fire just driving down the road. I had only bought it 2 months prior. Smoke started coming pouring out of the vents and I had to pull over and have the fire department put it out. Hyundai has looked at it and offered to pay off my loan but I gave $4000.00 cash down and now that is lost. They won't cover that. Will there be another class action lawsuit ?
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2022
I was driving on the way home doing 55 mph with my kids and the car started to slow down and light began to pop up on the dashboard. The car shut off. I tried to restart it it wouldn’t restart. I called a tow truck as I was waiting in 100 degree weather with two kids someone tried to give me a jumpstart how ever when they tried to jump start it we noticed smoke coming from the hood. I went to a part store and brought another battery. Thinking it’s the battery I put the new battery in. Car still would not start. And smoke arised again as I’m Still waiting for tow truck for 7 hours @10pm tow truck finally comes. Tow truck takes car to my residence. The next day I call Carvana and silverrock they tow the car to a dealer then call me and tell me the repairs would not be covered. Even though I haven’t had the car for a two full months. I spent my entire pay check. The Mechanic from Firestone tells me it’s a starter. I get the starter fixed 804$ and The next day the same thing happens again only this time my car began to smoke much more. I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’m also paying a car note on this car and I put down more than 4000$. Can somebody please get me out of this lemon. This should not be legal.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2022
This is the second time the car does not register that is in parking and the motor is off. The electric system does not shuts off, everything that is electric stops working, as well as the door locks, which if your are inside the car it is very dangerous because even to unlock the door manually is hard. The car won't unlock with the electric key, the radio stopped working, and the rear view camera as well. The car keeps saying to put on parking because it does not register that it is on parking and it will beep the whole time without shouting off causing the battery to die completely. I dropped of the car at the dealer on Tuesday June 21 around noon time, but I have not heard anything from them. Today is June 23rd I called them at 9:46 am, but they have not returned my phone call yet to let me know what is wrong with the car. Prior to this incident with the electric system, the car will make strange noises and immediately after the breaks vibrate. I am concerned about my safety.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2022
FUEL IN ENGINE. ENGINE FAILURE. had car towed to hyundai of louisvile dealership due to recall on may 20,2022.as of today the dealer has not even began to do anything toward my car. i was told it may take up to 8 weeks before they could even look at my car. I was given a clain number from hyundai #19842116 and a case worker who has not helped at all. I was also denied a loaner from the dearlership
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2022
For about a month, while driving lights go off during the night, MOST recently the lights and car shut off DURING the ride home!! No flashers working! When we attempted to move the steering wheel locked and would not go into drive! Feels like something was stuck, further inspection NOTHING WAS STUCK! when I fuel up the car seizes in the middle of my drives!
Electrical system, Engine, May 23, 2022, crash
The engine component on my car is failing; it is available for inspection upon request. I was put at risk because the vehicle continued to stall during operation due to the car's continuous operation with a worn connecting rod. An independent service center has confirmed the problem. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle component, as they said they have. A warning came up that read, "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and DO NOT DRIVE!