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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, May 13, 2022
brake/tail lights keep burning out. when attempting to replace them, they are melted into the wiring harness. dealership replaced wiring harness. issue still happens.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 12, 2022
My safety was put at risk and the life of others as a chime sound began to sound and the "check brake/Hybrid System Warning" was displayed on the dashboard. This caused the car to press the emergency breaks on its own slowing the vehicle to a complete halt on freeway. This malfunction could have caused a multi vehicle collision. This was taken for inspection and Scanned with GDS and C1235 Pressure sensor, is internal in HECU and cannot be repaired, HECU must be replaced. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and pedal sinks which feels like car does not stop. The output signal voltage of the pressure sensor is out of the specified range, the monitoring starts 1 sec after power up. The cause of this could be that there is a faulty pressured sensor and/or open or short of pressure sensor circuit. The pressure sensor installed in the HECU, converts the brake pressure to judge the drivers brake intention when the ESC program is operated. When pressure is applied to the sensor, the resistance of the sensor's strain gauge changes. The change in resistance changes the voltage output from the sensor. A fail safe inhibits the ESC/DBC control and allow the ABS/EDB control. The ESC/DBC warning lamp is activated. A safety recall should be established by this establishment as other Hyundai Sonata Hybrids are having the same malfunctions and are having to repair costs out of their own pockets, $4,300 given quote.
Electrical system, May 3, 2022
Door latch driver side not locking
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2022
Brake/ tail light socket and metal portion of bulb could not be removed. Dealer attempted to replace socket but the tail light assembly was melted so badly that it would not hold the bulb socket. The whole tail light assembly had to be replaced.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2022
iGNITION KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE. WHEN TURNING ENGINE OFF, THE KEY STAYS LOCKED IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WHICH CAUSES A DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT!
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2022
Without warning, all of the vehicles warning alarms and indicator were triggered and the car shut off with now power or engine running while i was in motion driving in traffic. Absolutely no prior indications before this occurred. I had to have to vehicle pushed from the middle of the road then towed home.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2022
Engine light flashing oil light flashing car cut off while I was driving on the road with my daughter In the car
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2021
Sudden "Hyundai Sonata Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" while driving on freeway. I had to tow my car because the engine did not start after the sign. My safety was at danger because it happened suddenly on the freeway and the car slowed down. I had no control over car speed.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2021
Any time the light switch is on the "on"position several electrical issues happen. Headlights come on randomly after car turned off and drain battery.Brake light bulbs overheat, burn out and melt casing frequently. Consol lights come on that are not selected and should not be illuminated. Cruise control wont work and engine can loose power momentarily. Was taken for service in 2019 at folsom lake Hyundai dealership but was told no other reports found and they couldnt replicate issue. Nothing was done. Have issues every winter when headlights are used more frequently. Issues getting worse as time goes on.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 29, 2021
*** Normal driving, brakes went out while driving. *** Car was recently repaired by dealer related to hybrid power relay system failure - fuse and precharge relay failed and forced car to pull over while at highway speeds to side of road then left driver stranded on side of road. This was repaired supposedly. Now just a couple weeks later under normal street driving condition brakes totally went out. Stop light then let off brake and car started beeping and making noises - check engine light, brake light, LCD displayed BRAKE warning and flashed "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive". The car was unresponsive to acceleration pedal and only slowly moved then puttered a little bit but I managed to get it out of the intersection and into a parking lot under its own power. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I used Emergency Brake to stop and park then had it towed. Could have been disaster if I was on highway - which I was at stop light to turn onto when the failure occurred. I am scared of this car now. 2 times in a month it has forced driver to pull over and then become unresponsive. No brakes is the last straw. This is a dangerous car now.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
Normal weather, normal day. Hybrid car. Starts fine and drives as usual. Yesterday at 55mph got immediate alert to pull over. Barely able to pull over safely then car turns off and will not turn back on. Clicking under hood. No indication of battery or hybrid issue. Scan codes completely different than dealership advice. No exact indication of issue. Could have caused accident at 55pmh and electrical system go out like that. Battery died while on side of road. Towed to dealership and they said its a bad 12v battery ( but it was fine ) and a fuse and a "pre-charge hybrid relay" whatever that is. Thousand dollar repair that caused car to be forced off road while driving highway speed. Bottom line, everything prior was fine, no indication of any battery issue, no hard starts nothing. While driving system failed and then unable to restart. Many similar complaints online.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2021
Hybrid system warning light comes on at random times and sometimes the car won't start.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 25, 2021
When accelerating to 65 mph, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle stopped accelerating. Took the vehicle in to a mechanic, who stated there was poor acceleration at high RPM's and the car had jerking symptoms during hard throttle. For the engine diagnosis there was a fault code for the knock sensor found. Very low oil levels were in crankcase, no additional fault codes found, abnormal noises. Signs of internal engine problem low oil pressure suspected, no apparent lubricant to upper part of the engine. Recommended replacing the engine. The mechanic estimated the car was also losing oil faster than it should've. Prior to this incident occuring, the car has been regularly maintenanced at the dealership. Car was taken in to an independent mechanic to be looked at because dealership service repair did not have an opening for 2 weeks to look at the car. The lower acceleration could cause an accident on the freeway if driving at high speeds and the acceleration malfunctions without warning. No other persons have looked at the car yet. There was no lights, symptoms, or messages indicating a problem prior to this incident happening. This was the first time this incident has happened with the vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2021, fire
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata has been declared totaled by my auto insurance company and "unsafe to drive" by Hyundai Corporation. There is a case number associated with my car at Hyundai. While driving down the street my engine begins smoking and everything shuts off. I was scared and uncertain of what was happening. I had to dodge cars to get off the road. I have supplied more than 15 pages of maintenance records, Which has proven I have taken care of my car. The engine has locked. The first representative stated Hyundai Corporate will pay for repairs - a new engine. The second representative stated only if I had a warranty will they assist me. I believe I'm getting the run around.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2021
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013 - computer giving message " Check Charging System " while on the highway speed drops to 40 mpg. I had to stop the car on the roadside .. Hyundai dealer are not helpful. You go to them they just want to charge us $400 for diagnostic test. last week, Hyundai dealer told my car problem is with engine belt and tensioner assembly and I charged $900. but it did not fix the issue. I am not sure if above part was really needed to replaced, now the message on charging system and engine safety ( picture attached ) is too frequent. Ref. engine recall on this 2013 sonata hybrid, Hyundai dealer say car life is finish with 114K miles. and car engine is not issue as decide by Hyundai head office.
Electrical system, May 18, 2021
Unable to unlock and open front and rear passenger doors.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, May 7, 2021
SEATBELT FAILED TOO RETRACT CORRECTLY ALLOWING DOOR TO BE SHUT ON IT LEADING TOO DOOR AJAR SENSOR DAMAGE OR FAILURE LEAVING RED LIGHT AT BOTTOM OF DRIVER DOOR ALWAYS TURNED ON DRAINING BATTERY EVERY TIME OVERNIGHT. ONLY FIX FOR THIS WAS TOO REMOVE SENSOR TO PREVENT BATTERY DRAIN BUT NOW MY CAR LOCKS DOOR EVEN WITH ENGINE TURNED ON. SAFTEY ISSUE. COST OF FUEL ROADSIDE UNLOCK ASSISTANCE AND BATTERY CHECK OR REPLACEMENT COST.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 11, 2021
THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER YOU GO OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THE WHEEL IS SOMETIMES HARD TO TURN. SMELL OF RUBBER AND BULBS HAVE TO BE CONTINOUSLY REPLACED. IT SEEMS THE HOUSING HAS MELTED
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 7, 2021
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME FOR NO REASON, THEY CHECKED THE ERROR CODES FOR AIRBAG THEY GOT CODES B1388 AND B1481 AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH AND SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR WHICH THEY STATED IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING. WHEN I RESEARCH THIS ISSUE I FOUND THIS RECALL TSB ITS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR 2011-2013 HYUNDAI SONATA BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR OR VIN NUMBER SAYS I AM NOT INCLUDED OR COVERED, I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THIS AS THE DEALER AS THERE IS A UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THE DEALER IS QUOTING ME $400+ TO REPLACE IT AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2021, fire
DRIVER SIDE BREAK LIGHT BULB NO LONGER WORK PROPERLY. EVEN THOUGH ITS BEEN CHANGED IT WORKS SPORADICALLY BECAUSE THE BULB IS LOOSE IN THE SOCKET OF THE WIRE HARNESS OR THE SOCKET WILL MELT. THIS CAUSES MORE THAN ONE SAFETY ISSUE. CAR HAS NO BRAKE LIGHT ON ONE SIDE AND COULD AT ANYTIME CATCH ON FIRE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 23, 2021
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 9, 2021
I AM CONSTANTLY CHANGING OUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS/ TAIL LIGHTS. AS SOON AS I REPLACE THEM., THEY GO OUT. MY BRAKE LIGHTS MAY WORK BUT MY TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT FOR FEAR OF NOT KNOWING IF I HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS OR NOT.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2021
I'M GETTING A CODE P1326 AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT TAKING THE GAS AND CAN'T DRIVE IT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE; DELIVERY HOSE LINES/ PIPING AND FITTING.
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2021
THE BREAK LIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. THEY HAVE MELTED THE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULB. I REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS ONCE A MONTH. IT SEEMS LIKE IT HAS A BAD POWER SURGE OR FAULTY WIRES. I HAVE SWITCHED TO LED LIGHT BULBS AND THEY STILL DON'T WORK. I HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF OTHER HYUNDAI SONATA DRIVERS SAY THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINT. I AM HIGHLY SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN A RECALL DUE TO AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND WIRING SYSTEM. HYUNDAI SONATA DRIVERS ARE GETTING PULLED OVER A LOT DUE TO THIS DEFECT AND ARE REPLACING BULBS AT AN EXTREMELY HIGH RATE THAN THEY SHOULD BE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED FOR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 3, 2021
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND FROM ALL THE WHEELS. CHIMING. HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING. WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. FOUND OUT THAT THE THE HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT IS AT FAULT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY OVER 2000 OUT OF POCKET. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI COSTUMER SERVICE AND ALSO TO THE BBB AND THEY ALL TOLD ME TO FILE A REPORT WITH YOU. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE SONATA HYBRID SINCE 2019. THE INFORMATION IS FOUND IN HYUNDAI FORUM WEBSITE. HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/THREADS/BRAKES-FAILURE-ON-SONATA-HYBRID.155580/PAGE-5 THIS ISSUE SHOULD PLEASE BE INVESTIGATED FOR RECALL PURPOSES.