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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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: engine
773 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 2, 2022
On 9/7/2021 my Son Alex and I were out for a drive in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata gls.. my son is 17 years old an was completing his 50 hour driving time required, to get his drivers license.he has a learners permit. We had done some in town driving for about an hour and we decided he needed practice on the freeway.. after about 15 mins on the freeway my vehicle suddenly shut down without any warning.. my son being an inexperienced driver did a great job of not having an accident being he lost all power steering and power braking functions of the vehicle. Thank god he steered us off the road an into the ditch an not into on coming traffic.. we both were fine but understandably shakin up.. I Then had my vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership here in my area, who has since refused.. to honor a safety recall campaign that they themselves have already verified Per VIN number that my vehicle qualifies for that safety recall campaign issued by the NHTSA.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle , the vehicle started stalling. The contact stated that there was no warning lights illuminated , however her vehicle started smoking. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle to a service station where she attempted to restart the vehicle . The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised that she was experiencing an internal engine failure. The contact stated that she then contacted the dealer who advised her that her vehicle could not be repaired due to not having a warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, Mar 19, 2022
my husband and i were on the way home from new york and the engine light came on something started to knock and it got louder and the car engine blew on i-83s by the 29 mile mark it was a bad area not safe we almost got struck by several 18 wheelers and . ive contacted the carmax which it was leased from a hyundai dealership as well as the credit place who finances the car no one knows a thing the car has a faulty engine and we could have died. we had to walk to the next exit which was three miles and find a ride to md. and then get the car towed to the nearest carmax .. no one still did anything and we had to find a way back to ga by train w. i am a nurse my need my car for my family
Engine, Mar 14, 2022
On 3/12/22 I was driving on Hwy 330 towards Big Bear CA, when I started hearing a knocking/rattling sound from the engine compartment. I pulled into a turn out and called AAA for a tow. The tow car driver, Don's garage in Running Springs and the dealership in Loma Linda all agreed that most likely it is an engine rod issue. As of today, March 14th, I am still waiting on call back from the Loma Linda dealership to find out about the issue with the engine. The car has about 59,750 miles on it.
Power train, Engine, Mar 8, 2022
My car seized up a lot, like pushing forward, then all together stopped and went into only going up to 40mph. I just hot the car 10 months ago so it shouldn't have done that. Took it to a repair shop and they said the engine was on it's last legs even though I literally just got the car.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
Hyundai failed to inform me of the engine component module recall in 8/18, and now they won't cover replacing my blown engine in my 2013 Sonata. This was a year/model of several engines being recalled and replaced by Hyundai.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022, fire
The contacted owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle deaccelerated without warning several times. The contact stated that the failure was occurring for about a week and the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated recently while driving at 70 mph the vehicle was decelerating with the check engine warning light illuminated, pulled over to the side of the roadway, and called for a ride. The contact stated smoke was seen coming from under the hood she opened the hood but saw no fire. The contact stated left the vehicle parked on the side of the road and was notified by the police that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact vehicle was awaiting a tow to the unknown Hyundai dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2022
While driving the engine seized up very dangerous going 40 mph lost absolute control almost causing serious accident
Engine, Mar 4, 2022
I was driving on a main road and my engine siezed up. No warning no lights nothing. Then it wouldn’t start. Got it back to my sisters house it started the next day but the engine is knocking mechanic said it needs new engine!!!! It only has 90k miles!!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 3, 2022
The car is experiencing major functioning issues including the theta engine class action lawsuits with engine failure and abnormally high oil usage. It has been stranded for weeks and left my children and myself in danger . Hyundai of Auburn refused to diagnose or allow it to sit on the dealership lot until May 2022. I'm stranded without assess to my children, mail or safety resources that have put my family and myself at great risk if either of us need emergency assistance.
Engine, Mar 3, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the speed had suddenly reduced before the engine stalled. On one occasion as the failure occurred, a second vehicle crashed into the rear bumper. No injuries were reported. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine has seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,897.
Engine, Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to safely coast off the roadway and stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated an independent mechanic came to his residence and was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed by the dealer that his VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without a warning light. The vehicle was towed to her mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil was clumped up in the engine. The dealer took the engine apart and however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022
Started having engine failure a few months back with knocking and ticking noises. Loss of power while driving and upon trying to accelerate. Dealer said it was a bad transmission. Have had repairs done with the same problems and with oil leaking and burning badly so much as you can smell inside the vehicle while driving. It's a safety issue that could cause a fire.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that her son was driving the vehicle at 35 mph when he noticed that smoke was issuing from the rear which then entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's son was able to slow the vehicle by using the shifter due to not having any brake power. The contact stated her son was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's son flagged a police officer who called the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire with water, but the vehicle was completely burned and undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a police impoundment lot. The contact was not aware of a police or fire department report being filed. The contact did not take the vehicle to the local dealer and the contact's insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle fire origin was not determined by the insurance company. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she had a previous recall letter from the manufacturer for a fuel line issue and it was addressed at a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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.
Engine, Jan 26, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill at a traffic light, the vehicle seized and there was smoke exiting under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and open the hood when the smoke faded away but did not see any visible fire. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and had two unknown recalls completed on 9/1/2021. The contact also stated he would smell fuel fumes when starting the heater. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated on 12/8/2021, while parking the vehicle, he saw smoke exiting under the hood. The contact was able to run out of the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard. The manufacturer called the contact and informed them they needed to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced until March 2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
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
Engine, Jan 14, 2022
While driving the vehicle the engine seized. Had to safely maneuver to the shoulder of the road without being hit by other vehicles.
Engine, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to Bachman Hyundai (630 Broadway St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130: (812) 282-4356) and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the recall repair needed to be completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine, Jan 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer. The vehicle was towed to Ettleson Hyundai (5631 South La Grange Road, Countryside, IL 60525). The dealer informed the contact that they would not be able to diagnose the vehicle since they were booked until the end of February. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact of Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 6, 2022
engine seized up after 2 weeks of having an oil change...stopped on highway had it towed several times from breakdowns on highway to shop they put in new battery it ran for one day and would not start had it towed to another shop was advised the engine seized up due to gunk in oil pan..had an oil change two weeks prior to incident of vehical stopping was advised the oil change was fine no problems.....contacted hyundia consumer affairs filed a complaint advised them of the situation they had me tow the car to the hyundia dealership they looked at the car told me the engine was seized due to gunk in the oil. i sent them proff of all my oil changes and maintence records.. they denied the claim said i had not enough maintence records i have only had the vehical for three years have had no problembs with the vehicle untill it hit 99.000 miles...the dealership offered to repair the engine for $7500.. i could not pay. so i had to return the vehical to finance company as i still owed a balance now i am without a vehical and in debt to the finance company. for a vehical that had been on recall..can you assist me with this situation.. I believe they should should have accepted the fault of the engine seizing due to recalled parts.....
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
My vehicle will suddenly drop in speed regardless of increasing gas, by adding pressure to the gas pedal. It is also making an odd noise from the engine. I took it to the mechanic who stated that they heard the noise but it was beyond their scope and I should take it to the dealer. I called the service department and told them the problem and also mentioned the lifetime engine warranty that Hyundai was pressured to offer. This was the statement for Hyundai at the Mall of Georgia. "Hyundai engine warranty is only on blown push rods." I stated what happens if the car suddenly dies or engine blows while driving 70mph on Interstate 85. All power being lost causing an accident and injuring or killing people. He stated, "I'm just telling you what Hyundai said!" This will cost Hyundai much more than engine replacement. I am suppose to here from them 12/30. I have been wait for two weeks after being put off twice. Please address for saving lives. Sending copies to media as well. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).