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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2026, fire
Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.
Engine, Apr 22, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. A nearby Samaritan attempted to jump-start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that 15 minutes later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The O'Rileys, where it was diagnosed with a failed battery. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to crank. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact and the contact's son exited the vehicle. The contact stated that fire came from under the hood, and the vehicle was consumed in the fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that it was a scary event. In addition, the contact stated that her minor son was traumatized by the event. No medical treatment was reported. The Fire Department Inspector informed the contact that the source of the fire was not confirmed. The insurance company had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 2026, fire
Engine was replaced couple of months ago due to a recall and today 3/30/2026 I'm pulling up to my driveway getting home from work in my car starts smoking it catches on fire
Engine, Mar 30, 2026
Engine died because oil wasn't changed, even though the car wasn't due for an oil change and no indicator flashed on the dashboard warning us that maintenance was needed.
Engine, Mar 23, 2026
No warning whatsoever. Car drove like a dream. All maintenance up to date. Oil changes done exactly on time. All recalls completed. Then all of a sudden while on the interstate, car started knocking extremely hard, lights on dash came on and car died. Almost caused several wrecks as I was going 70mph. This happened March 2026. Vehicle is a 2013 with 105,000 miles on it. 1-owner vehicle with clean title.
Engine, Mar 13, 2026
I was driving in highway and just engine lockout and vehicle shutdown
Engine, Mar 11, 2026
3rd time in the last 6000 miles the knock sensor came on and the dealer clears it, charges me repairs and sends me home with the code cleared car. All 3 times the car imeditently kicked into limp mode while I was on the highway at high speeds, suddently being slowed without warning. When checked with a local scanner it showed P1326 code and dealers all confirmed it. First incident happened in Utah in 2023 (108949miles) and the last 2 happened in michigan in 2025(114850 miles) and now 2026 (115890 miles).
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2026
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata has a replacement 2.0T Theta II engine. Recently, it developed a fuel leak that identically matches the description of Hyundai recall Recall 22-01-047H (NHTSA #22V-312). I have attached a description of my fuel leak as assesed by a Hyundai dealership alongside a .pdf of the NHTSA safety recall report to demonstrate that the issue is identical. Hyundai corporate is refusing to acknowledge that this is an identical issue and that my exact VIN group for 2013 Sonatas should be included in this recall. This issue represents a serious risk to life and property that Hyundai is refusing to officially address. They have refused to cover repairs for this issue. Additional info: my car has 124,047 miles on the odometer, but this replacement engine only has about 26,000 miles on it.
Engine, Feb 25, 2026
Hi, I recently bought my car with a savage title, the inside of the engine in my 2013 Hyundai sonata is making a knocking noise, it has the engine light on and when I scanned it, it shows code P1326, I did some research and found out that Hyundai issued a safety recall 162 back in 2017. In the Hyundai recall webpage records it shows the recall as complete on 8/7/2020. However the engine is making the knocking noise. I took the car to the dealer (Oxmoor Hyundai in Louisville) to have it checked for that safety recall on 2/2/2026 and it was not checked until 2/12/2026 and they told me that they applied for an engine replacement that day, then on 2/18/2026 dealer reached out to me saying that my engine replacement was approved and that they were waiting for the engine to be delivered between 5 to 7 business days. Then on 2/19/2026 I received a call from the dealer and they told me that the engine replacement was not approved due to the title being savage, I asked why was that if it was a safety recall and she responded back saying that it was not a safety recall, it was just an extended warranty, I asked for more explanations on why if it was already approved why did it change the next day and they told me that I had to call the Hyundai customer service. I called the Hyundai customer service line on 2/20/2026 and they told me that they were going to reach out to the dealer about this issue. I haven't had any updates after that.
Engine, Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. A mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. The contact stated that the failure persisted. When the RPM was high, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer charged for the diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay. The contact stated that the testing should be covered by the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer charged the contact a storage fee, and a lien was placed on the vehicle, and the vehicle might be sold to pay for the storage fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the diagnostic fee would be paid by the manufacturer, and the warranty was extended. The manufacturer informed the contact that a supervisor would reach out; however, the contact was still waiting to hear from the supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine, Feb 22, 2026
Recall 162 engine died no reason Hyundai refused to replace engine 2nd submission
Engine, Feb 17, 2026
It is a known issue on several makes and years on Hyundais. excessive oil consumption. burning a quart every 375 miles. at one point we had no oil in the car at all. causing a potential major safety issue lubricating parts of the engine. etc. we have contacted Hyundai several times and brought to Hyundai dealer who has confirmed issue through a test. no warning that oil was low!
Engine, Jan 16, 2026
Engine losing power and metal shavings in oil and engining shutting off
Engine, Jan 16, 2026
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] , 2.4L Theta II GDI engine) is experiencing symptoms consistent with the known Theta II engine defects covered under prior NHTSA recalls (e.g., 17V-226) and the related class action settlement for connecting rod bearing wear due to manufacturing debris restricting oil flow. The vehicle has begun exhibiting [describe your specific symptoms here, e.g.: "a loud metallic knocking/tapping noise from the engine that increases with RPM, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds; reduced engine power and hesitation; illumination of the check engine light and/or oil pressure warning light; excessive vibration; or sudden loss of power/stalling risk"]. These issues have [escalated/worsened over time or occurred suddenly while driving]. This poses a serious safety hazard because premature bearing wear can lead to complete engine seizure or stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion, potentially at highway speeds, resulting in loss of motive power, inability to maintain speed, or increased risk of collision, injury, or fatality. I have properly maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes using the recommended full synthetic oil [add if true: "and can provide service records showing no evidence of sludge or neglect"]. Despite submitting an appeal/claim under the Hyundai Theta Engine Class Action Settlement (Case Number XXX), I received confirmation on December 30, 2025, promising a decision within 14 business days, but as of January 16, 2026, there has been no response or update despite follow-up attempts. This ongoing delay prevents me from obtaining the necessary inspection, repair, or replacement under the extended warranty/safety coverage, leaving the vehicle in a potentially unsafe condition. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as part of the pattern of Theta II engine failures in 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas, which have led to thousands of similar complaints, recalls, and investigations into untimely INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2026
While driving, vehicle slowed down abruptly and stopped. It was flashing “vehicle not safe to drive”. This happened before hen I got a new engine 2 years ago. Even with a new engine now it is happening again. I took it to Nissan Moreno Valley and paid $240 for diagnostic only to find out there a software update they had to do with a tablet. No work needed to be one just a software update hooked up to their system. Hyundai cooperate would not assist to over this fee. I like have crashed with this happening. The car just stops with no warning and it’s extremely dangerous how it cuts off while driving. Luckily I was on the streets not freeway.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Jan 3, 2026
Engine Seized while driving - took to Hyundai dealership in Newport News VA and was advised it was negligence on our part. car was just inspected 2 months prior with no issues. All repairs were completed 05/23/2023 as required by Hyundai. Car does not start and they refuse to fix it. Car engine was recalled and never replaced. Information states it was but dealership refuses to provide records showing it was replaced since it was not. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 10, 2025
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for a Lifetime Warranty engine replacement under the Theta II Class Action Settlement. The dealership is refusing coverage unless I provide maintenance records, even though the settlement prohibits denial based solely on missing records or the presence of sludge. Hyundai must prove neglect caused the failure, which has not been demonstrated. I am requesting review by the Engine Settlement Team and approval of my engine replacement.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 6, 2025
New Battery keeps dying, car not starting and when it does start it shuts off when I brake. Oil light on after I already put oil in the car
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would not be serviced under the recall. The contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle and was also offered a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Engine, Dec 5, 2025
Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] Mileage: [163,000] Summary: Theta II 2.4L GDI engine bearing failure (Recall 953 / 20V-393) – severe knocking, risk of sudden engine seizure/fire. Dealer refuses lifetime-warranty repair and forced consumer to pay towing to avoid lien/fees. Description: This vehicle is covered by NHTSA Recall 20V-393 (Campaign 953) and the court-approved Theta II engine class-action settlement providing a lifetime warranty for rod-bearing failure. The engine now has loud knocking from failed rod bearings – the exact defect addressed by the recall and settlement.On 11/28/2025 I dropped the vehicle at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston (10301 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074) for diagnosis and repair under the lifetime warranty. The dealership confirmed bearing failure but refused to repair, stating the vehicle is “not eligible” because the free Campaign 953 knock-sensor software update was never performed. No owner (current or prior) ever received any recall notice or settlement notice despite Hyundai’s legal duty to notify all registered owners.On 12/04/2025, service advisor Tevin told me to remove the car by Friday or face storage fees and possible lien sale. To avoid unlawful charges for a known safety defect, I paid $192.70 out of pocket for AAA to tow the vehicle off the lot on 12/05/2025 (receipt available).Hyundai is using its own failure to provide notice as justification to deny legitimate lifetime-warranty claims and shift costs to consumers. The unrepaired vehicle remains a serious safety hazard (engine stall/fire risk) on the road.Requested Action: Investigate Hyundai Motor America and its dealers for (1) systemic failure to notify owners of Recall 953 and the Theta II settlement, (2) wrongful denial of lifetime-warranty engine repairs, and (3) imposing towing/storage fees on consumers for admitted safety defects. I have filed a claim with the settlement administrator and can provide receipts, recorded calls, and docs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 20, 2025
Component/System Failed - Engine – connecting rod bearing wear resulting in complete engine seizure. - Engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk - Engine seizure occurred while my mechanic was driving, causing a complete loss of motive power.Created immediate risk of crash due to inability to accelerate or control vehicle. Hazard to driver, passengers, and others on the road. Reproduction/Confirmation Failure matches known defect described in Recall 17V226000: premature bearing wear leading to engine seizure. Maintenance records confirm proper service; dealership denied repair citing “owner negligence,” which is inconsistent with the recall symptoms. Inspection Engine has not been repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Vehicle was inspected by dealership service tech who determined failure was caused by negligence (text denial received). Spoke with customer service and they confirmed denial. Full maintenance records available for inspection. Hyundai requested service records - we were not able to find all service records, as some have closed, and some have files for 400 days only (jiffy lube). Warning Lamps / Symptoms No warning lamps illuminated prior to failure. Engine knocking and oil pressure loss were observed immediately before seizure. Failure was sudden and catastrophic. Additional Information / Assessment Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata, VIN [XXX] . Recall 17V226000 identifies bearing wear that may result in engine seizure. Failure is consistent with the recall defect, regardless of warranty expiration. Manufacturer has refused to perform required recall inspection or repair, citing improper negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 12, 2025
My engine recently seized on my vehicle and Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine. Per their website my vehicles engine has a lifetime warranty. This warranty is eligible for class vehicles who have has to campaign 953 reformed on their vehicles prior to engine failure. This was performed in n my vehicle on April 16, 2019. Per Hyundai’s website. I am being offered a settlement I did not take part in instead of my engine replacement and it should be illegal for them to go against their own word.
Service brakes, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and hesitated. The brake and the hybrid system warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the right side of the road and waited for her husband to arrive. The contact turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hybrid ECU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer checked the error on the brake failure light that was illuminated, but had not yet gotten a response back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hybrid ECU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions for the past three years. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that they have not heard from the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's daughter replaced the battery. A mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the VIN was included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.