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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Jan 27, 2024
The vehicle started making a very loud noise and shaking
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a greasy taillight bulb, and then later diagnosed with starter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that four years earlier the engine was replaced due to metal shavings being found in the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Seat belts, Engine, Jan 20, 2024
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2 recalls that Hyundai are refusing to fix. My engine has been consuming oil since 10/15/2023. 2-3 quartz oil has to be put in the car every 5 days. Some of the recalls were satisfied on 11/15/2023. I took my car South Shore Hyundai located at 360 Sunrise Hwy, Valley Stream, NY 11581 on 1/4/2024 They are refusing to replace the engine . my car was under warranty at the time of the recall. However, I never received a letter to notify me of the recall. Everything the recall states my engine has been doing. I reached out to the corporate office with no resolution. Hyundai says I have to be the original owner which is absurd. After careful research I see where they have replaced vehicles similar to this nature free of charge after consumers hired a lawyer, which I can't afford at the moment. My 23 year old daughter uses the car for work and I fear for her safety. I am replacing the fuel injectors and spark plugs today as suggested by the dealer. I am asking for help in getting the engine approval for replacement. Thank you.
Engine, Jan 19, 2024
Coolant & engine oil is going somewhere. I have to check everyday to make sure coolant & oil is in. Check engine light started flashing & car jerking back. Diagnostic codes:P1326 & P2096
Engine, Jan 19, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving at approximately 35–45, there was smoke entering the vehicle through the vents. The driver was able to pull over, and upon exiting the vehicle, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. The police extinguished the fire, and a report was filed. There were no reported injuries. crash or air bag deployment. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
Hyundai recall 23V651000 has no remedy after 4 months of the start of the recall.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Firerelated, Jan 9, 2024, fire
The engine went into smoke and caught on fire. Resulting in damage to the vehicle ultimately causing to be totaled.
Engine, Jan 6, 2024
The car's engine has a loud rattling noise, the engine vibrates, the check engine flashes, and it lost much of its power . The characteristics of the Recall 162 which has already passed and was fine at that time.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
When headlights are turned on, rear window brakelight stays illuminated but both the right and left rear brake lights do not illuminate when foot brake pedal is depressed.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 21, 2023
Engine failure driving on the freeway. Many of the clusters in the dash suddenly lite up, check engine light also multiple warning lights.Suddenly vehicle would not accelerate. Feels like my life as well as my passengers were put at risk. Cars suddenly passing us at freeway speeds. As I pulled to the shoulder of cars were very close to hitting ours. Then when we pulled over we saw smoke coming out of the hood of the car and imediately smelled gas or plastic burning. We got out of vehicle thinking that the car might carch on fire.. The police pushed our car out the freeway to a safe zone. Had the car towed to a shop and confirmed engine failure. As of now the vehicle will not start.We are frightened that there may be a gas leak that might cause an explosion or engine may fail again while driving.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. In addition, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering column. Most recently, while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal required excessive force to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated that it was discovered that an unknown liquid was leaking underneath the front of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that all the drive belts had fractured, and there was a fracture in the oil line and the radiator. The brakes had failed due to the calipers sticking and failed choppers and readers. The mechanic recommended that the radiator, electronic steering bushing, front calipers, pads, and readers be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
My husband and I were driving down i-65 near Montgomery Alabama on 11/17/2023 when all of the warning lights came on and the vehicle lost power. We immediately swerved into the emergency lane to avoid a major accident on a heavily traveled interstate. We arranged for a tow to a repair shop in Montgomery where they diagnosed the problem as an engine seize up. The engine has to be replaced, and the estimated cost was $7,074.81. I did an internet search and discovered others had had the same problem with other Sonatas. My husband contacted the dealership where we bought the car and asked if there was any special program for this type of failure. The service manager was polite, professional and diligent. She looked up the VIN number and confirmed that our vehicle had had all the required maintenance. She said there seemed to be an extended warranty program, but any repairs would have to be approved by the manufacturer. Such approvals could take as long as 60 days. We had the vehicle towed and am awaiting word on next steps. I'm grateful my we weren't killed in an accident on I-65, and the engine failure didn't cause injuries or death to others. The contact stated the local Hyundai Service Center claims they have a backlog and lack the personnel to perform the diagnostic and subsequent repair.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speed, the vehicle sputtered and then became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test was still pending. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while the wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, an abnormal engine noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. After parking on the side of the road and exiting the vehicle, moments later flames and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment and the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was deemed destroyed and towed away. A police report and fire report were taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the engine stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic to the residence. The mechanic arrived and informed the contact that the engine had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2023
My vehicle has an engine safety recall and Hyundai is refusing to fix it. They are giving every excuse in order he book not to repair it. It is a dangerous safety issue. Thank you
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Engine (Electronics / electric) Cruise Speed Sixty mph (+ / - ) Engine Power Ceases: RPM Instant decrease to Below Idle (Driver Display Indicator Blank {No Warning Light} Safety Halt To Roadside. Hear Engine continues Rotating Power "ON" Below Normal Idle Rpms. :Time Varies One minute - Sometimes Two Minutes: Suddenly Normal Idle Power RPMs - Driver's Dispay Illuminates with normal data Information (No Warning Light {Normal} ) Can Accelerates / drives Normally at any chosen Speed Occurance Distance Varies: Forty Miles From Start Point, {approx Last Week September 2023: October 21, 2023, Morning: From Start Point, {approx one-quarter mile distance.
Engine, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and rattling sound and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and the sound had become louder. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Sep 29, 2023, fire
2013 Sonata engine fire on 9/21/2023. Insurance totaled car Engine replace on 1/6/22I by dealership with reman sub engine 1) Engine aluminum flared gas line from engine fuel pump to cylinders was cracked and leaked gas. Gas line replaced 2/11/23 by another dealership. Progressive Insurance company inspected 2) engine caught fire 3) problem reproduced? Don't know 4) Progressive inspected car 5)Car was working great. No engine codes or problems. Gas smell was noticed few days prior to engine fire
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
When activating gas pedal, there is a rattling and grinding when in motion and then it subsides. When stopped at light or intersection, when giving gas again, the rattling and grinding resumes. Car seemed to be running a little louder than it's ever been since purchasing a few years ago. At no time has there been any dashboard lights or warnings prompting any problems with engine, low oil or anything else which is what the dealer service center is now telling me is an issue with engine needing to be replaced. Current issues have not been occuring very long which causes me to give the service center a call for an appointment in the first place. Vehicle was dropped off a week ago today, Friday, 9/22/2023, waiting for parts. Currently no work has been done to my vehicle and is sitting on the service center's lot. Was told it will take quite a while to get parts. I've had a rental since Monday of this week and I'm scheduled to return it this evening. Rental is and was expensive and I don't have a spare vehicle to get back and forth to work. Service center hasn't offered a loaner vehicle or suggested a rental company that will provide reasonable rates and collaboration with them. I just want my vehicle fixed and not have to repair cost that would be equal to me just getting another vehicle which is what the quoted cost to repair my vehicle is equivalent to.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2023
This vehicle consumes/burns oil at an alarming rate (1-2 quarts each month). I have taken it to both an independent mechanic and Hyundai, and nothing has been found to be failed. However, this is common enough with Sonatas that I was told that this is "common with Sonatas". This has been going on for well over a year. My concern is if/when the engine locks up while driving.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Car continues to have inconsistent acceleration, hesitation, and sometimes lurches forward. On two occasions, the car felt like it was just going to turn off while driving. I was driving about 75 mph on I295 and driving about 15 mph on a residential road during the second occurrence. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I feel as though I am not in complete control of the acceleration but am mostly concerned with the car stopping on it's own. I am very scared I'm going to be hit by the car(s) behind me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have an appointment in October for the car to be evaluated by a dealer. I hope it doesn't happen again before then. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The only time a warning lamp came on was during the second episode when the car felt like it was going to turn off; the engine light came on and immediately off.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2023
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata lost acceleration power while on the road requiring an emergency departure from the road and it fails to acceleration beyond. Placed vehicle in park and attempted to proceed home but was only able to drive 5 to 10 mph max creating a dangerous situation for my fellow commuters and myselt. After about a few block I let the vehicle cool down and attempted to proceed home. The car would only go up to 5 mph requiring me to avoid rear end collisions. Ultimately, requiring a tow vehicle to bring it home. Our neighbor indicated it is the MAP sensor which was changes with no improvement to the car's acceleration issues. Checked all the fluids and assured they were correct. This vehicle has place me and others in a dangerous and potentially fatal situations.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
My engine seized while driving down a mountain and I had no acceleration at the bottom of the mountain. If I would have been in front of an 18 wheeler while experiencing this failure there is a good chance I would have been in a wreck. Luckily I was not in traffic and was able to find a place to pull over at. There is no where to pull over safely on said mountain unless you’re an 18 wheeler. There is a recall on my engine by Hyundai corporate but there are no dealerships servicing the recall anywhere I can find. The vehicle has not been inspected yet because they are trying to charge me $150 for the inspection that the Hyundai website says is free for the recall. There was no warning to this happening, there was no engine light, oil light, or anything that came on before the engine gave out on me while driving.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle in front of her stopped abruptly, prompting her to slam on the brakes. The contacts vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle, which caused her to crashed into the vehicle in front of her.The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the crash caused her to hit her head. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency services. The contact did not recall whether she had sustained a head injury. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated upon taking the vehicle to a local Pep Boys for oil change, she was informed that the oil gasket was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil gasket was replaced, and the oil change was completed. The contact stated that she later noticed that the vehicle had consumed 2 quarts of oil after 2,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who requested service records in order to perform an oil consumption test. The contact stated that the failure increased to 4 quarts of oil after 2,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed and the contact was informed to return every 1,000 miles for additional testing. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not provide assistance unless the engine was knocking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine And Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500.