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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Aug 23, 2023
Vehicle died while on a city street, it could not be restarted. It was in the middle of the street with oncoming traffic on both sides. The vehicle would not start for Firestone or the Hyundai dealership. After signing over the car to the dealership on 6/30/23, it was inspected by the service department over a month and a half later (8/9/23). They now say it was part of a safety recall and Hyundai approved it for a new engine. When the vehicle died, there was no warning signs, messages, smoke, sounds, or any other symptoms prior to failure.
Engine, Aug 19, 2023
I had my original motor replaced with a REMANUFACTURED motor from Hyundai in June of 13 due to faulty headgasket upon pick up of the vehicle 2 days later the REMANUFACTURED motor starting having the same symptoms as the original motor with failing headgasket…I took it to Hyundai of Las Vegas who claims everything is fine when it’s not they told me to take the car back when it’s not safe and to bring it back when the coolant and or oil is empty I have a 12 month 12k mile warranty they they are trying to push off the problem tell it’s up so they don’t have to warranty it
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Aug 10, 2023
The engine knocking plus seat belt doesn’t work
Engine, Jul 30, 2023
Hi, while driving on the highway. My car lost power. The engine started knocking and got stock on the middle of the road.
Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Just financed a 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS in June, '23. On July 24th,' 23 with approx 91K miles on the car, I was traveling on Interstate-75 N and without any indication that something was going wrong, the engine siezed up and the battery, engine and oil lights all came on simultaneously. I had 2 children, a dog, bicycles mounted on the back, a roof storage bag on top, etc. because we were on the way home from a camping trip. When the engine siezed, I was in the middle of 3 lanes of traffic moving at highway speed, as well as right beside an additional flow of on-ramp traffic entering I-75. I don't even know how we made it to the side of the highway without being smashed in to a million pieces. Just suddenly had ZERO engine power in the middle of the highway, trying to coast on to the side of the road while NO ONE cared that my hazard lights were flashing. We could have all been killed! Ended up baking in the sun, terrified of being hit for over 2 hours on the side of the highway while I made sixteen phone calls trying to get help. And all the idiot drivers not only didn't move over to allow us safe space, but some even rode so close that they were on the rumble strip! We were originally supposed to be home at 2pm. After a towing bill of $427.00, we arrived at 7pm. Now the car is sitting at the dealership while they fight with Hyundai to replace the engine which they said could take months! Meanwhile, to prove that my life is merely a series of sick jokes, one after another, the dealership gave me the EXACT SAME CAR (2013 Black, Hyundai Sonata GLS) as a "loaner." The loaner has already had the engine replaced for the same scenario and currently has 233,000 miles on it! I'm traumatized, I travel hundreds of miles for work every week and now I'm scared to death that I'm going to end up stranded all over again in this loaner car. There are group support pages about this engine failure, all over the internet! Even the replacement engines are failing!
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
my 2013 hyundai sonata has 121,000 miles. The car is making a knocking sound and it's coming from under the hood (engine). While I was driving the car, the car tried to stall and loss power suddenly and almost cause an accident. Hyundai does have an lawsuit against this, but will they fix my car without warranty?
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2023
HE99 P cabin filter DR Break LightV Air Filter Oil Leak Poss Oil Pan. Now having engine problems and my car was taken to Pennsylvania. My car started smoking.
Engine, Jul 16, 2023
Engine is froze ! Car is disabled!
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
2013 Hyundai sonata engine recalls were there. In 2021 November my check engine light is on and reported to Hyundai as well as they asked me to take it to dealer and took it to feldman new Hudson n Michigan and they told me that they did not detect and charged me and they told me that if I replace the lights or some things they I can avoid the charges and again in april2023 light on reported to Hyundai and took to the dealer and they told me that they do not find any error code now again in June 2023 check engine light on reported to Hyundai and took to the delaer LaFontaine Hyundai mi and they dianoized and charged as well as they told me that because of loose oil cap and charged for that s well. Now in July 2023 again engine light is on and informed Hyundai on daily basis for the same and they are saying will call u back but almost 7 days as of 071/13/2023 and no one reached out to me back.
Engine, Jul 7, 2023
Driving on a busy interstate with my children, My 2013 Hyundai Sonata started giving hesitation and began to stall out while driving at interstate speeds of 75 MPH and completely dropped to 35 MPH at its own will. I had to limp vehicle off the highway and on to the shoulder to prevent a accident I had to safely drive the shoulder a half a mile to the nearest exit to prevent a sideswipe and couldn’t get vehicle to accelerate anything over 35 mph to the safe destination that I was trying to get my vehicle too. Engine light did not have any indication that there was a problem until after vehicle shut down
Engine, Jul 3, 2023
Hyundai NHTSA Campaign Number 17V-226 metal debris engine damage recall. My Hyundai Sonata engine was replaced by AAA car care center at 6517 Richmond Rd Williamsburg, Virginia 23188-7204in August/September 2022. Hyundai refuses to reimbursement cost. The General Manager contact phone is [XXX] Opt. [XXX]. Please advise, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jul 3, 2023
My vehicle suddenly started to hesitate at a stop light and lunge forward, and the check engine light came on. After trying to drive 45 mph down a road, and get on a highway to avoid stoplights, the vehicle started to gradually slow down and would not accelerate. I managed to drop it off at a nearby auto shop (on a Sunday) and then went in the next day to see what the diagnosis was, and they said I was down 3 quarts of oil and the engine has a serious defect P1326 code, meaning it is consuming oil in parts of the engine it should not be entering. They recommended an entirely new engine, at a cost of around $8000.00, for a 2013 Hyundai Sonata that is not even worth $3500. I have researched this problem, and apparently Hyundai and Kia are actively in a lawsuit over this very problem on many of their vehicles. They are refusing to take responsibility for this issue and are trying to put the repairs on to the customer, for a defect that is a serious safety issue. The car can suddenly stop while on a highway. Hyundai needs to correct this issue for all customers. Unfortunately, we own two Sonata's (and an Elantra that doesn't seem to have the same engine problem) and so we are now faced with suddenly having to find alternate transportation for two vehicles that we have to check the oil levels on daily, and add as indicated, since the engine is consuming the oil at a rapid rate. For clarity, I had only driven approximately 2000 miles after my most recent oil change, and this issue occurred, when I should have been able to drive a minimum of 3000-5000 miles without concern.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2023, fire
While driving car engine compartment caught on fire. Unknown to me two passing motorist alerted me I pulled over at that time engine was on fire. Fire extuginsh using extuginsher. Car towed to major hyundai of Stroudsburg 1534 north main Stroudsburg PA.
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
My vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light started flashing June 8 2023. I took to Mike the mechanic and they changed a knock sensor. Picked up car and the car lost acceleration and the check engine light started flashing AGAIN! The car has been sitting at the dealership since June 13. I've talked with hyundai corporate and given a case number bit my car hasn't even been looked at yet! I'm told my car has a lifetime warranty but I can't afford this rental for $300 a week! I'm on week 3 now. The dealership and corporate are not being helpful AT ALL!!! I need my car back asap!
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
In mid-May I was on my way to a funeral about 3 and a half hours away. While going about 80 mph on the interstate, several lights appeared and my car quickly decelerated and would not accelerate. Luckily I had just gotten past the barriers on either side and was able to over to the left of the interstate. I turned the car off, waited a minute, and turned it back on. There were no lights and it accelerated fine. On the way home from the funeral I noticed a small rattling noise (like an acorn in the hood or something). I quickly made an appointment with the dealership to have the fuel injector recall fixed and to have them check on the noise. They claimed they couldn't do anything if there weren't any lights current on. They also claim they didn't hear the noise when they drove around. A month later I'm on the interstate in the far left, the check engine light starts flashing, my car decelerates and I am unable to accelerate. I went from 80 to 60 in a dangerously short time. I put on my flashers and fortunately other drivers let me over so I could pull off on the shoulder. I shutter to think what would have happened if other cars had not been paying attention. I called Triple AAA to have it towed to the dealership. The dealership let me know they had about 50 Sonatas ahead of me on the waiting list to get a new engine (a huge RED FLAG). I still don't know if I need a new engine because they haven't looked at it yet. But I do know that Hyundai better do a recall soon because not everyone will be as fortunate as I was while on the interstate. This will have deadly consequences if not remedied soon. Mileage: 91, 561
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The engine lost power while getting on the highway. I was able to let off the gas and then go again. This happened several times. I took the car to the dealer where I bought it new. I found out that there was a recall on the brake stopper. The dealership never mentioned this. They said the program was over and charged me $231 for a part that was recalled. Are they allowed to not inform us of recalls? Please advise. The dealership is Keith Hawthorne Hyundai in Gastonia NC. 704-824-6010
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
My nephew purchase a 2013 Hyundai Sonata in November 2022. Drove lease than 4 months and motor locked-up. My wife nephew purchase a 2016 Hyundai and his motor locked-up as well. Both took their vehicles to CMA Colonial Hyundai in Chester Virginia. However, the nephew with the 2016 got a new engine from Hyundai free of charge. The nephew with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata was informed that the Hyundai will not replace his engine due to like of maintenance by previous owner. Subject vehicle has been at Colonial Hyundai about three months now. During my research from other mechanics Hyundai have had many problems with engine locking up. My nephew reported the car lost power and would not start. (?) what's when driving on major highway and loses power. Not sure if reported as a major problem across the United States.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal became firm, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that she swerved from one lane to the other to avoid a crash. The vehicle then lost motive power in the middle of the highway and failed to restart. The contact and the other passengers remained in the vehicle for their safety. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied assistance in repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
Engine had reduced power, then I heard a noise from engine area that increased when RPM increased then engine stopped running while driving on expressway. Vehicle still will turn over thus no apparent problems with battery or starter. Looking up VIN showed Hyundai Campaign 162 lists my vehicle for engine recall campaign however your website does not list any recalls when entering VIN on your site. VIN [XXX]. Please confirm. My email is [XXX] or call me [XXX] Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 17, 2023
Excessive oil consumption! About a quart per 500 miles!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
Car has been knocking for a couple of months now, check engine started flashing and it lost acceleration. Towed to shop and code for knock sensor was reading bad. Shop replaced knock sensor, I picked car up and drove away and it happened again. Engine light flashing and lost acceleration, took back to shop and the next day which would be today they said take to the dealer cause it's still reading for knock sensor. My 2013 hyundai sonata 2.0 is now at the dealership in line with the rest of the seized engines. So I have spent $800 ($613 for shop and $200 rental car) and my car is still not drivable. Now I'm back in a rental at$300 a week until hyundai diagnose, test, and approve the process of fixing the issue with my 2013 hyundai sonata 2.0, it has a life time warranty! This will be the second 2013 hyundai sonata I have owned with the engine seizing up! Back in Nov. 2021 I went thru this very same thing!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2023
I purchased the car used on 12/2/2022. Drove on local roads until 12/28/2022 then took the car on the high way for the first time, whiel driving 60 mph for approximately 5 minutes and warning siren came on and flashing dashboard that said to stop driving immediately, and pull to the side of the road if possible an electrical failure or battery failure and not power to battery or elctrical system. I pulled to the side fo the road, and got towed by AAA to Key Hyundai in Milford, CT. They kept the car for over 22days, and charged me $3148. Number 3 on the repair documet is Steering concern:ABS and traction control light DTC- it said it was a steering angle sensor circuit and they put a flexible coupling and removed and replaced sterring cupler and calibrated sterring angle sensor and reflash check. The car is leaking some type of fluid and still lurching which can cause an accident.
Engine, May 30, 2023
My 2013 Hyundai sonatas engine seized up while I was drive it. Lucky, I made it to a parking lot before it completely just died. The car only has 114,000 miles on it and I’ve only had it for a year and a half with no other major issues.
Air bags, Engine, May 17, 2023, crash
Something with the motor
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2023
Was losing power while driving, oil consumption issues (had to add oil every 1000 miles). Engine started knocking and went into limp mode, had it towed to dealership where they said they fixed it ($1100). Less then a week later while driving on the highway lost lower, went into limp mode (89 mph to 15 mph in seconds) and was almost hit by a semi truck. Car has been sitting at the dealership since May 2022, they said I need a new engine but Hyundai declined.