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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Feb 26, 2023
My Sonata has been burning through oil. I have to add a quart about every 1000 miles or less. I am getting my oil changed frequently due to this problem. I was told at my mechanic's that this is a common issue with 2013 Sonata's. I don't know if there is anything else wrong but my engines lights come on and the car is having issues getting to speed limits on highways as it is very sluggish.
Engine, Feb 19, 2023
Rod bearing
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
While driving for approximately 10 minutes, all service lights in the dash came on and the engine cut off completely. The car was able to start and was taken to a mechanic where the PO1326 code was recorded. The car was taken to Hyundai and they couldn’t replicate it. Approximately 5 hours after picking my car up the services lights came on and the car stopped working. Now it is locked up and will not turn over.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and the vehicle would no longer properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine oil needed to be flushed, and an unknown sensor light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2023
My engine seized up and the car just stopped as I was driving. I had it towed to the dealership to be fixed and they said there was a recall but they couldn't fix it because my car is over 120000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light then became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and case was filed; however, the mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Engine, Jan 22, 2023
My sonata uses oil about a quart every 1000 miles. The acceleration is weak and there's no warning lights on in the dash. The lifters will start chattering and I'll stop and put a quart to a quart and a half in it. The cruise control alot of times will not work and when it does a lot of times you have to mash the buttons hard and several times. My sonata is ready to be inspected at anytime.
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made ticking sounds, and then the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her sister's residence and then to the dealer. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer was awaiting the manufacturer's approval for the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the engine replaced in 2019. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that he had been adding a quart of engine oil to the vehicle every 1,000 – 1,500 miles. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that it was a known failure. The contact stated while driving 65 PMH, the vehicle began to stall and sputtered. Additionally, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft was releasing metal shavings into the oil. The dealer completed unknown repairs on the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Roswell Hyundai (1909 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201) where unknown repairs were completed; however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the engine replacement as the failure was not significantly severe. The contact stated that both dealers informed him that he would need to continue driving the vehicle until the engine experienced a complete failure; then, the manufacturer would cover the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the vehicle, with an abnormal fuel odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle at the scene. The contact called the dealer who linked the failure to the fuel line. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Engine, Dec 15, 2022
I was driving to working and I was going about 75 mph and then I started losing power. My speed reduced to slowly and a loud knocking was coming from my car. There was hesitation and shaking as I drove it to the side of the road. As I tried to accelerate to safely move to the side of the road the knocking continued. There is a lot of shaking. The next day the car would shaking and knock for 10-15 seconds and then shut off completely.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Firerelated, Dec 5, 2022, fire
The car caught on fire while my family was driving it. Nearly killing them in the fire. Witnesses say the fire started underneath the car then went to the engine. There is a TSB recall 227 on those types of cars indicating the fuel tube needed replacement. This car was serviced last in September with an engine replacement at Hyundai dealership. That day the check engine light came on. Police was called, insurance is investigating. Have not contacted manufacturer.
Engine, Dec 3, 2022
I was driving on the freeway when suddenly my car turned off and no warning lights came on. I towed to my mechanic where he tested the starter and battery. He tested the crank to find out the engine is frozen.
Engine, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was 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 made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement due to the vehicle not having the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign performed. The contact had not yet received notification of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The failure mileage was 120,970.
Engine, Nov 28, 2022
Hello, We experienced a failure on our 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN [XXX] under NHTSA Recall number 17V22600. The engine failed on 6/21/22. Was at the dealer on 6/22/22. See attached repair order. Recall claim was approved on 7/26/2022. NHTSA Recall number 17V22600. Yes, it was over a month before they looked at the car. Hyundai case number [XXX]. Hyundai said it was expedited. We needed a car. We were not given a loaner car until 7/26/2022 and were told we could apply for a rental car reimbursement if the claim was approved. We rented a car from 6/22/2022 until 7/26/2022. Submitted the rental car information to Hyundai on 7/27/2022. They didn’t give it a case number until 8/8/2022. Rental car case number [XXX]. Since then I have emailed and called many times. [XXX]and[XXX]. I have left several messages for my case manager and her supervisor. [XXX] I’m always told they are not in and nobody else can help me with my reimbursement. Never received a return call. It’s been over five months since I’ve paid for the rental with no payment. See attached status I would like to lodge a complaint regarding how Hyundai fails to handle NHTSA recalls (repair and rental cars) and see if there is any way you could help expedite payment with Hyundai? Thank you for your help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 26, 2022
We were travelling from Minnesota to Arkansas to see our family for thanks giving on 11/24/2022. Car engine starts blinking and engine started to make rattling noise. Took exit and pull over our car in one of the gas station. It was closed, this was our first road trip and first time in Iowa. Called insurance and towed our car to O'reaily auto part. They found out the error code p1326 which is related to engine issue. Looked for nearby Hyundai dealership and booked hotel near them. We went to Hyundai dealer at 7:00am on Friday 11/25/2022. We told them what happened. They told us they will check in our car. We waited from 7am to 1:30pm our car was still outside. At 2pm service manager came and said they cant check our car. We booked rental car ourselves and decided to come back home. We forgot our apartment key went back to get it and they had already started to diagnose our car thinking we are gone. Service guy told me that's engine failure every Hyundai is facing now. My car have 61k miles on it and I bought it in 2020 from Hyundai dealership. I still have 9k loan to pay this car and i cannot afford new car or new engine. I do not have car now and they are saying it can take months to repair my car if it gets approved for engine replacement. Hyundai is playing with my life and put me in depression. I have no option other than to cry. I am feeling so helpless now. Nothing and nobody seems helpful. I try my best to do anything i can and i am just waiting for coming Monday for Hyundai to make excuse to not fix my car. Hyundai is playing with lots of people life. This might be small for them but not for a working people like us. My life is messed up because of them. I cannot sleep at night and I have been calling everywhere if I can get help.
Engine, Nov 26, 2022
Recently when I’m driving on either the freeway or the streets, I’ll get a delayed response in the throttle when I hit the gas. This is very concerning because it has happened once already on the freeway with cars behind me. Prior to this I noticed traction control light randomly turned on at the dash.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who indicated that the engine had failed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 162,000.
Engine, Nov 3, 2022, fire
The car was being driven on the freeway with a stop and go traffic. Then the engine started making strange noises, suddenly unknown warning lights appeared on dashboard, and the engine stopped working. The car was restarted again, then smoke started coming out from the vents. The car was pulled over to the side of the freeway, smoke started coming out from the side of the hood. When the hood was opened there was fire that eventually died down without using fire extinguisher or water. The car was then brought to trusted mechanic and the insurance totaled it due to fire.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
Out of the blue, car engine made a knocking noise. When I checked the oil, there was no oil in my car. I bought 5qts of oil. I periodically check the ground under my car. No sign of leak. At oil change service, asked my guy to check for oil leak. Was told, no leak. 3 months later, this happen again but both times, the low oil indication light never came on. Now I have a check engine light and my car is not running at all
Engine, Oct 13, 2022
The contact's customer owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his customer was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting the hood of the vehicle, his customer noticed that the oil reservoir was empty and he dispensed up to 4 quarts of oil. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where an oil consumption test was initiated and a combustion cleaning was performed. The dealer advised the contact’s customer to drive the vehicle up to 5,000 miles. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced that the customer had received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to a salvaged title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2022
Was driving down the highway doing about 70 miles per hour engine just flats out stalls on me. Was trying to merge over to get out traffic had no power and almost got hit by semi.Wait 5 minutes and restart car. Car started Making clicking noise and gave it gas went a little bit and stalled out and would not restart. Contact a manufacturer said there is an issue With the engines but does not know if it qualifies for their extend warranty.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 6, 2022
I was driving down the street and the all the dashboard lights came on and suddenly the car died. My safety was put at risk because it was near the entrance of the highway on ramp. The car was towed to a local shop where they performed diagnostic testing. Upon further inspection, the shop replaced the starter. However, car will not turn on. Shop stated engine had had failed. The shop stated the car needs to be towed to a Hyundai dealership due to recalls of other Hyundai vehicles. My car is not included in the recall campaign. Prior to the car stopping, there were no warning lights or engine problems prior.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2022, fire
While driving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata, I smelled fuel fumes coming through my a/c vents for several minutes. I shut the a/c off and rolled the windows down. White smoke began billowing out of my exhaust tail pipe then from under the hood. Being in the far left lane of a five lane freeway, other motorists and I were placed in danger as I had to travel across all lanes of traffic as my vehicle billowed thick white smoke into the air limiting the clear view of other motorists and increasing the chance of causing collisions. I pulled over to the shoulder of the freeway and then lost all power steering and brakes on my vehicle. I applied the emergency brake and brought my vehicle to a stop then turned it off. I looked at the temperature gauge and it read normal range but the check engine light came on along with several other dash lights. Once I turned the vehicle off, flames and billowing smoke began coming from under my hood. Four to five minutes later the fire extended to the cabin then the vehicle was fully engulfed. The fire department arrived and extinguished the vehicle fire. Prior to this drive, I have not smelled any fuel leaks or fuel odor inside or outside of the vehicle. It appears a fuel delivery component was the cause of the issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights were blank. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.