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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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: exterior lighting
197 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2023
The brake lights and headlights keep going out within a few month of changing the bulbs
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2023
Brake lights work inconsistently, burn hot, melt sockers, fall out of sockets and melt carpeted covers. Safety and fire concerns. Much info on this problem from other owners on various sites. PLEASE force Hyundai to fix these issues.
Exterior lighting, Jan 4, 2023
The brake lights keep blowing every time I replace them & have read other cases where light casing may melt when the bulb blows
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 21, 2022
I have been having problems with the electrical system in this car since I had it. The lighting is so dim that you can even see anything while driving at night. I have gone back and forth with Hyundai and the dealership to get a resolution but they keep telling me that nothing is wrong and that I need to replace all of the housings. I don't feel that I should have to do this because they have even had lighting that has burned out because of how hot they get. I have replaced the harnesses because they told me to replace but the electrical issues are all around the car. My lights are constantly flickering even when they are turned off. There are multiple consumers with the same issues in this model and other model cars in that range. I have made videos of the problems and provided to them and they still do nothing. This is affecting my safety.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2022
My back passenger tail light has failed twice. When the bulb gets hot, it melts the plastic housing and falls out. Since the bulb can’t be replaced, the whole tail light assembly has to be replaced. This is a fire safety hazard, as well as a costly repair to replace the the whole tail light assembly. Consumers should be able to replace a tail light bulb without having to replace the whole tail light assembly at a cost of over $400 (parts & labor)
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the braking system malfunctioned and the vehicle would not immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to be extended. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the front headlights would flicker off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 22, 2022
When using the turn signal the headlights turn off. A search of the internet shows this is a common occurrence for the car as multiple people have posted on boards that this is the result of the multifunction switch. This is a highly dangerous situation for both the driver and/or other cars on the road as if you attempt to signal a turn or try to place the high beams on you will lose loss of sight due to the headlights shutting off. This should be listed as a recall item for the car.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated noticed both bulbs of the taillights were inoperable. The contact stated that he was changing the bulbs and noticed that the bulb assemblies were melted on to the bulbs, not allowing for the bulbs to be removed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair had to be paid out of pocket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 17, 2022
I have contacted the Hyundai headquarters several times, about what I believe to be an electrical problem in my vehicle. The lights (break and drive) in my vehicle continue to blow out, even after being replaced numerous times. My break light casing has melted, as a result of what I believe to be associated with a previous recall. This recall, caused break lights to remain on, which caused overheating and burning. I took my car to the dealership to service this problem after being instructed to do so be a representative. However, I was informed that there was no issue, that needed to be serviced. However, I continue to experience this issue. I have witnessed countless Hyundai’s being driven by other drivers and they too, seem to experiencing malfunctioning break lights. I even paid to have a diagnostic test completed at the Hyundai dealership, in an attempt to rectify the problem. However, I was informed the there was no electrical issue present. This is a huge safety concern, because driving without properly working lights, is illegal and I have received traffic violations for doing so. It is extremely unsafe, due to having the ability to cause accidents on the road. If other drivers are not aware of my vehicle stopping or even being on the road, due to improperly displayed lights. It creates a huge safety concern. Recently, I’ve begun to smell gas coming from my vehicle and then I received the recall notice associated with the fuel pump. Since then, I have received a second notice regarding this recall. Neither letter, addresses when my vehicle will be serviced. I am extremely nervous to drive my vehicle, due to the fuel leakage and the ability that it can cause a fire in my engine. I am extremely displeased with Hyundai, and I no longer want this vehicle. Since purchasing this car, there have been several recalls. Additionally, I have attempted to speak with Hyundai directly, and they have refused to assist me further.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2022
THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE TRACTION LIGHT IS ON AND THE TAILIGHTS STAY ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF FOUND BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON DUE TO FAILED BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER. REPLACED BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PER TSB 18-BE-010
Exterior lighting, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while replacing the rear driver’s side taillight bulb and pulling out the socket assembly, the plastic melted onto the socket making it difficult to remove the bulb. The contact removed the light socket and the bulb fractured. The dealer was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall and that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2022
My back left brake light is out. It's been out for a few months now. I took it to Hyundai and they said I needed a new lamp. Recently I started taking pictures of other sonata's when I'm out and a lot of other vehicles I've seen have the same problem.
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2022
My rear tail lights on both sides keep burning holes through the plastic then burning out this takes place all with in a week I’ve had to replace the light harness 3 times on both sides already and I’ve wen down on the voltage on the lights. Neither worked. This is a safety concern as I e read on multiple post that there trunks have caught fire because of this. In which I’ve smelled smoke on multiple occasions and then noticed the harness to be burnet out and the light to be blown. I have children that ride in the back seat that require help. This problem needs to be fixed before someone’s life is taken.
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact's father inspected the taillights, removed the taillight housings, and noticed that the taillight housings were melted. The contact stated that she had replaced the bulbs on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the low and high beam headlights failed to illuminate and was replaced on several occasions. Additionally, the driver’s and passenger’s side taillights were inoperable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the taillight assemblies replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2021
My husband keeps replacing the left passenger side brake light and when he called the dealer he was told that they know of the issue but there isn’t a recall on it. Today 10/20/21 he went to replace the bulb again because it was out he noticed that as he was pulling the bulb the light came on. When he moved the harness around the light bulb would turn on and turn off. He went to autozone and one of the associates told him the same thing the deal told me, that they knew of the issue but there wasn’t a recall on it. He said that’s what they told him when he encounter the same issue I was having with my vehicle. His girl friend has the same vehicle as I do. It is available for inspection, unknown, yes it has been confirmed by the dealer, it has been inspected by my husband job AAA, and no warning lights appeared.
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2021
Most of my exterior bulbs burn out out constantly. Headlights at least once a year, most of the time twice a year. Brake lights/ rear license plate bulbs burn out multiple times a year. Fog lights and high beams affected too. Apart from the annoyance of constantly being pulled over and given verbal warnings, or people yelling at me, trying to help me out by letting me know that yet another bulb is out, it's a safety concern. If I'm breaking and the person behind me isn't paying attention, they could slam into me. Where I live durning certain times of the year the fog gets so thick that without fog lights, it's scary to drive. The spot where that 60 car pile up that happen in Virgina a few years ago, is part of my commute. There was a time when a fog light and a head light went out with in minutes of each other, while I was driving in snow. Now, if the bulbs I have used were cheap ones, then I would be more lenient on then burning out faster. But I'm using top tier Sylvania and Phillips bulbs. These bulbs are expensive and having to change them is costly. I've gone to dealerships and the response is always the same. "Bulbs just burn out, we'll sell you some for $30 each" That's what a Hyundai dealership near me told me when they failed my Sonata's State Inspection. I needed two break lights. I know it isn't just my car either. I've been watching Sonata's for probably about a year now, and would you know it, their brake lights are usually out (right side most often) Or their head light is out. A quick Google search is proof enough that I'm not alone.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2021
Recommended lights for brakes keep burning, causing the brake light sockets to melt. I have replaced them twice and replaced the complete tail lights and wiring. Purchasing stock tail lights, bulbs as well as after market. The bulbs continue to blow or get so hot that they are melting the plastic. My car was smoking today from the rear and upon poping my trunk it was filled with smoke from the tail lights burning. This needs to be recalled and fixed.
Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2021
The lights bulbs have burned out multiple times. The hole where the bulb fits is misshapen and is very hard to install new light bulbs (practically impossible). Reported to dealership. They said it is a known issue and that Hyundai will not fix it now. Told me to buy new lights. I did that and the bulbs are still burning out. The socket the bulb goes into is melted, the spot the light bulb goes into the light is melted. This is not safe. I have put over 10 light bulbs in the trail lights in a little over 3 years.
Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2021
Tail lights are CONSTANTLY going out. This is the second time over a 20 day period that I replaced them. It’s not normal. I’m afraid to drive at night due to this matter, as I do not want another vehicle colliding with my rear end. The bulbs are brand new but yet it’s still goes out. This matter should be looked into immediately as it is a safety hazard for nighttime drivers.
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2021
The brake light is constantly going out since I purchased this car in 2013 see other ocmplaints https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/brake-light-problems.php
Exterior lighting, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the hazard lights would independently activate without warning. The failure would return soon after the depression of the hazard light button. The failure would continue while stationery with the engine off; the contact would have to disconnect the battery to stop the failure. The contact's wife had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they disconnected that button, cleaned out the area, and checked for loose wiring. Despite the services performed on the vehicle, the failure persisted soon after repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. Vehicle has been repaired.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, May 7, 2021
SEATBELT FAILED TOO RETRACT CORRECTLY ALLOWING DOOR TO BE SHUT ON IT LEADING TOO DOOR AJAR SENSOR DAMAGE OR FAILURE LEAVING RED LIGHT AT BOTTOM OF DRIVER DOOR ALWAYS TURNED ON DRAINING BATTERY EVERY TIME OVERNIGHT. ONLY FIX FOR THIS WAS TOO REMOVE SENSOR TO PREVENT BATTERY DRAIN BUT NOW MY CAR LOCKS DOOR EVEN WITH ENGINE TURNED ON. SAFTEY ISSUE. COST OF FUEL ROADSIDE UNLOCK ASSISTANCE AND BATTERY CHECK OR REPLACEMENT COST.
Exterior lighting, Mar 15, 2021
DRIVER SIDE BREAK LIGHT BULB NO LONGER WORK PROPERLY. EVEN THOUGH ITS BEEN CHANGED IT WORKS SPORADICALLY BECAUSE THE BULB IS LOOSE IN THE SOCKET OF THE WIRE HARNESS OR THE SOCKET WILL MELT. THIS CAUSES MORE THAN ONE SAFETY ISSUE. CAR HAS NO BRAKE LIGHT ON ONE SIDE AND COULD AT ANYTIME CATCH ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP HAS SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM AMONG THESE VEHICLES BUT HYUNDAI HASN'T ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED VERY SOON. TRIED OF REPLACE HARNESSES AND BULBS.