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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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: fuel/propulsion system
134 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2023
This incident singled happen in a 20 or so miles on my way home commute, no freeway drive. I was driving pulling out of a parking street when I notice the vehicle tendency to pull me forward, even though I was preparing to stop. It continue to have this issue at a stop sign and traffic light. at first it was mild pull as if you are being towed. Sporadic pushing forward, but when I turned to the left I notice that the engine pick up speed on its own and the issue was exacerbated on turns to left and right. The issue continue to the point I stayed at a safety distance from other cars and the pull began to be more aggressive. I was driving slow at that point. With hazards lights on. On arrival to my home driveway and upon putting the car on park the engine RMP jump so high that scared me! The car sounded as if it would take off by its self. I had the foot on my brake and did not pump at that point. I took car to the dealership the next day and it continue to pull at sporadic times I drove slow and cautiously . Noticing that the pull got worse driving on a straight street versus the day before only on turns having more aggressive forward acceleration pulls. The dealer has check the car and has not been able to detect the problem with computer codes and apparently have not been able to reproduce the issue after driving the car. The mechanic, told me to take pictures of engine light if when I drive it has issues, and the light comes up. But not other solution was given.
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, 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2023
Fuel line is leaking as with the recall, but my car shows that it is not part of the recall 189...fuel tube. Problem is the same as the recall campaign 189
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2023
I have owned my car about a year. There were no problems from the beginning but just a few days ago I was waiting in my car and turned the heater on. The strong smell of fuel came through the vents I immediately shut off the vents and took the car home and did not drive it for a few days. After a inspection from myself to see if I could find the issue nothing was found and so I took the car into a shop to have them inspect it. They quickly found that the metal high pressure fuel line was leaking at the connection to the fuel pump. They said I was lucky that the car had not caught on fire during the drive to the shop as the leak was right near the spark plugs and the fuel vapors were very strong. They tried to reestablish the seal and the leak is worse now. The car is undrivable and I will have to replace either the fuel line and/or the fuel pump.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 4, 2023
2013 sonata. Constant oil consumption. Had replaced the oil pan and piston, oil caps, pvc valve. Car stalled twice and kept getting check engine lights popping up. Turns out the engine is defective and needs to be replaced. The car is starting at my mechanic right now and trying to figure out how to get it to Hyundai dealer so the engine can be replaced. the car is unsafe to drive right now. my son has the car.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2023, fire
My 2013 Hyundai sonata caught fire yesterday after the car stalled at a red light - car is totalled - i am just hearing about this now that numerous car like mine have gone up in flames. I am devastated
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2023
Everytime I put fuel in my car I get a strong gas smell outside and inside my car. I’ve looked to see if there is a leak and do not see anything. Looked to see if there are recalls and shows there are 8 but when I put vin in. There is no recalls. Don’t know if the have been taken care of alright or I never had them on my car.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2023
The low pressure side fuel line on the vehicle has cracked and has a hole in it. Just above the back of the engine. Hyundai has issue a recall on this EXACT problem mid last year. However they say there is no open recall for my vehicle. This tells me Hyundai is NOT being honest about the amount of vehicles this has affected. When trying to reach Hyundai about this issue I simply get told there is not a recall for my specific vehicle. Vehicle stalls while driving and is very hard to start up after fueling. This is an extremely unsafe vehicle do to the strong possibility of fuel leaking on to the engine or exhaust while running. I find it completely irresponsible of Hyundai to potentially put someone’s life at risk by not including ALL vehicles of the model any year in their recall related to this problem. There was no warning of this issue other than the vehicle stalling or running rough at stops and not starting correctly after refueling. I have pictures to prove the issue. Please look into this matter seriously and hold Hyundai accountable for RECALLING all vehicles with this potential problem. Hyundai appears to be excluding or not being honest about the amount of vehicles that need to be fixed in their recall. Vehicle can catch fire and people can lose their lives cause of this negligence.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2022
I had my car recall fixed on 12/10/2022 at the Burns Hyundai in Marlton NJ. It seems to have failed when I parked my car it smelled like gas and I got out and see gas all over the ground. They were supposed to fix 2 recalls on my vehicle. My gas was empty after I had just filled it. My car would not start. It cranked but didn’t start. There were no warning signs.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2022
Received recall NHTSA Recall Number:22V-312, Fuel Hose Replacement. Contacted Hyundai of Bowie , Service 301-850.-6802. The scheduler explained that the company does not have a plan to correct the problem. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I received several recall notices and the response never changes "No remedy available.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2022
I CALLED CIRCLE HYUNDAI OVER A MONTH AGO TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL #22V-312 AND WAS TOLD I'D BE CALLED WHEN THE PART ARRIVED. I CALLED BACK 2 WEEKS AGO AND WAS TOLD IT WASN'T IN YET. I CALLED TODAY, 11/18/22 AND WAS TOLD THE WAREHOUSE WASN'T RELEASING PARTS FOR THIS RECALL. MY NOTICE STATES TO CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS TO BE CHANGED OUT. AS A SAFETY MANAGER MYSELF I'M NOW BEING PUT IN HARMS WAY IF THIS PART FAILS AND CATCHES ON FIRE. NOT A HAPPY HYUNDAI CUSTOMER!
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2022, crash
I was driving my daughter’s 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the gym early one Sunday morning. I pulled into the parking lot to park the car. When I stopped to put the car in park the car suddenly accelerated and I drove through the glass wall of the gym. The car accelerated through the gym, hit a metal pole , and crashed into a wall on the far side of the gym. The front end of the driver’s side corner was smashed in and my airbags did not go off.
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.
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2022
The engine is burning oil again this is the second engine my car was part of the first recall after noticing how low n black my oil was I noticed it also smells like gasoline. Now I tried to get it in for the recall 227 part of recall 189, it hesitates to start will just stahl whenever n wherever it feels necessary I contacted Hyundai they said drop it off at dealership until it is repaired if no loaner was available then I would have to rent a car now that’s not even feasible considering I might not even get it back rent a car indefinitely that’s ridiculous and expensive. So it’s burning oil again, stahling out, has no power sometimes when u hit gas, oil smells of gas as well as my dipstick smells of gas as well.
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2022
While driving car started beeping and making noises - check engine light, brake light, lcd displayed brake warning and flashed "hybrid system warning! safely stop and do not drive". Brake pedal then went to floor, and engine power reduced. Re-starting the car only cleared the problem for a minute before the warning message re-occurs. Others have encountered this issue resulting in crashes. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/2013/service-brakes-problems.php also reported here: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Sonata/2013/brakes/service_brakes.shtml
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2022
My fuel line is actively leaking. The dealerships told me that the car is under recall but there is no remedy at this time. At this point, I was told I am unable to drive my car and I just have to wait.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2022
My 2013 hyundai sonata was apart of the original fuel leak recall about a year ago. I went to my local hyundai dealership and to my knowledge they "fixed" the issue. Now there is another recall with "no remedy" as of yet. My car definitely has a leak as my entire cabin smells of gas, really bad to the point of headaches and getting nauseous. If you're sitting next to my vehicle you can also smell the gas leaking. This is so dangerous for my child & I and everyone my car is near as this could catch on fire! I took my vehicle to a local repair place to fix the issue and inspect my car and thats when I was made aware that this is infact a leaking hose & is apart of the new recall. The repair place would not fix it and told me to take it to hyundai, they also failed my inspection. I contacted hyundai in limerick pa and they said there is no solution or fix for it but then they said they would repair it but not under warranty and I would need to pay a couple hundred dollars to repair it which I cannot and should not have to do. Meanwhile my car is still not inspected due to this and is not legal for the road. The gas smell has been going on for 9 days, I have many witnesses including the repair shop. They kept all of it on file should I need to pursue legal help.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2022
The fuel line is leaking fuel. I was put at risk because it can cause an engine fire while driving.