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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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: steering
341 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
Hyundai is at it again for not repairing safety defects! I filed the following claim with Hyundai but was first the claim was accepted and allowed then denied when Hyundai objected! The attached documents show my efforts on both the steering issue and fire issue!
Steering, Jun 21, 2022
The steering feels loose while driving at any speed. When traveling over a rough road, speed bump, or pot hole, the steering wheel rattles and makes a noise that sounds like a loose screw in a cup. A clicking noise can be heard when the car is sitting and not moving. After doing research on this serious issue, I'm quite surprised to see there has been no recall, due to the high number of complaints, especially when this could result in death if the driver is not able to control the steering causing the vehicle to travel into a different lane of travel or into a crosswalk. As a retiree, am unable to afford high repair costs.
Steering, Jun 21, 2022
Car was stolen 6/20/22 and they where able to get in it in under a minute. Don’t understand how and why?
Steering, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while going over a speed bump, there was a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer or the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,520.
Steering, Jun 4, 2022
After starting the car and putting it in the reverse or in drive, the steering wheel gives jerks as if something is loose.
Steering, May 12, 2022
The intermediate shaft broke causing excessive noise and safety threat while driving. Dealer had to replace the shaft completely. This looks to be the common issue on this model
Steering, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
STEERING IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. STEERING WILL ALSO JERK AT THIS TIME!! THIS RECENTLY CAME ON GRADUALLY AND IS ESCALATING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED!!
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
No incident yet! I bought the car from a family elderly member who kept it in the garage! The car has only 7,600 miles! The steering wheel makes a clunking noise when making a turn! When i searched for recalls i saw it's a common problem with that year 2013 Hyunday Sonata! Everyone who complained is surprised that there is no recall issued! People with higher mileage are experiencing failure of steering/ Car when turning, fails and goes to next lane!
Steering, Feb 3, 2022
Steering in 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited “sticks” when driving down the road. Once the car is going in one direction, you have to unstick it to go on the path you want. This causes the driver to oversteer to bring it back to the path you intended and wobbling down the road as if you were inebriated. Have seen this same complaint in a number of online forums. No fix has been found that actually works, including replacing the steering column, for any length of time. Why has this issue not been recalled? I can envision someone possibly driving off the road, into a guardrail or into a bicyclist or another vehicle. You have to constantly.correct the steering, which is especially troublesome at interstate speeds.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2022
Without warning, all of the vehicles warning alarms and indicator were triggered and the car shut off with now power or engine running while i was in motion driving in traffic. Absolutely no prior indications before this occurred. I had to have to vehicle pushed from the middle of the road then towed home.
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
Clicking noise while steering, safety at risk up too and leading to death. Problem confirmed by independent service center and authorized dealer. No warning, occurred randomly including vibrations. Was told known issue its the steering coupler part.
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
I have reported issues to local Hyundai and they refuse to look and correct recalls do to mileage. I need recalls repaired immediately.
Steering, Nov 19, 2021
Steering column coupler keep breaking
Steering, Nov 5, 2021
there was a clicking noise and vibration coming from the steering column at 65 mph. Have an appointment with Joe Holland Hyundai on November 16th to get checked out. There was no messages prior to issue. 105,000 miles on car
Steering, Oct 15, 2021
At this time steering column has a "click" or "clunk" sound when turning the wheel in either direction. Steering on this car has always been odd. You have to continuously adjust wheel as you drive to stay in your lane. I am going to have it checked by my mechanic. If I lose steering that's a pretty big safety concern.
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
I had been hearing a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The steering wheel also vibrates at speeds above 60. I took the car in for diagnosis and was told the steering column and assembly needs to be replaced. I had recently hit a pothole and noticed the noise and vibration was a lot worse. The dealership felt that could have been a cause of the increased noise and vibration. I was advised to file a claim with my insurance company. The insurance company said it was a known steering wheel issue with Hyundai.
Steering, Sep 8, 2021
Steering wheel sticks at all speeds. Also, car often veers left or right then when correcting the steering will stick and I will have to jerk the wheel in the correction direction. This happens everyday. At high speeds it can almost feel as if I do not have full control of the car. Also when decelerating from high speeds the steering will shake. I take the highway often and it is at those time that I feel my safety and the safety of other drivers is at risk. I have went to my dealership (Universal Hyundai) with this complaint at least 3-4 times and they have told me there is no apparent issue. There has been no warning lamps, this issue first started happening in 2018.
Steering, Aug 29, 2021
The steering column is clanging over bumps and when steering which is a failure in the plastic steering shaft coupler.This coupler looks like an impeller.It is situated between the steering column shaft and the electric steering motor.The coupler is disintegrating and will lead to steering failure and high probability to death or injury of the cars occupants.This coupling failure is commom and found in perhaps thousands of Hyundai vehicles.A recall needs to be mandated immediately.If it is ignored then Hyundai needs to prepare for the lawsuits that will ensue
Steering, Jun 30, 2021
There are multiple issue with this car since last a year or more. ( picture attached) * At times computer flashes below message .. " Hyundai System Warning Safety Stop Do not Drive" * Steering Lock up * While driving a screeching sound and then it goes away. we received the recall notice and my daughter Jeranica took it to the Hyundai dealer for repair. They charged us $900 mentioning the issue is with belt & assembly and engine is ok. we informed then of all the above issue. Even after repairing the above we still have the same issue with the car. It look like Hyundai dealer are using this opportunity to rip-off the customer instead of actually fixing the issue. we still have above issue with, car computer asking us to stop on highway and steering lockup, dealer does not seem to be interested in fixing the issue. At one time he mentioned we have 114K mileage on the car and the life of engine is finish.
Steering, Jun 12, 2021
I love my 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE, but with that being said I hate driving it. When on the road the 2013 has the same exact issue that the 2011's had, it will constantly wander in and out of the lane making it nearly impossible to keep a straight line. Its very fatiguing having to keep moving the steering wheel back and forth just to keep it straight. And for two its a serious safety issue!! The slightest slip could send your car off the road or into another car! When bringing the car into my local dealership they blew me off and said its " a normal thing because of the electric power steering and how the car rides the grooves of the road." And they refuse to help me out further to fix the issue. PLEASE GUYS. I know I am not the only one to report this issue please ask Hyundai to create a recall on it.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2021, crash
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY HOME AND MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.I JUMPED START THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO REACH A AUTO ZONE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A DEAD BATTERY SO I BUY A NEW $160 BATTERY FOR THE CAR TO STILL NOT WORK AND TURN BACK ON. ITS LIKE IT WOULD START BUT IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN ALL THE WAY ON. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 DAYS AGO AND ITS ALREADY STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Steering, Apr 23, 2021
MY CAR IS MAKING CLUNKING SOUND AND SHAKING IT IS BAD WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES SHAKES AND NOISE SOUND IS LOUD.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2021
IKUS BOUGHT CAR 3 WEEKS AGO 11000 DOLLARS WAS COMMING HOME WAS TURNING LEFT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AN MOTOR DIED I COULD BARLEY TURN WHEEL WAS ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK DOING 50 MPH AN THEN ALMOST WRECKED I ZCOUDNT TURN WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT BECAUSE NO POWER BECAUSE ENGINE FAILURE I COUDVE DIED OR SOMEONE WHO DIDNT HAVEE SAME STREMGH TO TURN WHEEL IM POOR NOW POORER CAR PAYMENT NO CAR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 11, 2021
THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER YOU GO OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THE WHEEL IS SOMETIMES HARD TO TURN. SMELL OF RUBBER AND BULBS HAVE TO BE CONTINOUSLY REPLACED. IT SEEMS THE HOUSING HAS MELTED