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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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: other or unspecified
175 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2026
In 2023, my Hyundai Sonota 2013 hybrid stopped on the freeway putting myself and others at risk. It told me to stop and pull over to a safe spot but everything locked up and I couldn't move it. I had to get a fuse replaced and it cost over $2k. 3 years later, my cars EBrake light has remained on for a few weeks, it will show a battery discharge warning upon starting up sometimes but now I can't even drive it as it displays "check brake and hybrid warning system" alerts appear on the dash display. I've already been terrified for years that this would happen again. This car is absolutely unsafe. It's still under 100k miles and has given me so many problems even though I have taken great care of it. I am taking it to the Hyundai dealership for another diagnostic. The fact that I see so many others online with similar issues leads me to believe that there should be more recalls on this car; moreover, I believe Hyundai purposely designs this models to break down regularly so we can take it to their dealership to be exonerated by their high prices for parts and labor. Hyundai is a con artist company. They do not design their automobiles with the safety of drivers in mind.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2026
. The horn on steering wheel only works when steering wheel is turned completely right, and it is available for inspection upon request. . My safety and others put at risk, when needing to use horn to warn pedestrian or another driver of near miss incidents. . Problem been reproduced and confirmed by independent service center. . Component been inspected by authorized mechanic shop. . There are no warning lames, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure in this vehicle, and problem started on 6/02/2026 on my way home from work when I tried to use horn to warn another vehicle and it didn't work.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 1, 2026, crash
Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2025
My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfere with the airbag as it inflates creating additional safety hazards. Cracks may expose sharp edges or materials under the dashboard which could harm occupants during a collision, especially in areas where passengers may come into contact with the dashboard. A cracked dashboard could also cause a compromised electrical system dashboards house numerous electrical systems, sensors, and controls cracks could indicate underlying damage to these components. In a collision, these systems may fail or behave unpredictably which could further reduce safety features. Cracked dashboards present a significant risk during a collision and should be addressed by the manufacturer promptly to ensure its customer safety.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 6, 2025
New Battery keeps dying, car not starting and when it does start it shuts off when I brake. Oil light on after I already put oil in the car
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2025
Rear View camera stopped working about 6 weeks ago. Mechanic says need new camera which would cost about $500 labor and parts. Contacted dealer and Hyundai corporate to report and complain. Many other Hyundai vehicles have same problem with rear view camera but they are included in a recall campaign. Mine is not. Mechanic said the repair requires new camera and wireing harness. Hyundai case number is 41861577.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2025
With no warning light indication the Sonata lost all power on I-75 South near Dayton Ohio. After tow & vehicle I inspiration the engine was said to be dead. There is a recall for the 2015 for the SAME issue.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2025
There are 2 cracks on the dashboard directly over the passenger airbag that were there when I bought the car and there is another crack that happened some time between yesterday and today. The Crack is almost the width of the dashboard. If there is an accident I'm worried about get hit by pieces of plastic dashboard.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2025
Vehicle DASHBAORD has been facing UV related reactive damages by small line cracks and now it's progressing to larger lines. Similar damages in other manufacturers like Toyota and Lexus are covered by manufacturer as recalls .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2025
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 4 door sedan. I am unable to open the driver's left hand door to exit the car after turning off my vehicle. Only way I can open door to exit is to lower the window while motor still running, reach outside and grasp door handle from outside to open and Push/pull handle which doesn't allow me control over the door. Then I have to raise window with door standing open before I am able to turn off the ignition and exit my car. In Case of an emergency this is unsafe for driver and passengers. In this instance, I was trapped inside a hot car in Texas summer heat. In another instance, I could have had an accident and would have been unable to exit to safety. I searched for recall to this model which is covered for Hyundai Sonata manufactured in other years but my vehicle 2013 make is not included in same recall for exact same issue. There was no warning lamp, messages prior to failure. I have googled this "condition" and learned that this is a common problem for Hyundai Sonatas.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2025
Halogen headlight bubls H7 melting the casing socket. Making my headlight assembly smoke.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 7, 2025
submitting a formal complaint to NHTSA regarding unresolved safety defects in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Despite Safety Recall 251 issued in December 2023 for an ABS fire hazard, my vehicle continues to experience sudden loss of acceleration, engine shutdowns, and persistent dashboard warnings. Failed Recall Repairs & Lack of Transparency Since receiving the recall notice, my vehicle has been serviced multiple times at Thompson Hyundai in Dundalk, MD, yet the defects persist. When I requested service records to verify recall repairs, I was told that Thompson Hyundai’s acquisition by Heritage prevents them from providing full documentation—only three edited records missing key details. This raises concerns about: 1.Whether recall repairs are actually resolving safety defects. 2.Hyundai’s failure to maintain proper repair documentation. 3.The risk that other Hyundai vehicles remain unsafe due to incomplete recall fixes. Life-Threatening Breakdowns & Financial Hardship Since Hyundai’s supposed “fix,” my vehicle has broken down at least eight times, including major highways and intersections. On [XXX], on [XXX], my car suddenly lost power in heavy traffic, nearly causing a multi-vehicle accident. As a result: •I lost my job due to missed work from repeated breakdowns. •I suffered severe emotional distress, including PTSD-like symptoms and asthma attacks requiring medical attention. •I am facing financial instability from lost income and costly rental vehicles. Request for NHTSA Investigation Given Hyundai’s failure to resolve these defects, I urge NHTSA to: 1.Investigate whether Hyundai’s recall repairs fully resolve the defect. 2.Review dealerships’ recall documentation practices. 3.Determine if further regulatory action is needed to protect consumers. I am pursuing direct resolution with Hyundai but am bringing this to NHTSA in the interest of public safety. I appreciate your review and look forward to your response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 2, 2025
While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, the vehicle lost power. Eps, and oil lights came on engine completely shut off. I changed belt, alternator and starter. It rolled over 3 times and seized. There doesnt appear to be a rod slung, or cracks in the block, but ive spent almost 2000 dollars trying to get it running and have another 1300 in parts waiting to rebuild the motor.I know there is a recall on the motors, but never received mail or any attempt at engine replacement.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2025
When my heat is on there is a burning smell when the heat on and my right side passages door will not allow me to open the door from the inside or out sides
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2025
The back doors will no longer open when unlocked. This poses a safety risk. I was unable to get my child out of his car seat when the locks or locking mechanism went out. I had to climb into the back seat from the front. The door do not open either from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that this could be from faulty solenoids. I was unable to get a print out of a quote at the time of writing this
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2024
My car suddenly stopped while in drive, with a forceful jerk like someone hit me from behind. This nearly caused a 3 car crash. It grinds when you put it in park but the car doesn't move in drive nor reverse.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2024
Rear driver side door cannot be opened from the inside or the outside of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2024
The driver’s door and back door stopped opening inside and out. The back door on the driver’s side stopped opening first about 2 years ago, then the driver’s door stopped opening a few days ago. I am fearful of being trapped inside the car in the event of an emergency.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2024
The dashboard is cracking I have been online and I've seen other Hyundai owners experiencing the same thing. Multiple concerns 1. cracks in the dashboard effecting defroster for windshield and not being to see already having issues 2. airbags no deploying correctly for driver or passenger in the front seats. 3. I've owned several cars, including two (2) KIA's and NEVER had this happen (1989 Ford, Festiva aka KIA in other parts of the world, and a 2000 Kia Sephia, both vehicles had over 200k in mileage and dashboard NEVER cracked the split like this.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2024
On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2024
For over a year had to replace right brake light 3 times. Got an extended warranty letter, took to dealership they checked and ordered part needed,its on national backorder. Now my left brake light went out. So now I have no taillights,brake lights or turn signals. It is due to wire melting. I have almost been rear-ended numerous times now. No other transportation so I'm in need of this being taken care of asap.
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
ABS speed Sensor failure - my speedometer to cease registering in rare situations. If the ABS isn't working correctly, the brakes still work but the wheels may lock up and you'll slide in a straight line. The delarship was not able to reproduce cuz you have to speed up to 45 miles to be able to reproduce the issue. (brought it in couple times) Not inspected by manufacture cuz it would cause me $600 to diagnose the issue at dealer ship. I would get a beeping noise and a light would come up. Once I let go the gas pedal the car go back to normal.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2024, fire
Wires, reverse osmosis system unauthorized and unknown
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2024
When I returned to my car on [XXX] after shopping I noticed that a crack had suddenly appeared in the passenger side of the dashboard above where the passenger side airbag is located. When I searched the internet to find repair options I discovered that Hyundai issued a recall in 2020 for 2011-2014 due to dashboard cracking and that the recall affected over 580,000 vehicles. I have searched the NHTSA website, but my vehicle is not included in this recall. I am contacting you to make you aware that there are other vehicles with the same problem that have not been included in the original recall. I am asking that you expand the recall to include all affected vehicles. Below is a link to the article I am citing. [XXX] Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please contact me for any questions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2024, crash
My vehicle was stolen on November 23rd, 2023. I am completing this form because the vehicle lacked the proper equipment to prevent theft which resulted in a wreck and the vehicle being totaled. -The Ignition was affected as it was stolen and the steering column was peeled. I do not have the car anymore as it was totaled. -The vehicle was easily accessible to be stolen. -Yes