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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2023
My dash board has deep cracks that go all the way through dash board. A lady I work with has exact make and model as me and has same issue. Open research this seems to be a wide spread problem with these specific models and can cause electrical and air bag issues.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
When activating gas pedal, there is a rattling and grinding when in motion and then it subsides. When stopped at light or intersection, when giving gas again, the rattling and grinding resumes. Car seemed to be running a little louder than it's ever been since purchasing a few years ago. At no time has there been any dashboard lights or warnings prompting any problems with engine, low oil or anything else which is what the dealer service center is now telling me is an issue with engine needing to be replaced. Current issues have not been occuring very long which causes me to give the service center a call for an appointment in the first place. Vehicle was dropped off a week ago today, Friday, 9/22/2023, waiting for parts. Currently no work has been done to my vehicle and is sitting on the service center's lot. Was told it will take quite a while to get parts. I've had a rental since Monday of this week and I'm scheduled to return it this evening. Rental is and was expensive and I don't have a spare vehicle to get back and forth to work. Service center hasn't offered a loaner vehicle or suggested a rental company that will provide reasonable rates and collaboration with them. I just want my vehicle fixed and not have to repair cost that would be equal to me just getting another vehicle which is what the quoted cost to repair my vehicle is equivalent to.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2023
This vehicle consumes/burns oil at an alarming rate (1-2 quarts each month). I have taken it to both an independent mechanic and Hyundai, and nothing has been found to be failed. However, this is common enough with Sonatas that I was told that this is "common with Sonatas". This has been going on for well over a year. My concern is if/when the engine locks up while driving.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2023
I keep getting a hybrid system failure in the car loses power, and occasionally will stop running. Most the time when I shut off the car, it resets itself.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2023, crash
I was sitting at a red light for about 20-30 seconds before my vehicle accelerated itself into the vehicle in-front of me while my foot was still placed firmly on the break , causing major damage to my vehicle and some damage to the vehicle in-front of me. My vehicle had to be towed away
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2023
The active hydraulic booster(AHB) failed while I was driving. While driving 70 mph down the highway the car began to beep and immediately the breaks began to lock up and brake pedal went all the way to the floor. All I could hear was grinding and it was hard to stop. A car came close to hitting me because the deceleration was so abrupt. I towed it to hyundai dealership and they confirmed the issue is the AHB. After further research, I learn that this happens more often then expect on this vehicle and at first was very hard to diagnose.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2023
I purchased the car used on 12/2/2022. Drove on local roads until 12/28/2022 then took the car on the high way for the first time, whiel driving 60 mph for approximately 5 minutes and warning siren came on and flashing dashboard that said to stop driving immediately, and pull to the side of the road if possible an electrical failure or battery failure and not power to battery or elctrical system. I pulled to the side fo the road, and got towed by AAA to Key Hyundai in Milford, CT. They kept the car for over 22days, and charged me $3148. Number 3 on the repair documet is Steering concern:ABS and traction control light DTC- it said it was a steering angle sensor circuit and they put a flexible coupling and removed and replaced sterring cupler and calibrated sterring angle sensor and reflash check. The car is leaking some type of fluid and still lurching which can cause an accident.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2023
While driving the car when slowing for a stop, or just closing down in traffic the car/engine at times will jerk and lurch while braking. If I am not a safe distance from a car in front of me I could cause and accident and hit a car, so I try to keep a good distance when in traffic and refuse to drive the car on long distances on the highway. I can't predict when it will happen and when it does the slippery when wet signal comes on even though it is not wet or slippery condiitons. I don't trust the car while driving, and have no faith in it's safety. I haven't scheduled an appointment for repair because the last time I did they kept the car for over 20 days due to what they said was a system, sensor failure and charges me $3100,when I got the car back I noticed liquid leaking from the car and then the above started happening. The car is available for inspection on request. Car has not been inspected yet, not sure if I can reproduce every time. But it happen almost every day I drive the car to work within 20 miles of my home. The dealership the last time would not give me a loaner car and I need the car to travel back and forth to work since I live in a place without access to public transportation.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 15, 2023
Last year March 2022, took my car in because of the recall made an appointment for them to tell me on my appointment day they do not have the solution/part so I would get a call back when they have it and it’s been over a year. Now my car is experiencing sensor and electrical issues
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2023
I was driving on the freeway 65 mph and my car just shut off and locked up and I couldn't break
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 20, 2023
First off there was no lights on other than the low tire pressure symbol that shows up, so I decided to go have my tire replaced, got it done, I drove off after having a tire replaced and within a minute or 2 of being back on the road my car just shuts off. I pulls over to see or access the car, don’t know what happened. I ended up having to have the car towed home.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2023
hyundai sonata 2013 acceleration stopped working while on freeway. Lagging Noise when pressing on gas to accelerate. Noticed engine light flashing. Red oil light was on as well as EPS light on . Got off freeway to off ramp in turn lane. Luckily stopped by itself. brakes stopped working couldn't press down and not able to use gas. Car was still on only thing I could do was turn steering wheel. After 10 min was able to turn off car and turn back on with only engine light on and could move off the off ramp to chevron gas station. Later I was able to follow my husband to our home with car. Engine was still on and flashing .
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2022
My wife was driving as normal, suddenly got an alert! Loud noise, Hybrid System Warning, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive! Stranded in the middle of nowhere with this issue! ????? Towed it to my house. Next day, car works fine. But we are completely scared to drive it now! Took to dealership and they said $3,000 for the part and labor. Are you f’ing serious!? This is not. Wear and tear issue. The hybrid system should abruptly stop and make it so I cannot drive the car! For no apparent reason!? This is completely bullshit! I’ve seen online many complaints that it’s happened after 5,000 miles. Who cares that my car is 9 years old and has 92,000 miles. ???
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2022
The trunk will not open with fob, key, release button, or even from inside the trunk glow in the dark emergency release. Nothing will open the trunk. I now can't access spare tire. If someone were to be kidnapped and stuffed in trunk through back seat, they couldn't escape. There are no warning lights or other indicators that something is wrong. There are numerous complaints online about this.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2022
I have been having this problem with the car since May 2022. I was driving normally and the car gave the warning: Hybrid System stop and do not drive - check brakes, well I took the car to the mechanic near where I live zip code 90017 (Pep Boys) I have the note of the service that was done the first was on 11 June/22 and the brakes were changed since I thought this would be the problem and more fluid. The problem continued even with new brakes. I went there again and they check the brake system and they said everything looks fine on 20 June/22. So, I decided to scheduled an inspection at Hyundai in Van Nuys zip code 91404 (29 July/22) and I reported my problem that I was having with warnings check brake all the time while I’m driving every day, but I don't have another car and I need to go to work. Hyundai also couldn't solve the problem of warnings check brakes and I still having this problem, I get the free way every day to go to work and I'm scared because I never know when a warning will appear and the car practically stops in the middle of the free way ( it happened every day) which is making me feel very insecure with this car because it is dangerous but I’m tired of this car and this problem I can’t even go to super market without stop the car because of the warning check brakes.. I will include the photos of the recipes of the services that were made. I would really like to be able to solve this problem and feel safe to drive the car. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2022
While driving the car on the highway in heavy traffic with my family, the vehicle suddenly shuts off (turned off), then a warning light appeared, '"HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. Started it up again and now could only drive the vehicle at 5-10mph through heavy traffic. The vehicle would go no more than 10mph. We were in a dangerous situation as cars were driving at 40-60mph passing us. We drove all the way home 10 miles away at 5-10mph. After reading forums on this issue there were more posts regarding this same issue. Right now our vehicle is at the tonyhyundai at Waipio Gentry, Hawaii to be fixed. It has been there since August 1, 2022.
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2022
The check brakes hybrid system warning stop and do not drive light is coming on and not allowing me to drive the parking break light is also on
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2022
I unlocked my trunk with no issues now it won’t close, so I’m unable to drive because of the trunk being open and not closing
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2022
While traveling on interstate, while untouched and with shade closed, sunroof made a loud explosion noise and shattered. The temperature yesterday was in the 80s in south Mississippi. This is a safety hazard as it is optional to drive with the sunroof shade open or closed. It just so happened that I had the shade closed during my drive yesterday. Should I have had my shade opened, there would have been shattered glass flying throughout the vehicle while the car was moving at 70+ mph. I also have a car seat in the rear which I am grateful no glass got into. There were no warning signs that this was going to happen, there were no flying objects. The traffic was actually very light with the nearest car being +200 feet away. I contacted Hyundai and my insurance regarding the incident. The insurance USAA offered repairs through a 3rd party with $500 comprehensive deductible. Hyundai inspected, confirmed incident occurred due to heat, and referred to glass shop with no repair solutions due to car being out of warranty. No rental or loaner car offered from either company. Another safety hazard here as it has rained nearly every day this summer, and the car is now at risk for being accessed by wanderers. Technician at Hyundai dealership did offer to cover sunroof with tape which I accepted. Incident occurred on 8.5.2022 at approximately 9:45 am in Gulfport, MS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2022, fire
I was driving one afternoon on my way from the nail shop with my sister my boyfriend & his friend when my call stalled in the middle in the street after managing to get the car out of the street it burst into flames. Due to not having the funds to move it it was towed. It did not have any lights on the dashboard which is why this was very weird for me. After not knowing what caused this stalling or fire I received a recall for my car in the mail.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 20, 2022
The engine will just cut off occasionally when im driving and I have no control of the steering wheel or anything else
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2022
Trunk latch was defective. I could not get into my trunk. the dealer replaced the trunk latch and handel assy. trunk light was also effected. If I had a flat tire I would have been in trouble. WE were out of town and our clothes were stuck in the trunk. the incident was 7/12/2022. I went to the dealer 7/15. It was a very expensive repair.