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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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
1,910 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Oct 19, 2023
The left front brake caliper fell off and rubbed on the wheel’s rim. When I drove in reverse and hit the brakes the wheel would lock up and I couldn’t move. The dealer replaced the caliper. I had the brakes inspected by the local tire and brake specialists, Les Schwab. They wrote the inspection as the brakes locking bolt(the bolt that holds the caliper in place) was missing and the caliper was rubbing against the wheel. There wasn’t a warning. But, I did hear a loud clunk right before the brakes failed then the brakes made a rumbling sound as if I had a rock stuck in the brake pad. I asked the dealer to save the broken unit so I could document it but the service department manager for Korum Hyundai of Puyallup tried to pass off a different unit. I took pictures of both my unit (on the car) and the unit the manager was trying to pass off.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2023
My electrical system is giving me constant issues and I have to change light bulbs frequently. Also the recall is for the fuel line system which the dealers are not contacting me back about getting repaired which is why I am submitting this report.
Steering, Oct 10, 2023
Steering flexible coupler failed @ 150000 miles causing severe clunk in the steering wheel leading to steering play.
Engine, Sep 29, 2023, fire
2013 Sonata engine fire on 9/21/2023. Insurance totaled car Engine replace on 1/6/22I by dealership with reman sub engine 1) Engine aluminum flared gas line from engine fuel pump to cylinders was cracked and leaked gas. Gas line replaced 2/11/23 by another dealership. Progressive Insurance company inspected 2) engine caught fire 3) problem reproduced? Don't know 4) Progressive inspected car 5)Car was working great. No engine codes or problems. Gas smell was noticed few days prior to engine fire
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.
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.
Steering, Sep 14, 2023
The steering is very loose and the steering wheel has a clunking noise when turning. The steering wheel itself feels a little loose as well
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.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and then flashed off and on. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the next available appointment was February 2024. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that she had to adjust the seat to remove the steering wheel lock, which might have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
My engine seized while driving down a mountain and I had no acceleration at the bottom of the mountain. If I would have been in front of an 18 wheeler while experiencing this failure there is a good chance I would have been in a wreck. Luckily I was not in traffic and was able to find a place to pull over at. There is no where to pull over safely on said mountain unless you’re an 18 wheeler. There is a recall on my engine by Hyundai corporate but there are no dealerships servicing the recall anywhere I can find. The vehicle has not been inspected yet because they are trying to charge me $150 for the inspection that the Hyundai website says is free for the recall. There was no warning to this happening, there was no engine light, oil light, or anything that came on before the engine gave out on me while driving.
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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2023
Lights flicker especially at night they turn off and on. You can't see and others can't see you because no lights on and off There was no warning lamps or anything letting me know about the problem. Can't drive my car at night because of this problem don't want to cause an accident. No the vehicle has not been inspected yet.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle in front of her stopped abruptly, prompting her to slam on the brakes. The contacts vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle, which caused her to crashed into the vehicle in front of her.The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the crash caused her to hit her head. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency services. The contact did not recall whether she had sustained a head injury. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated upon taking the vehicle to a local Pep Boys for oil change, she was informed that the oil gasket was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil gasket was replaced, and the oil change was completed. The contact stated that she later noticed that the vehicle had consumed 2 quarts of oil after 2,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who requested service records in order to perform an oil consumption test. The contact stated that the failure increased to 4 quarts of oil after 2,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed and the contact was informed to return every 1,000 miles for additional testing. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not provide assistance unless the engine was knocking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine And Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500.
Engine, Aug 23, 2023
Vehicle died while on a city street, it could not be restarted. It was in the middle of the street with oncoming traffic on both sides. The vehicle would not start for Firestone or the Hyundai dealership. After signing over the car to the dealership on 6/30/23, it was inspected by the service department over a month and a half later (8/9/23). They now say it was part of a safety recall and Hyundai approved it for a new engine. When the vehicle died, there was no warning signs, messages, smoke, sounds, or any other symptoms prior to failure.
Engine, Aug 19, 2023
I had my original motor replaced with a REMANUFACTURED motor from Hyundai in June of 13 due to faulty headgasket upon pick up of the vehicle 2 days later the REMANUFACTURED motor starting having the same symptoms as the original motor with failing headgasket…I took it to Hyundai of Las Vegas who claims everything is fine when it’s not they told me to take the car back when it’s not safe and to bring it back when the coolant and or oil is empty I have a 12 month 12k mile warranty they they are trying to push off the problem tell it’s up so they don’t have to warranty it
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The main power relay for the hybrid battery shorted out causing the safety plug to also short out. I was driving down the road in a rural location and an error message came up on the screen saying hybrid system error, pull over immediately, and the car would not restart after I pulled over. The car was towed to the dealer and the dealer said that the power relay and the safety plug were shorted out. The main issue that I have is that the hybrid system warning light has come on multiple times and the car had to be towed to the dealership. They always said it was a software problem. The hybrid system warning pull over light first occurred 5 or 6 years ago.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Aug 10, 2023
The engine knocking plus seat belt doesn’t work
Engine, Jul 30, 2023
Hi, while driving on the highway. My car lost power. The engine started knocking and got stock on the middle of the road.
Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Just financed a 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS in June, '23. On July 24th,' 23 with approx 91K miles on the car, I was traveling on Interstate-75 N and without any indication that something was going wrong, the engine siezed up and the battery, engine and oil lights all came on simultaneously. I had 2 children, a dog, bicycles mounted on the back, a roof storage bag on top, etc. because we were on the way home from a camping trip. When the engine siezed, I was in the middle of 3 lanes of traffic moving at highway speed, as well as right beside an additional flow of on-ramp traffic entering I-75. I don't even know how we made it to the side of the highway without being smashed in to a million pieces. Just suddenly had ZERO engine power in the middle of the highway, trying to coast on to the side of the road while NO ONE cared that my hazard lights were flashing. We could have all been killed! Ended up baking in the sun, terrified of being hit for over 2 hours on the side of the highway while I made sixteen phone calls trying to get help. And all the idiot drivers not only didn't move over to allow us safe space, but some even rode so close that they were on the rumble strip! We were originally supposed to be home at 2pm. After a towing bill of $427.00, we arrived at 7pm. Now the car is sitting at the dealership while they fight with Hyundai to replace the engine which they said could take months! Meanwhile, to prove that my life is merely a series of sick jokes, one after another, the dealership gave me the EXACT SAME CAR (2013 Black, Hyundai Sonata GLS) as a "loaner." The loaner has already had the engine replaced for the same scenario and currently has 233,000 miles on it! I'm traumatized, I travel hundreds of miles for work every week and now I'm scared to death that I'm going to end up stranded all over again in this loaner car. There are group support pages about this engine failure, all over the internet! Even the replacement engines are failing!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2023
Tail lights constantly burn out. I have now replaced the same taillight harness 3 times and each time it is burned. This is a serious fire hazard
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact became aware that the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the failure persisted. The contact stated that due to the brake lights remaining illuminated, the battery terminal had to be disconnected to avoid draining the battery. The contact stated that after one failure, a mechanic pulled over to the side of the roadway and the contact was informed that a sensor related to the brake lights had failed and needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,178.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
my 2013 hyundai sonata has 121,000 miles. The car is making a knocking sound and it's coming from under the hood (engine). While I was driving the car, the car tried to stall and loss power suddenly and almost cause an accident. Hyundai does have an lawsuit against this, but will they fix my car without warranty?