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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2023
Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive message appears on dash display. Not sure what is causing message. Code reader does not register a code to reference issue. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark is present. Car decelerates and is in operable. Check engine light remains on display. This is the 3rd time in the last 6 months this has occurred.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and the vehicle would no longer properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine oil needed to be flushed, and an unknown sensor light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2023
My engine seized up and the car just stopped as I was driving. I had it towed to the dealership to be fixed and they said there was a recall but they couldn't fix it because my car is over 120000 miles.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2023
Brake lights work inconsistently, burn hot, melt sockers, fall out of sockets and melt carpeted covers. Safety and fire concerns. Much info on this problem from other owners on various sites. PLEASE force Hyundai to fix these issues.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light then became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and case was filed; however, the mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Structure, Jan 26, 2023
Currently, Hyundai has issued a notification for extended warranty on a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai ELANTRA for an issue with the door latch system. However, this problem is occurring in several other Hyundai models. I own a 2016 Tucson and also a 2013 Sonata. the problem starts out usually when you try to open the door you have to pull the handle 2 to 3 times before it opens eventually it will not open at all. I had the problem fixed on the Tucson it was still under warranty, however, my 2013 Sonata rear driver side door just stopped opening from both the inside or the outside. I’ve watched videos on how to get the door open and I’ve looked up how to get it fixed. If I take it to the dealer it can cost up to $1500 which I don’t have. I don’t understand why it’s not a safety recall. I currently have one grand child who sits in a car seat in the back, and I only have one way of getting her in and out through the opposite door that opens , in another week, I will have a second grandchild to put in my car. I cannot install both car seats and use them if only one door opening. This is a safety hazard in all their vehicles. They use the same latch mechanism on all of their vehicles, if you look at YouTube, you’ll see hundreds of Tucson videos and if you search sonata you’ll find the same latch problem with sonatas. When I took my Tucson to be repaired, I asked about the Sonata and the repair person said if there’s no recall, I would have to pay to have it fixed. This is a safety issue because you can close your door and drive then Stop your car and try to open your door and it won’t open, and it is impossible to climb from the front seat to the backseat in a Sonata . There is no warning, It just happens. please look into this I need my doors fixed and I cannot afford $1500 to fix one door!
Engine, Jan 22, 2023
My sonata uses oil about a quart every 1000 miles. The acceleration is weak and there's no warning lights on in the dash. The lifters will start chattering and I'll stop and put a quart to a quart and a half in it. The cruise control alot of times will not work and when it does a lot of times you have to mash the buttons hard and several times. My sonata is ready to be inspected at anytime.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 19, 2023
The air bag light is on. None of the functions/buttons on the right side of my steering wheel are working. It has not been inspected by anyone.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2023
The low pressure side fuel line on the vehicle has cracked and has a hole in it. Just above the back of the engine. Hyundai has issue a recall on this EXACT problem mid last year. However they say there is no open recall for my vehicle. This tells me Hyundai is NOT being honest about the amount of vehicles this has affected. When trying to reach Hyundai about this issue I simply get told there is not a recall for my specific vehicle. Vehicle stalls while driving and is very hard to start up after fueling. This is an extremely unsafe vehicle do to the strong possibility of fuel leaking on to the engine or exhaust while running. I find it completely irresponsible of Hyundai to potentially put someone’s life at risk by not including ALL vehicles of the model any year in their recall related to this problem. There was no warning of this issue other than the vehicle stalling or running rough at stops and not starting correctly after refueling. I have pictures to prove the issue. Please look into this matter seriously and hold Hyundai accountable for RECALLING all vehicles with this potential problem. Hyundai appears to be excluding or not being honest about the amount of vehicles that need to be fixed in their recall. Vehicle can catch fire and people can lose their lives cause of this negligence.
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made ticking sounds, and then the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her sister's residence and then to the dealer. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer was awaiting the manufacturer's approval for the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the engine replaced in 2019. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that he had been adding a quart of engine oil to the vehicle every 1,000 – 1,500 miles. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that it was a known failure. The contact stated while driving 65 PMH, the vehicle began to stall and sputtered. Additionally, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft was releasing metal shavings into the oil. The dealer completed unknown repairs on the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Roswell Hyundai (1909 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201) where unknown repairs were completed; however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the engine replacement as the failure was not significantly severe. The contact stated that both dealers informed him that he would need to continue driving the vehicle until the engine experienced a complete failure; then, the manufacturer would cover the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 4, 2023
The brake lights keep blowing every time I replace them & have read other cases where light casing may melt when the bulb blows
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the vehicle, with an abnormal fuel odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle at the scene. The contact called the dealer who linked the failure to the fuel line. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Steering, Dec 20, 2022
Plastic Steering coupler wore out. Causing metal on metal rubbing. The mechanic I use for car maintenance/repair told me the part cost $10. The part is small but the labor is more intensive. I was charged $454 to replace a $10 part.
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. ???
Engine, Dec 15, 2022
I was driving to working and I was going about 75 mph and then I started losing power. My speed reduced to slowly and a loud knocking was coming from my car. There was hesitation and shaking as I drove it to the side of the road. As I tried to accelerate to safely move to the side of the road the knocking continued. There is a lot of shaking. The next day the car would shaking and knock for 10-15 seconds and then shut off completely.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2022
I had my car recall fixed on 12/10/2022 at the Burns Hyundai in Marlton NJ. It seems to have failed when I parked my car it smelled like gas and I got out and see gas all over the ground. They were supposed to fix 2 recalls on my vehicle. My gas was empty after I had just filled it. My car would not start. It cranked but didn’t start. There were no warning signs.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Firerelated, Dec 5, 2022, fire
The car caught on fire while my family was driving it. Nearly killing them in the fire. Witnesses say the fire started underneath the car then went to the engine. There is a TSB recall 227 on those types of cars indicating the fuel tube needed replacement. This car was serviced last in September with an engine replacement at Hyundai dealership. That day the check engine light came on. Police was called, insurance is investigating. Have not contacted manufacturer.
Engine, Dec 3, 2022
I was driving on the freeway when suddenly my car turned off and no warning lights came on. I towed to my mechanic where he tested the starter and battery. He tested the crank to find out the engine is frozen.
Engine, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement due to the vehicle not having the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign performed. The contact had not yet received notification of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The failure mileage was 120,970.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2022
Received recall NHTSA Recall Number:22V-312, Fuel Hose Replacement. Contacted Hyundai of Bowie , Service 301-850.-6802. The scheduler explained that the company does not have a plan to correct the problem. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I received several recall notices and the response never changes "No remedy available.
Engine, Nov 28, 2022
Hello, We experienced a failure on our 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN [XXX] under NHTSA Recall number 17V22600. The engine failed on 6/21/22. Was at the dealer on 6/22/22. See attached repair order. Recall claim was approved on 7/26/2022. NHTSA Recall number 17V22600. Yes, it was over a month before they looked at the car. Hyundai case number [XXX]. Hyundai said it was expedited. We needed a car. We were not given a loaner car until 7/26/2022 and were told we could apply for a rental car reimbursement if the claim was approved. We rented a car from 6/22/2022 until 7/26/2022. Submitted the rental car information to Hyundai on 7/27/2022. They didn’t give it a case number until 8/8/2022. Rental car case number [XXX]. Since then I have emailed and called many times. [XXX]and[XXX]. I have left several messages for my case manager and her supervisor. [XXX] I’m always told they are not in and nobody else can help me with my reimbursement. Never received a return call. It’s been over five months since I’ve paid for the rental with no payment. See attached status I would like to lodge a complaint regarding how Hyundai fails to handle NHTSA recalls (repair and rental cars) and see if there is any way you could help expedite payment with Hyundai? Thank you for your help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 26, 2022
We were travelling from Minnesota to Arkansas to see our family for thanks giving on 11/24/2022. Car engine starts blinking and engine started to make rattling noise. Took exit and pull over our car in one of the gas station. It was closed, this was our first road trip and first time in Iowa. Called insurance and towed our car to O'reaily auto part. They found out the error code p1326 which is related to engine issue. Looked for nearby Hyundai dealership and booked hotel near them. We went to Hyundai dealer at 7:00am on Friday 11/25/2022. We told them what happened. They told us they will check in our car. We waited from 7am to 1:30pm our car was still outside. At 2pm service manager came and said they cant check our car. We booked rental car ourselves and decided to come back home. We forgot our apartment key went back to get it and they had already started to diagnose our car thinking we are gone. Service guy told me that's engine failure every Hyundai is facing now. My car have 61k miles on it and I bought it in 2020 from Hyundai dealership. I still have 9k loan to pay this car and i cannot afford new car or new engine. I do not have car now and they are saying it can take months to repair my car if it gets approved for engine replacement. Hyundai is playing with my life and put me in depression. I have no option other than to cry. I am feeling so helpless now. Nothing and nobody seems helpful. I try my best to do anything i can and i am just waiting for coming Monday for Hyundai to make excuse to not fix my car. Hyundai is playing with lots of people life. This might be small for them but not for a working people like us. My life is messed up because of them. I cannot sleep at night and I have been calling everywhere if I can get help.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2022
Since November 2021, my 2013 Hyundai Sonata is found to have a dead battery on multiple random occasions. I replaced the battery with a brand new battery twice before bringing it in for inspection at a Hyundai dealer on September 1, 2022. The dealer diagnosed the problem as an electrical short circuit within the rear view mirror console and replaced said part for $711. The vehicle has had a dead battery twice since that repair, indicating there is still an electrical draw/short circuit somewhere within the vehicle. Each instance of a dead battery was preceded by rainy humid weather. I brought the vehicle back to the Hyundai dealer on November 14, 2022. I explained that I suspected moisture was getting in somewhere that it shouldn’t be and causing the electrical short circuit thus draining the battery. The Hyundai dealer found no electrical short and documented that the electrical system was performing to specifications (no electrical draw found that exceeds 50MA). There have been no dashboard warning lights or messages indicating the issue. Hyundai has no solution. I have replaced the battery three times within one year. I am concerned that the undiagnosed electrical problem may lead to a fire while parked and off and/or a dangerous failure while driving. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request.