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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, 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.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 3, 2022
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Gt was a part of the Class action lawsuit in which the engine was replace. Within a year, I've had the vehicle checked and serviced at two different auto repairs shops for an extremely rough ride, loud rumbling-thumping and also a squeaking noise. The vehicle still drifts after having two separate wheel alignments. The steering wheel rattles and shakes with the slightest bump in the road. It feels like the underneath is falling apart and I'm going to lose control of the vehicle. With the sounds it makes and how it drives, it feels like I'm now driving a military tank instead of a car. I've spent over $2,000 for replacement-repairs of the: Tie Rods, U-Joints, Bushing, Brakes, two alignments and four new tires. I called the Ofallon IL Hyundai dealer who said there were no recalls or warranty left on these parts. After not getting any assistance from Auffenberg Hyundai, I researched online and found hundreds of complaints involving the suspension, Steering coupler, defective coil springs puncturing tires and causing motor vehicle accidents and serious injury. There were no warning messages prior to any of these symptoms. I feel that these mentioned parts contribute to maintaining control of the vehicle. I'm sure this could lead to a serious accident which could cause fatalities to eveyone involved! .........
Air bags, Aug 3, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING WHILE IF AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING IS DEFECTIVE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY HYUNDAI WITHIN OTHER SONATA MODELS BUT NOT MY SONATA Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WHICH DISABLES THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer had not informed the contact of the diagnostic result. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under recall due to the vehicle having a salvage title. However, the contact stated that the vehicle was salvaged due to the rear bumper being detached. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2022
The contact's fiancé owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact's fiancé received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump leak. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle and driving 40-45 MPH, the low fuel warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and attempted to fill the fuel tank however, the tank seemed as if it was already full. The contact stated that the low fuel level warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and fuel hoses needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) for which the VIN was included; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,140.
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
I have replaced the engine in the car after Hyundai “fixed” the engine issue in 2020 the engine locked shortly after! I literally took great care of the engine that I replaced it with and it locked as well. The engine was a used engine! I have put so much money in this car and now I need it repaired again.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH the vehicle was stopped inadvertently. The contact also stated while driving at a higher speed of 50 MPH and then needed to decrease the speed, the vehicle was stalling, then accelerated shortly after. The tachometer also failed to function. The check engine warning light illuminated occasionally. The contact took the vehicle to numerous unknown local mechanics, which was diagnosed with no failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The consumer stated the repairs were made on 12/22.
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
Motor suddenly stalled without warning. The car turned off and would not restart. I had to roll to a stop on an on ramp. I had to have the car towed home until I could afford to have it looked at. Lights turned on, but the motor would not turn over.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made knocking noises. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer declined the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement due to the vehicle having a salvage title. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2022
The fuel line is leaking fuel. I was put at risk because it can cause an engine fire while driving.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2022
While driving the car flashed "Hybrid System Warning! Safely stop and do not drive" and immediately shut off propulsion. I was able to coast just enough to get off to the side of the road. Now the warning comes up as soon as the engine kicks on to charge the hybrid system and the car will not move. If I wasn't in the right hand lane on the highway this could've caused an accident. This happened once in December 2021 with about 86000 miles and went away after letting the car sit for about 30 minutes. It happened again today July 21, 2022 and left me stranded. The car is unusable as of now.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while he and his significant other was driving approximately 10 MPH, the engine was knocking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed at a dealer or local mechanic. The contact personally diagnosed knock sensor detection system failure with a code reader. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,354.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 20, 2022
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was originally taken in for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and exiting the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact then pushed the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the nearby dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,672.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2022
I smelled gasoline in my car every time the car was idle and when I turned on the AC. I googled everything I could but could not figure out the problem. I had to drive the car from Miami to Orlando while this issue was going on (due to me attending school in Miami and living in Orlando). I dropped it to Tire Plus the same day I arrived in ORL & they called me on Sunday morning, stating that I should not be driving the car, it is a hazard because of the issue they identified. Shortly after (about 10 min after that phone call from Tire Plus) I found out that there has been a recall for this same issue tire Plus identified. I called tire plus and told them it is a recall and they said I must get the car to Hyundai to be fixed since it is identified as a recall. I went on Hyundais website and typed in the VIN number and I saw that my car qualifies for the recall. I got the car towed to Hyundai the next day. I called corporate, corporate notified me that after about 4 days of my car being in Hyundai’s care I’d be able to get a loaner (previously, I called numerous Hyundai’s but went with the one who had loaners available). It has been 7 days and Iam without a vehicle and I travel to school on the weekends. My case was escalated (last Wednesday I believe) and we were told by the case manager that he was going to reach out to Hyundai then give us a call… he gave us a call but did not reach out to Hyundai. He was also supposed to give us a call today (Monday) but it’s 3PM, I haven’t heard anything. So, I called him and left a message since he did not answer. Not to mention that Hyundai had no remedy for the recall on the car. It seems like they have no interest in compensating me in any way. They would rather drag out the situation and mention the need for me to fix other things on the car, other than the hazard at hand (the recall). It is quite frustrating and I’m not sure what to do at this point.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
The brake/tail lights get so hot they melt the plastic taillight assembly. I would think this is a fire hazard.
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
As i am sure you all are already aware of Hyundai sonatas and other models are having a major issue with oil consumption i know me personally i am having to add oil to my engine every 200 miles or so which out of all the vehicles i have owned i have never had to do this and when i say add oil i mean after just two or three days of driving i will check my dip stick and there will be no oil on the stick there are thousands of us out here with this same problem. It can cause an very unsafe situation if we are driving on the highway or road and the engine seizes up from no oil causing a crash and Hyundai ignores the problem their needs to be an investigation. Its just like their GDI theta engines that fail prematurely Hyundai was allowed to sell this vehicles to us the consumers even with them being aware of the huge safety issues that the engines had and continue to have. We as tax paying citizens are pleading with you to look into this matter and hold Hyundai accountable for their lies and actions of selling cars that they knew was unsafe and had issues.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The dealer advised the contact to file a claim for the repair to be covered; however, the claim was denied. The dealer informed the contact that she had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she associated to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact later 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 notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a second dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2022
The car start over but was unable to keep power upon hitting gas pedal. The seatbelt would unlatch. The back break lights wouldn’t shut off after turning off engine causing the car battery to lose power.
Air bags, Jul 8, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at the traffic light with a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and soreness on the neck, shoulder, and back. The other passenger sustained soreness all over the body. The contact and the other passenger later sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence though the bumper had detached and the vehicle was shuddering while driving. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop for repair. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown local Hyundai dealer where the tires and frame were inspected. The dealer was notified of the air bags failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags), which she associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
Hyundai is at it again for not repairing safety defects! I filed the following claim with Hyundai but was first the claim was accepted and allowed then denied when Hyundai objected! The attached documents show my efforts on both the steering issue and fire issue!