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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Engine, May 26, 2022
Car cut off on expressway started back up cut off again made it home my son in law drove to see if it would cut off on him and it did after 20 minutes car was towed to mechanic where they stated at shop car needed an engine call dealership where car was purchased and they blamed it on me
Engine, May 26, 2022
In 2017, Hyundai performed a complimentary engine inspection on my vehicle as part of NHTSA Campaign 17V226000 (Hyundai Recall 162). Now, nearly four years later, my vehicle is experiencing several of the symptoms of engine/bearing failure as indicated in the recall documentation. The engine is making a knocking/pinging noise, which a Hyundai dealership service department confirmed on 4/12/22. The vehicle sometimes hesitates during acceleration. The engine oil consumption has dramatically increased, but there are no leaks. On three occasions, the engine has burned through an entire tank (nearly 5 quarts) of oil in less than 3,000 miles and the "check engine" and "oil pressure" lights have never illuminated.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2022
I am writing to report a safety concern and recall issue with Hyundai Motors . October 2021 - I took my car into Braman Hyundai 2060 NE 2nd Avenue Miami FL 33137 305-571-1225 for a few issues including the following recall : 189 HYUNDAI SONATA 2013: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. April 26th 2022- I notice a strong smell of gasoline inside my car. April 27th 2022 - I bring my car into Braman Hyundai 2060 NE 2nd Avenue Miami FL 33137 305-571-1225. I am notified by the dealership there if a fuel leak and it will cost me $700 out of pocket . I clarify with the customer care representative : “The issue that is present now in regards to a gas fuel leak , is the SAME issue as the recall?” The representative confirms this is correct , and advises me to contact corporate directly as they cannot perform a recall twice . There is a chance the recall can be covered if corporate overrides this with her manager . I proceed to call and report my issue to corporate . Corporate and the dealership refused to assume responsibility for the repairs and failed to provide paperwork for initial recall . I am deeply disappointed and do not feel safe or comfortable driving my car anymore after a gas leak was present that was failed to be addressed back in October 2021 under the existing recall . I hate to imagine my life being put at risk in accident or death because of a serious fire risk . My occupation requires me to drive for a living , and I take my safety and the safety of others on the road very seriously . This is a Hyundai Motors manufacturer issue , but because of some strange recall technicality and the initial work not being done properly , I am being held responsible for the repairs in addition to my life being put as risk . Due to this experience , I will not be returning to this dealership and refuse to make any further business or recommendation for Hyundai Motors as a trusted vehicle source.
Electrical system, Engine, May 23, 2022, crash
The engine component on my car is failing; it is available for inspection upon request. I was put at risk because the vehicle continued to stall during operation due to the car's continuous operation with a worn connecting rod. An independent service center has confirmed the problem. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle component, as they said they have. A warning came up that read, "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and DO NOT DRIVE!
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 17, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, May 13, 2022
brake/tail lights keep burning out. when attempting to replace them, they are melted into the wiring harness. dealership replaced wiring harness. issue still happens.
Steering, May 12, 2022
The intermediate shaft broke causing excessive noise and safety threat while driving. Dealer had to replace the shaft completely. This looks to be the common issue on this model
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 12, 2022
Sometimes car won’t start right away, won’t even try to turn over. Burns lots off oil smokes , acts like it’s going to cut off, has no power. It started when I purchased it November 2020 been getting worse tried to take it back, dealership wouldn’t take it back it started getting a lot worse about February 2022
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 12, 2022
My safety was put at risk and the life of others as a chime sound began to sound and the "check brake/Hybrid System Warning" was displayed on the dashboard. This caused the car to press the emergency breaks on its own slowing the vehicle to a complete halt on freeway. This malfunction could have caused a multi vehicle collision. This was taken for inspection and Scanned with GDS and C1235 Pressure sensor, is internal in HECU and cannot be repaired, HECU must be replaced. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and pedal sinks which feels like car does not stop. The output signal voltage of the pressure sensor is out of the specified range, the monitoring starts 1 sec after power up. The cause of this could be that there is a faulty pressured sensor and/or open or short of pressure sensor circuit. The pressure sensor installed in the HECU, converts the brake pressure to judge the drivers brake intention when the ESC program is operated. When pressure is applied to the sensor, the resistance of the sensor's strain gauge changes. The change in resistance changes the voltage output from the sensor. A fail safe inhibits the ESC/DBC control and allow the ABS/EDB control. The ESC/DBC warning lamp is activated. A safety recall should be established by this establishment as other Hyundai Sonata Hybrids are having the same malfunctions and are having to repair costs out of their own pockets, $4,300 given quote.
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Upon veering to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the independent mechanic was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the diagnostic test would be performed at his expense as they would have to take the engine apart and would then reassemble it. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also informed the contact they would follow up with the dealer and they would get back to him. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2022
My rear tail lights on both sides keep burning holes through the plastic then burning out this takes place all with in a week I’ve had to replace the light harness 3 times on both sides already and I’ve wen down on the voltage on the lights. Neither worked. This is a safety concern as I e read on multiple post that there trunks have caught fire because of this. In which I’ve smelled smoke on multiple occasions and then noticed the harness to be burnet out and the light to be blown. I have children that ride in the back seat that require help. This problem needs to be fixed before someone’s life is taken.
Engine, May 9, 2022
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starting experiencing issues with the engine. After I took it to a mechanic he informed me that the issues were from a this safety defect relating to an engine rod. He informed me of the recall. I never received any information about this recall from Hyundai or the dealership. It also took over a month to schedule an appointment and they estimate about 8 weeks to fix the problem. So I have been without a vehicle for over a month now and if they do admit the problem came from this recall it will be another 2 months before it will be done. I do not feel this problem was handled in a timely matter especially considering the original recall was issued in December of 2020.
Engine, May 4, 2022
Bearing wear within the engine, when you start the car the engine is making some noises, and there is a check engine flashing on the dashboard. this happened on March 15th, 2022, I took it to the dealer, they confirmed to me that the vehicle has been recalled for this engine failure, and did contact the manufacturer, and the manufacturer told them that: the owner of the vehicle must contact them, which I did, but they say that the car have a branded title, so they can't respond to my recall. And asked me to check with my DMV to see if they can clear the title, but the DMV told me that the car has a rebuilt title already, which is a part of the car's history, and the car manufacturer can't denied to fix this recall because I have a rebuilt title, as long as I have my state vehicle inspection, Hyundai have to fix the safety recall that I have with my car. I did forward this details to the manufacturer, and still no one replied to my email yet. I have a case number with them. And I am still waiting... My car is to the dealer until now, and I don't have any updates
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 4, 2022
Vehicle stopped braking and beeping noise and brake light on dash.
Electrical system, May 3, 2022
Door latch driver side not locking
Engine, Apr 30, 2022
Was driving down the road and the car started smoking so pulled over into a parking lot of a business and the engine locked up and could not start vehicle again. No indicator lights or warning lamps went off. Upon opening the hood, discovered it was completely dry with no oil in it at all even though I regularly have the oil changed and there was no warning light or oil pressure light that came on. Towed vehicle to dealership and am awaiting their diagnosis. Safety concern is that the vehicle could have caught on fire and the sudden cessation of the engine could have caused a crash. I have researched and discovered that recall 62 is in place for this year make and model of my vehicle and that there have been many other reports of similar instances with this model vehicle. I did a search on the NHTSA website inputting my VIN # and it says there are no recalls related to my vehicle. However, I don't think it is a coincidence that my vehicle had the same symptoms that others described in their complaints, ie., no warning lights, no prior mechanical issues, smoke coming out of the engine, engine seizing up, etc. I've had no prior mechanical issues or any incidents that led me to believe there was a problem. This occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. I hope that the manufacturer will do the right thing and repair it since I never got notification of the recall and clearly is the same issues that are the subject of the recall.
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2022, fire
UNKNOWN but my engine caught on fire while driving on the highway..
Engine, Apr 19, 2022
Our car has 70,000 miles on it and has driven just fine. We recently had the battery replaced after it died and had no problems afterward. Then, a month later, the car started to lurch whenever we accelerated on the highway. The very next time we drove, we received an error message that read "Hybrid System Malfunction, Safely Pull Over and Do Not Drive." We did this, turned the car off, restarted it and safely drove to the dealership. The dealer then said they could not replicate the issue and they reset the hybrid system. We picked up the car and immediately started having the lurching issue again, and then the light came on that said Hybrid System Malfunction. The car then was having trouble accelerating and kept flashing at us until we got back to the dealership. The dealer said there was no signal to let them know what is wrong with the vehicle, but it is not un-driveable and put us in a very dangerous situation not being able to accelerate safely on the highway. The dealer had to call an engineer and they have determined it to be a problem with the transmission, but they are not able to guarantee that this will fix the problem.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2022
Brake/ tail light socket and metal portion of bulb could not be removed. Dealer attempted to replace socket but the tail light assembly was melted so badly that it would not hold the bulb socket. The whole tail light assembly had to be replaced.
Service brakes, Apr 7, 2022
hybrid brake warning bells went off and lost brakes. had vehicle taken to dealership and they cant duplicate problem. very scared to drive vehicle. Don't want to be a statistic on the road.
Engine, Apr 2, 2022
On 9/7/2021 my Son Alex and I were out for a drive in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata gls.. my son is 17 years old an was completing his 50 hour driving time required, to get his drivers license.he has a learners permit. We had done some in town driving for about an hour and we decided he needed practice on the freeway.. after about 15 mins on the freeway my vehicle suddenly shut down without any warning.. my son being an inexperienced driver did a great job of not having an accident being he lost all power steering and power braking functions of the vehicle. Thank god he steered us off the road an into the ditch an not into on coming traffic.. we both were fine but understandably shakin up.. I Then had my vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership here in my area, who has since refused.. to honor a safety recall campaign that they themselves have already verified Per VIN number that my vehicle qualifies for that safety recall campaign issued by the NHTSA.
Steering, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle , the vehicle started stalling. The contact stated that there was no warning lights illuminated , however her vehicle started smoking. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle to a service station where she attempted to restart the vehicle . The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised that she was experiencing an internal engine failure. The contact stated that she then contacted the dealer who advised her that her vehicle could not be repaired due to not having a warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, Mar 19, 2022
my husband and i were on the way home from new york and the engine light came on something started to knock and it got louder and the car engine blew on i-83s by the 29 mile mark it was a bad area not safe we almost got struck by several 18 wheelers and . ive contacted the carmax which it was leased from a hyundai dealership as well as the credit place who finances the car no one knows a thing the car has a faulty engine and we could have died. we had to walk to the next exit which was three miles and find a ride to md. and then get the car towed to the nearest carmax .. no one still did anything and we had to find a way back to ga by train w. i am a nurse my need my car for my family
Engine, Mar 14, 2022
On 3/12/22 I was driving on Hwy 330 towards Big Bear CA, when I started hearing a knocking/rattling sound from the engine compartment. I pulled into a turn out and called AAA for a tow. The tow car driver, Don's garage in Running Springs and the dealership in Loma Linda all agreed that most likely it is an engine rod issue. As of today, March 14th, I am still waiting on call back from the Loma Linda dealership to find out about the issue with the engine. The car has about 59,750 miles on it.