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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Power train, Engine, Mar 8, 2022
My car seized up a lot, like pushing forward, then all together stopped and went into only going up to 40mph. I just hot the car 10 months ago so it shouldn't have done that. Took it to a repair shop and they said the engine was on it's last legs even though I literally just got the car.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
Hyundai failed to inform me of the engine component module recall in 8/18, and now they won't cover replacing my blown engine in my 2013 Sonata. This was a year/model of several engines being recalled and replaced by Hyundai.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022, fire
The contacted owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle deaccelerated without warning several times. The contact stated that the failure was occurring for about a week and the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated recently while driving at 70 mph the vehicle was decelerating with the check engine warning light illuminated, pulled over to the side of the roadway, and called for a ride. The contact stated smoke was seen coming from under the hood she opened the hood but saw no fire. The contact stated left the vehicle parked on the side of the road and was notified by the police that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact vehicle was awaiting a tow to the unknown Hyundai dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2022
While driving the engine seized up very dangerous going 40 mph lost absolute control almost causing serious accident
Engine, Mar 4, 2022
I was driving on a main road and my engine siezed up. No warning no lights nothing. Then it wouldn’t start. Got it back to my sisters house it started the next day but the engine is knocking mechanic said it needs new engine!!!! It only has 90k miles!!!!!!
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
STEERING IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. STEERING WILL ALSO JERK AT THIS TIME!! THIS RECENTLY CAME ON GRADUALLY AND IS ESCALATING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED!!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 3, 2022
The car is experiencing major functioning issues including the theta engine class action lawsuits with engine failure and abnormally high oil usage. It has been stranded for weeks and left my children and myself in danger . Hyundai of Auburn refused to diagnose or allow it to sit on the dealership lot until May 2022. I'm stranded without assess to my children, mail or safety resources that have put my family and myself at great risk if either of us need emergency assistance.
Engine, Mar 3, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the speed had suddenly reduced before the engine stalled. On one occasion as the failure occurred, a second vehicle crashed into the rear bumper. No injuries were reported. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine has seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,897.
Engine, Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to safely coast off the roadway and stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact's father inspected the taillights, removed the taillight housings, and noticed that the taillight housings were melted. The contact stated that she had replaced the bulbs on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated an independent mechanic came to his residence and was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed by the dealer that his VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without a warning light. The vehicle was towed to her mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil was clumped up in the engine. The dealer took the engine apart and however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022
Started having engine failure a few months back with knocking and ticking noises. Loss of power while driving and upon trying to accelerate. Dealer said it was a bad transmission. Have had repairs done with the same problems and with oil leaking and burning badly so much as you can smell inside the vehicle while driving. It's a safety issue that could cause a fire.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2022
iGNITION KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE. WHEN TURNING ENGINE OFF, THE KEY STAYS LOCKED IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WHICH CAUSES A DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT!
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2022
My ABS light is continually on and smells like my brakes are burning. And my traction control light is on at all times also. No inspection. available for inspection upon request.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that her son was driving the vehicle at 35 mph when he noticed that smoke was issuing from the rear which then entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's son was able to slow the vehicle by using the shifter due to not having any brake power. The contact stated her son was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's son flagged a police officer who called the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire with water, but the vehicle was completely burned and undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a police impoundment lot. The contact was not aware of a police or fire department report being filed. The contact did not take the vehicle to the local dealer and the contact's insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle fire origin was not determined by the insurance company. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she had a previous recall letter from the manufacturer for a fuel line issue and it was addressed at a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
No incident yet! I bought the car from a family elderly member who kept it in the garage! The car has only 7,600 miles! The steering wheel makes a clunking noise when making a turn! When i searched for recalls i saw it's a common problem with that year 2013 Hyunday Sonata! Everyone who complained is surprised that there is no recall issued! People with higher mileage are experiencing failure of steering/ Car when turning, fails and goes to next lane!
Steering, Feb 3, 2022
Steering in 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited “sticks” when driving down the road. Once the car is going in one direction, you have to unstick it to go on the path you want. This causes the driver to oversteer to bring it back to the path you intended and wobbling down the road as if you were inebriated. Have seen this same complaint in a number of online forums. No fix has been found that actually works, including replacing the steering column, for any length of time. Why has this issue not been recalled? I can envision someone possibly driving off the road, into a guardrail or into a bicyclist or another vehicle. You have to constantly.correct the steering, which is especially troublesome at interstate speeds.
Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the dealer confirmed that the recall repair had been completed; however, two days later while the contact was driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 29, 2022
Without warning, all of the vehicles warning alarms and indicator were triggered and the car shut off with now power or engine running while i was in motion driving in traffic. Absolutely no prior indications before this occurred. I had to have to vehicle pushed from the middle of the road then towed home.
Engine, Jan 26, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill at a traffic light, the vehicle seized and there was smoke exiting under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and open the hood when the smoke faded away but did not see any visible fire. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and had two unknown recalls completed on 9/1/2021. The contact also stated he would smell fuel fumes when starting the heater. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated on 12/8/2021, while parking the vehicle, he saw smoke exiting under the hood. The contact was able to run out of the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard. The manufacturer called the contact and informed them they needed to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced until March 2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2022
The fuel has a gas leak
Seat belts, Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the chest strap failed to tighten after locking the seat belt into place. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt retractor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and provided the contact a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the low and high beam headlights failed to illuminate and was replaced on several occasions. Additionally, the driver’s and passenger’s side taillights were inoperable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.