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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact requested an alternator replacement. The mechanic replaced the alternator however, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic diagnosed that the oil was 2 quarts low and needed an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was unable to follow-up with the case manager. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine, Nov 1, 2021
When driving on the freeway at 75 mph, check engine light came on and shortly after the car just stopped running. Could have been a terrible accident but able to get over to side of freeway without causing an accident. Car was towed to dealership in Flagstaff Arizona on 8/9/2021. Advised it was a Campaign T3G engine and turbo charger recall and that part was ordered on 8/10/2021. Required hotel stay, rental car nightmare to get home to Albuquerque New Mexico. Dealer advises the part has still not been received as of 10/29/2021 and they do not know when they will get it. They also have 8 other cars waiting for same repair. Owner of vehicle is without the car for 3 months now, not to mention the car is in another state and we can't follow up easily.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 29, 2021
*** Normal driving, brakes went out while driving. *** Car was recently repaired by dealer related to hybrid power relay system failure - fuse and precharge relay failed and forced car to pull over while at highway speeds to side of road then left driver stranded on side of road. This was repaired supposedly. Now just a couple weeks later under normal street driving condition brakes totally went out. Stop light then let off brake and car started beeping and making noises - check engine light, brake light, LCD displayed BRAKE warning and flashed "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive". The car was unresponsive to acceleration pedal and only slowly moved then puttered a little bit but I managed to get it out of the intersection and into a parking lot under its own power. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I used Emergency Brake to stop and park then had it towed. Could have been disaster if I was on highway - which I was at stop light to turn onto when the failure occurred. I am scared of this car now. 2 times in a month it has forced driver to pull over and then become unresponsive. No brakes is the last straw. This is a dangerous car now.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving the vehicle there was a clicking noise and vibration coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering coupler was faulty and had also caused damage to the front passenger’s and driver’s side tie rods. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
The car stopped running and started smoking. Took it to Langdale Hyundai in Valdosta, GA and they said it was a rod bearing and there was a recall on it. They then told us after over a month and a half of them having the car that it was declined due to the engine not being updated since 2018??? I've never once heard of updating an engine. But I also thought the recall took place before that time frame so I don't see why that matters.
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2021
The car stopped while I was driving twice in the middle of an intersection with no warning lights or anything. My vehicle stopped in the middle of the road while driving and would not start back. Yes my mechanic seen it and said he has seen a lot of Sontas with this problem. No warring lights or anything ever came on.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2021
The night before, a light came on as I got home and when I looked it up it said "not urgent, but take to a dealer to have it inspected." I parked it. The next morning, before I even got out of the driveway, a BIG warning light came on saying "PULL OVER AND PARK CAR. HAVE IT LOOKED IT BY A DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE." I pulled back to the house and turned it off. It would never start again. I had it towed to the dealership, who have tried several parts and so far nothing has worked. They do not know how to fix it. It is at Grayson Hyundai in Knoxville, TN. There were no other warning signs, messages, or symptoms prior to it dying. The whole hybrid system or electric battery component system failed. Since it just died without warning, it would have been extremely dangerous if I had been on a public road instead of my driveway, with no where to go and no recourse.
Structure, Oct 21, 2021
Possible compromise to the integrity of the passenger air bag due to known 2012-2013 dashboard cracking issue. Dashboard cracked approximately 8-9 inches on top of the passenger air bag. concerned for integrity if cracking persists of the air bad
Exterior lighting, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the taillight assemblies replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Structure, Oct 20, 2021
Rear passenger door doesn’t open from the inside or outside. The actuator is unlocking but the cable that attaches to the handle is stretched and not releasing from the striker. The component at fault is the “latch assembly”. This is very dangerous and people can get stuck in the rear.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2021
My husband keeps replacing the left passenger side brake light and when he called the dealer he was told that they know of the issue but there isn’t a recall on it. Today 10/20/21 he went to replace the bulb again because it was out he noticed that as he was pulling the bulb the light came on. When he moved the harness around the light bulb would turn on and turn off. He went to autozone and one of the associates told him the same thing the deal told me, that they knew of the issue but there wasn’t a recall on it. He said that’s what they told him when he encounter the same issue I was having with my vehicle. His girl friend has the same vehicle as I do. It is available for inspection, unknown, yes it has been confirmed by the dealer, it has been inspected by my husband job AAA, and no warning lights appeared.
Engine, Oct 20, 2021
I was driving on the Interstate and my engine sized up. Luckily I was able to get to the off ramp with out an accident. I had my car towed to the dealership. It was confirmed that the engine sized up and related to the recall. Hyundai has had my car for close to 3 months and refuses to honor the recall and replace the engine. I took it in for the recall after I found out on the news. They changed my oil and said the engine was good. After the engine froze up, I was told that their was a second recall that I was again not notified by. Hyundai warrantee department will not replace my engine because I did not know about the second recall, and it did not get done. After my car was towed to the dealership I got a pamphlet in the mail about an engine chip program update. My car is now a paper weight, Hyundai failed to honor their recall, left my wife and I with only 1 car that has an engine recall on it, I need to spend money on a second tow to a repair shop, and we need to find a few thousand dollars to get a repair shop to replace the engine.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2021
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, with a build date of November 15, 2012. There is a NHTSA campaign, number 20V121000, that corresponds with Hyundai recall 189. The recall describes a fuel leak on the top of the engine, as well as "increasing the risk of engine compartment fire". My vehicle is currently experiencing the exact issue stated in the recall. According to the part 573 safety recall report 20V-121, the affected vehicles were produced at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama with the production dates of November 26, 2012 - January 16, 2014, meaning I missed the "cut off" by 11 days. With that being said, local Hyundai dealerships and Hyundai cooperate with not perform the recall nor will the allow me to purchase the affected part so I can make the repair myself. In the mean time I am stuck with a vehicle that is leaking fuel onto the top of my engine, and fumes filling the cabin of my vehicle.
Steering, Oct 15, 2021
At this time steering column has a "click" or "clunk" sound when turning the wheel in either direction. Steering on this car has always been odd. You have to continuously adjust wheel as you drive to stay in your lane. I am going to have it checked by my mechanic. If I lose steering that's a pretty big safety concern.
Engine, Oct 15, 2021
When I was passing another car I lost all power and every warning light came on. I was able to pull over. I had the car towed to dealer. It was total engine failure. Engine replaced with a rebuilt which Hyundai paid for. The original engine had 86,000 miles. There was no previous warning and I had taken the car in for a recall to have engine checked for excessive wear the year before. Certainly, my safety was at risk.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
Normal weather, normal day. Hybrid car. Starts fine and drives as usual. Yesterday at 55mph got immediate alert to pull over. Barely able to pull over safely then car turns off and will not turn back on. Clicking under hood. No indication of battery or hybrid issue. Scan codes completely different than dealership advice. No exact indication of issue. Could have caused accident at 55pmh and electrical system go out like that. Battery died while on side of road. Towed to dealership and they said its a bad 12v battery ( but it was fine ) and a fuse and a "pre-charge hybrid relay" whatever that is. Thousand dollar repair that caused car to be forced off road while driving highway speed. Bottom line, everything prior was fine, no indication of any battery issue, no hard starts nothing. While driving system failed and then unable to restart. Many similar complaints online.
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2021
Most of my exterior bulbs burn out out constantly. Headlights at least once a year, most of the time twice a year. Brake lights/ rear license plate bulbs burn out multiple times a year. Fog lights and high beams affected too. Apart from the annoyance of constantly being pulled over and given verbal warnings, or people yelling at me, trying to help me out by letting me know that yet another bulb is out, it's a safety concern. If I'm breaking and the person behind me isn't paying attention, they could slam into me. Where I live durning certain times of the year the fog gets so thick that without fog lights, it's scary to drive. The spot where that 60 car pile up that happen in Virgina a few years ago, is part of my commute. There was a time when a fog light and a head light went out with in minutes of each other, while I was driving in snow. Now, if the bulbs I have used were cheap ones, then I would be more lenient on then burning out faster. But I'm using top tier Sylvania and Phillips bulbs. These bulbs are expensive and having to change them is costly. I've gone to dealerships and the response is always the same. "Bulbs just burn out, we'll sell you some for $30 each" That's what a Hyundai dealership near me told me when they failed my Sonata's State Inspection. I needed two break lights. I know it isn't just my car either. I've been watching Sonata's for probably about a year now, and would you know it, their brake lights are usually out (right side most often) Or their head light is out. A quick Google search is proof enough that I'm not alone.
Engine, Sep 30, 2021
Hyundai turbocharger failed in my vehicle. This is common in Hyundai vehicles and is unsafe. The car stalls out while driving and sometimes do not start. This is eventually going to cause the engine to be damaged. This is dangerous because the car just turns off. Hyundai is not willing to own up to their mistakes on manufacturing these cars and it is frustrating.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2021
Recommended lights for brakes keep burning, causing the brake light sockets to melt. I have replaced them twice and replaced the complete tail lights and wiring. Purchasing stock tail lights, bulbs as well as after market. The bulbs continue to blow or get so hot that they are melting the plastic. My car was smoking today from the rear and upon poping my trunk it was filled with smoke from the tail lights burning. This needs to be recalled and fixed.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2021
They failed to fix my recall, they handed my receipt stating it was done. It was a recent recall. I was very upset because they failed to fix my issue and lied to me about it!!! So I have text and emails about their false fixed recalls. Very disappointed in my Patrick Schaumburg Hyundai dealership! Very unsafe and fake fixing mandatory recalls.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was in traffic, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle home. When the contact drove the vehicle, she stated that an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the vehicle while driving up an incline. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the vehicle during the failure. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer to have the vehicle serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer then called the contact and informed her that a diagnostic test needed to be performed on the vehicle prior to the recall repair. The contact refused to pay for a diagnostic test and instructed the dealer to only repair the recall on the vehicle. Since that call, the contact had called the dealer on multiple occasions but had yet to receive a response. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2021
Issue with loud popping noise coming from the antenna area of the vehicle, and has occurred when vehicle is not on and the keyless entry has not been used. I have tried for almost 3 years to get this resolved. The dealerships hear the noise but could not fix it. Case open with Hyundai USA.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2021
Very concerned about extensive "cracking" on dashboard on and around passenger side airbag designation. Could this affect deployment of the airbag?
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
I had been hearing a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The steering wheel also vibrates at speeds above 60. I took the car in for diagnosis and was told the steering column and assembly needs to be replaced. I had recently hit a pothole and noticed the noise and vibration was a lot worse. The dealership felt that could have been a cause of the increased noise and vibration. I was advised to file a claim with my insurance company. The insurance company said it was a known steering wheel issue with Hyundai.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2021
The dashboard is showing major cracking and I am concerned that the air bags may self deploy. I have seen other drivers online with the same issue.