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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Aug 13, 2021
Blinking saying turn off engine almost died on highway this is my business car in my business name I haven't had this car for a year sign says turn vehicle off it cut off in front of my house hybrid system warning
Engine, Aug 12, 2021
While driving on the Mass pike my engine quit and decelerated without warning resulting in my wife and I barely making it off the road without causing an accident. There is a known flaw with this model 2013 Hyundai Sonata which caused a recall on Jan. 22,2021 that I had not received a notice on. That lack of notice could have easily caused our death that day. The dealer that has the car said the motor needs to be replaced. All owners of Hyundai Theta engines driven vehicles should be made aware before someone dies.
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2021
The brake light is constantly going out since I purchased this car in 2013 see other ocmplaints https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/brake-light-problems.php
Engine, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2021
My vehicle has seven recalls on Kelley blue book online everything it says on the Honda website is what’s happening with my car the check check engine light on smoking at the tail pipe exhaust smoke excessive leaking oil suspension seatbelt and no one is helping me at the local dealership Hyundai dealership they’ve been putting me off for months this is a very dangerous situation to have my children in the car I cannot work due to this situationI am a driver for Uber etc.
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Air bags, Engine, Jul 28, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 20-30 MPH, he heard an abnormal beeping sound and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and remained on the floorboard, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant. There was severe damage to the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact sustained injuries in the head and sought medical attention. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2021
Brake light flashing while driving in result my brakes touch down to the floor resulting me from braking properly
Power train, Engine, Jul 21, 2021
Check engine light began flashing and my 2013 Hyundai Sonata went into "limp" mode whiIe my wife was driving on the interstate. In "limp" mode it made it difficult and dangerous for her to exit the highway nearly being involved in a crash. She then "Limped" her way home. I checked the code with a diagnostic tool and a P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System code was returned. We took the vehicle to our local Hyundai dealer who reports the engine needs replaced which is part of Hyundai's recall/ campaign 17V226000. After the dealer trying on our behalf for several weeks to have the manufacturer replace the engine, the manufacturer now refuses to replace it. This is the second Hyundai I've had the engine fail on. The first one in a 2014 Sante Fe, the motor completely locked up. So what am I to do drive this one till the motor locks up on it? I dont think so!!! HELP
Engine, Jul 14, 2021
Check engine light began flashing and my 2013 Hyundai Sonata went into "limp" mode. I checked the code with a diagnostic tool and a P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System code was returned. The car burns oil at an alarming rate, I changed my oil 4,000 miles ago and it burned nearly 4 quarts of oil. There's 133k miles on the car. The dealership in Escondido, California keeps giving me the run around and is trying to charge me full price despite there being a well known engine failure/rod knock recall/campaign with this model/year car.
Engine, Jul 12, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her husband was driving 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated her husband was informed that a fire had started under the vehicle and exited the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the emergency services. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2021, fire
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata has been declared totaled by my auto insurance company and "unsafe to drive" by Hyundai Corporation. There is a case number associated with my car at Hyundai. While driving down the street my engine begins smoking and everything shuts off. I was scared and uncertain of what was happening. I had to dodge cars to get off the road. I have supplied more than 15 pages of maintenance records, Which has proven I have taken care of my car. The engine has locked. The first representative stated Hyundai Corporate will pay for repairs - a new engine. The second representative stated only if I had a warranty will they assist me. I believe I'm getting the run around.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed, diagnosed, but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2021
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013 - computer giving message " Check Charging System " while on the highway speed drops to 40 mpg. I had to stop the car on the roadside .. Hyundai dealer are not helpful. You go to them they just want to charge us $400 for diagnostic test. last week, Hyundai dealer told my car problem is with engine belt and tensioner assembly and I charged $900. but it did not fix the issue. I am not sure if above part was really needed to replaced, now the message on charging system and engine safety ( picture attached ) is too frequent. Ref. engine recall on this 2013 sonata hybrid, Hyundai dealer say car life is finish with 114K miles. and car engine is not issue as decide by Hyundai head office.
Steering, Jun 30, 2021
There are multiple issue with this car since last a year or more. ( picture attached) * At times computer flashes below message .. " Hyundai System Warning Safety Stop Do not Drive" * Steering Lock up * While driving a screeching sound and then it goes away. we received the recall notice and my daughter Jeranica took it to the Hyundai dealer for repair. They charged us $900 mentioning the issue is with belt & assembly and engine is ok. we informed then of all the above issue. Even after repairing the above we still have the same issue with the car. It look like Hyundai dealer are using this opportunity to rip-off the customer instead of actually fixing the issue. we still have above issue with, car computer asking us to stop on highway and steering lockup, dealer does not seem to be interested in fixing the issue. At one time he mentioned we have 114K mileage on the car and the life of engine is finish.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking onto the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign number 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2021
The 1st thing that happened was the inside dashboard lights would flicker from nighttime mode to daytime mode. Took it to dealership and they could not get it to replicate. Now when it happens the headlights turn off. It happens a lot more often and seems to be something to do with the column.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2021
Tail lights and brake lights constantly burn out. I've had to replace them multiple times a year. They bulbs get too hot that they melt into wiring harness which can be a fire hazard. I've had to replace the entire tail light because of this issues. I've heard and noticed this problem with a lot of Hyundai's. On the road I notice almost every other Hyundai similar to mine has at least one tail light or brake light out. My car was bought from Hyundai and had the original manufactures bulbs already installed, so this is not an aftermarket issue. I've read on multiple auto complaint blogs about this exact issue. I've been pulled over for the brake light being out which I wasn't even aware of until the officer told me. These bulbs have to be replaced at least 3 times a year. It's a safety hazard as well as a fire hazard. Every auto shop ive been to knows of this issues with Hyundai. I'm afraid to put anything flammable in my truck due to fear of it catching on fire. I spoke to Hyundai and they said that they are unaware of any issues or problems with my model and yet I continue to see mine and other vehicles with missing lights. Hopefully you guys can do something.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the control panel. The contact also stated a loud knocking noise came from the engine compartment. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17V226000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,140.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2021
My car has stalled five different times over the past week. No warning lights come on. I took my car to the garage and they had the same stalling issue. They cannot locate the problem. I see on other websites that this is a problem for other Sonata owners.
Exterior lighting, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the hazard lights would independently activate without warning. The failure would return soon after the depression of the hazard light button. The failure would continue while stationery with the engine off; the contact would have to disconnect the battery to stop the failure. The contact's wife had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they disconnected that button, cleaned out the area, and checked for loose wiring. Despite the services performed on the vehicle, the failure persisted soon after repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. Vehicle has been repaired.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2021, fire
While driving down the street noticed several people blowing and yelling “your car is on fire “ I was able to steer the car to the right, brakes were gone, as I jumped out, the front of the car was fully Engulfed in flames. The front of the car was totally destroyed by fire.
Engine, Jun 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed an independent mechanic was driving at unknown speeds and the engine stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 158,000. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling).
Air bags, Jun 17, 2021
My boyfriend was driving on highway and airbags deployed with no accident, worried about his safety he had to drive home with the airbags deployed on seats and driver side over the window air bag busted all the way into back seat over window. He is hurt. Called Hyundai 6/8 still no one assigned to my case. police was called report#21199526. They changed my engine maybe 6 months ago; my engine blew smelling smoke while driving and car just cut off, they replaced engine free of charge and my car has been falling apart since and yes my airbag light been on since they change motor and told me it will go away but it never went off. Per my research there was a recall for airbags back in 2012. I bought the car used from a dealership in 2015
Engine, Jun 16, 2021
I was driving and the car had black smoke coming from the exhaust and it cut off, wouldn’t crank back up