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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Steering, Jun 12, 2021
I love my 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE, but with that being said I hate driving it. When on the road the 2013 has the same exact issue that the 2011's had, it will constantly wander in and out of the lane making it nearly impossible to keep a straight line. Its very fatiguing having to keep moving the steering wheel back and forth just to keep it straight. And for two its a serious safety issue!! The slightest slip could send your car off the road or into another car! When bringing the car into my local dealership they blew me off and said its " a normal thing because of the electric power steering and how the car rides the grooves of the road." And they refuse to help me out further to fix the issue. PLEASE GUYS. I know I am not the only one to report this issue please ask Hyundai to create a recall on it.
Engine, Jun 11, 2021
Been told for 4 weeks now that they have to wait for parts them being suntrup Hyundai south in st louis MO
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2021
Brake lights on the vehicle remain on and illuminated at all times. The brake lights are on while driving and pedal is not pressed as well as after vehicle is turned off and no one is in the vehicle. I checked the parking brake and it is not on either. I am concerned this will cause issues or accidents for people traveling behind me. Also do not know if this effects the battery in my vehicle. I checked and there was a recall for this very issue on a previous year Sonata and am wondering if it is now an issue for my year model as well.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2021
Dashboard experiencing vertical cracks in five areas and around airbag area. Cruise control would not turn off when break was depressed had to pull over applying brakes and pound on the steering wheel come to a stop. Checked out by manufacture claims it was no problem I have not used control since then.
Tires, Jun 7, 2021
I purchased (4 tires) 205/65R16 Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 for my vehicle in January 2019. In the past few months I’ve noticed a constant rumbling noise from the rear while driving. I have had my vehicle serviced for an inspection and oil change. Each time I received no recommendations during the multipoint inspections related to my tires. The last time I took it in I mentioned that I planned to purchase new tires and the mechanic looked at me strangely. He measured that my tire thread were at a 6 and he could not see any visible defects. Once the tires were rotated the noise moved from the back to the front. There is clearly a defect with the tire and it is out of warranty to be replaced.
Engine, Jun 6, 2021, fire
We were driving north bound on 75 around mile marker 155 near Macon GA. The car stalled and would not turn over. I was able to move over to the shoulder lane. Upon opening the hood and inspecting the engine, I realized the engine was on fire. I started to extinguish the fire while we called the fire department who helped to finish extinguishing the fire. It is my understanding now that this model is known for having engine fire
Engine, May 31, 2021
Engine mis fire
Power train, May 22, 2021
1. Car was parked at a rest stop, on a hot day, and idling in "PARK" with air conditioner on. One passenger was in the car in the front passenger seat. No one was in the drivers seat. The driver of the car was about 20 feet away and making a phone call to make hotel reservations. After about 10 minutes, the car suddenly started moving in reverse, while the passenger was sitting in the passenger seat. The passenger was alarmed by this movement and tried to get out of the car on the passenger side and opened the car door. The passenger then fell to the ground and avoided the door opening, but the front wheel of the car ran over her lower right arm , breaking the large bone in the arm and causing multiple lacerations. The car proceeded in reverse, finally coming to a stop against a small hill about 100 feet away. The passenger was rushed to a hospital and received emergency care.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 21, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to emit a white smoke from under the engine. As the contact pulled the vehicle to side of the road, he could hear an abnormal sizzling sound coming from the engine. The contact decided to leave the vehicle at the scene to allow the vehicle to cool down. The contact got into another vehicle and proceeded to his destination. A couple hours later, the contact returned to the scene and discovered that the vehicle was burned and damaged due to a fire. The contact called his insurance provider to report the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was uncertain if a fire report was filed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The contact had informed a dealer of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Electrical system, May 18, 2021
Unable to unlock and open front and rear passenger doors.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 16, 2021
JUST CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2021
SUN SHADE FAILURE ON PANORAMIC ROOF. I WAS DRIVING AND DECIDED TO OPEN THE SUNROOF, I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE SHADE CAME OFF TRACK AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP. SUNROOF OPENED UP LIKE NORMAL, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED NOT VERY SAFE WITH THE EXCESS HANGING MATERIAL BLOCKING VISIBILITY. $900+ REPAIR AT THE DEALER.
Engine, May 11, 2021
RECALL ON ENGINE HYUNDAI SAID THEY REPLACE IT THE CAR CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY KIDS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT LOSES POWER AND I'M ALMOST HIT. HYUNDAI IS PUTTING ME AND MY CHILDREN IN DANGER AND ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SEVERAL CASE NUMBERS WHERE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO HYUNDAI THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT AND THEY TRY TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. HOLIDAYS HAD MY CAR FOR FOUR WEEKS NOW I HAD A FRIEND TAKE ME UP TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON IT AND THEY TOLD ME BEFORE THEY COULD CHECK THE ENGINE NOW I HAD TO REPLACE COIL PACK #3 BECAUSE IT HAS A MESS. I'M COMPLETELY FED UP.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2021
I DO NOTICE SOMETIMES WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS, THE CAR LOOSES ENERGY, DON'T ACCELERATE. IT'S LIKE THE CAR MPH GOES DOWN TO ZERO WHILE I'M DRIVING THE CAR WHICH IS SCARY. I STEP ON GAS, AND IT DON'T MOVE, THEN IT PICKS UP AND SPEED OFF.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, May 7, 2021
SEATBELT FAILED TOO RETRACT CORRECTLY ALLOWING DOOR TO BE SHUT ON IT LEADING TOO DOOR AJAR SENSOR DAMAGE OR FAILURE LEAVING RED LIGHT AT BOTTOM OF DRIVER DOOR ALWAYS TURNED ON DRAINING BATTERY EVERY TIME OVERNIGHT. ONLY FIX FOR THIS WAS TOO REMOVE SENSOR TO PREVENT BATTERY DRAIN BUT NOW MY CAR LOCKS DOOR EVEN WITH ENGINE TURNED ON. SAFTEY ISSUE. COST OF FUEL ROADSIDE UNLOCK ASSISTANCE AND BATTERY CHECK OR REPLACEMENT COST.
Engine, May 5, 2021
MY CAR STARTED STALLING WHILE PARKED. AS WELL AS MAKING A NOISE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HUYNDAI SONATA FOR THEM TO CHECK ON THE RECALL. MY SPECIFIC CAR HAS THE RECALL THAT AFFECTS MY ENGINE, AND MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE MECHANIC SENT ME A TEXT ADVISING ME THAT "MY VEHICLE4 IS WORKING AS DESIGNED".
Structure, Apr 29, 2021
THE FRONT DASHBOARD HAS MULTIPLE LINES OF CRACKS NEAR THE DASHBOARD. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE IT LOOKS LIKE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. THE DASH BEING CRACKER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON TOP OF THE AIRBAG MAKES ME REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THE AIRBAG BLOWING OFF. ALSO THE CAR LOOKS SO BAD WITH ALL THE CRACKS THAT I HAVE PUR A COVER ON TOP OF THE DASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE AIRBAG NOT OPENING UPON COLLISON.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2021
THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON 4/23/21 WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE BATTERY WAS JUMPED OFF AND SOME WIRES STARTED SMOKING AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE, AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. ONCE THE NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED, THE ENGINE LIGHTS BLINKED CONTINUOUSLY, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED ON 4/25/21. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND WAS TAKEN FOR A TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAN FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT BEGAN PRODUCING A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND WHEN IT WAS STARTED AGAIN, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE DRIVEWAY OF THE RESIDENCE, THEN NEEDED TO BE PUSHED BACK INTO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND MADE A CLICKING SOUND. WIRES WERE ALSO SMOKING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP ON 4/26/21 FOR DIAGNOSTICS.
Engine, Apr 24, 2021
ON APRIL 17TH AROUND 1PM I WAS DRIVING DOWN HEY 64 WHEN MY CAR STALLED.IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND CUT OFF AND I PULLED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE STATES THAT THIS SPECIFIC CAR HAS.ENGINE ISSUES AND THAT IT MAY STALL DUE TO.ENGINE DIFFICULTIES BUT WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN NO ISSUE.POPS UP. JUST BECAUSE THE ISSUE DOESNT POPS UP DOESNT MEAN IM NOT HAVING TO DEAL WITH MY ENGINE CUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I BEEN.LOYAL TO HYUNDAI FOR ALMOST 13 YEARS AND TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN TO.ME WAS VERY DISHEARTENING AND SCARY AND FOR.HYUNDAI TO ACT UNCONCERNED REALLY.IS BOTHERING ME BUTI JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST TO SEE A RESOLUTION. I JUST MOVED TO A NEW.CITY FOR BETTER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND TO NOT HAVE A CAR AND COUGH OUT 1K FOR A RENTAL IS DISHEARTENING AND I HOPE.THIS GETS FIXED.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2021, crash
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY HOME AND MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.I JUMPED START THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO REACH A AUTO ZONE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A DEAD BATTERY SO I BUY A NEW $160 BATTERY FOR THE CAR TO STILL NOT WORK AND TURN BACK ON. ITS LIKE IT WOULD START BUT IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN ALL THE WAY ON. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 DAYS AGO AND ITS ALREADY STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Steering, Apr 23, 2021
MY CAR IS MAKING CLUNKING SOUND AND SHAKING IT IS BAD WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES SHAKES AND NOISE SOUND IS LOUD.
Engine, Apr 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE AND HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V121000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2021
I CAN'T PUT GAS IN THE TANK OR IT WILL LEAK OUT ALL OVER THE GROUND
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 20, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. I JUST DROPPED IT OFF AT POHANKA HYUNDAI (1770 RITCHIE STATION CT, CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD; (301) 423-1100) DEALERSHIP REGARDING ISSUES I SUSPECT TO BE RELATED TO THE RECALL ON THE ENGINE. ABOUT THREE AND HALF WEEKS AGO, I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING SIGNS UPON START-UP IN THE MORNING AND DRIVING THROUGHOUT THE DAY. A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND VIBRATION FROM THE ENGINE FOR 3-4 SECONDS WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNING. HEAVY SMOKING(MORE THAN THE USUAL MORNING SMOKE ON COLD DAYS) SOMETIMES UP TO FIVE OR MORE MINUTES. ACCELERATION AND RPMTHAT DON'T PASS 2000 ISSUES WHEN DRIVING AT 60 MPH. RANDOM AND INTERMITTENT STALLING WHEN DRIVING, SOMETIMES ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPING OR REFUSING TO MOVE AFTER A MOMENTARY STOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,925.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2021
IKUS BOUGHT CAR 3 WEEKS AGO 11000 DOLLARS WAS COMMING HOME WAS TURNING LEFT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AN MOTOR DIED I COULD BARLEY TURN WHEEL WAS ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK DOING 50 MPH AN THEN ALMOST WRECKED I ZCOUDNT TURN WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT BECAUSE NO POWER BECAUSE ENGINE FAILURE I COUDVE DIED OR SOMEONE WHO DIDNT HAVEE SAME STREMGH TO TURN WHEEL IM POOR NOW POORER CAR PAYMENT NO CAR