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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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, Dec 7, 2020
CLICKING OR KNOCKING WHEN WHEEL IS TURNED IN EACH DIRECTION
Exterior lighting, Dec 7, 2020
I HAVE TO CHANGE MY PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT BULB EVERY MONTH THIS IS NOT NORMAL, NOW SINCE IT GOT OVERHEATED IT HAD MELTED TO THE SOCKET,I FOUND IT VERY HAZARDOUS
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2020, fire
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AROUND THE FUSEBOX/ BATTERY AREA. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF THE SMOKE STOPPED. IT IS AT MACK GRUBBS HYUNDAI IN HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI WAITING ON INSURANCE AND SERVICE TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2020
HYBRID DRIVE SYSTEM ALARMED AND THEN FAILED ON FREEWAY CAUSING CAR TO ROLL TO STOP.. 12V SYSTEM FAILED W/NO EMERGENCY FLASHERS, LIGHTS OR 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. ALL NON-OPERATIVE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2020, fire
MY CAR'S ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A HYUNDAI FUEL LINE/ ENGINE RECALL
Engine, Dec 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER INLAND EMPIRE HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 25072 REDLANDS BLVD, LOMA LINDA, CA 92354, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2020
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL I HEAR A CLICKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE OR BROKEN. THERE REGULARLY IS A BURNING SMELL LIKE HOT PLASTIC IS MELTING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CONSTANTLY BURNS OUT. WHEN CHANGING THE BULB I NOTICED THE CASING APPEARS BURNED AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE BULB FOR REPLACEMENT. I SMELL THE BURNING SCENT WHEN I STOP AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CLICKING NOICE IS WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.
Engine, Nov 27, 2020
BACK IN MAY OF 2020 MY CAR OUT OF THE BLEW LOST POWER AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, I GOT MY CAR TOWED TO MY CLOSET DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT WAS THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. 4 MONTHS LATER, THREE DAYS AFTER MY OIL CHANGE MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AND MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING THIS CRAZY NOISE. DEALERSHIPS SAYS MY ENIGNE IS BLOWN, I REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THAT HAPPENED. THEY WANT 6,000 TO FIX MY ENGINE AND I CANNOT AFFORD THAT ESPECIALLY NOW. THERES SOMETHING REALLY WRONG WITH THESE ENGINES AND ITS NOT SAFE NOR FAIR TO WHAT YALL ARE DOING TO PEOPLE. I WAS EVEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THE SONATAS HAVE REALLY BAD ENGINES.
Steering, Nov 24, 2020
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL I HEAR A CLICKING /CLUNCKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE OR BROKEN. WHEN I AM DRIVING AND GO TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP I HEAR A RATTELING / CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE STEERING COLUM.
Steering, Nov 23, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL CLICKS THE STEERING WHEEL COUPLING HAS GONE BAD IN MOTION AND STATIONARY
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I'VE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL DOWN AND THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER AND I'M WONDERING IF MY 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA IS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS RECALLED ON MANY OTHER VEHICLES.
Service brakes, Nov 22, 2020
BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON, EVEN AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED, DRAINING THE BATTERY. BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON THROUGHOUT NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE AND ONLY EXTINGUISH WHEN THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL IS REMOVED FROM BATTERY. WHEN POWER IS RE-APPLIED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE LIT- EVEN WITH NO KEY ON THE IGNITION. HYUNDAI BELIEVES THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD MATERIAL CAN DETERIORATE, WHICH ALLOWS THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH PLUNGER TO REMAIN EXTENDED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED BY THE DRIVER. THEY RECALLED MODEL YEARS 2011-2012, BUT THE DEFECT PERSISTS IN MODEL YEARS FAR BEYOND THIS- PAST THE 2014 MODEL SONATA THAT I HAVE DISCOVERED.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Nov 20, 2020, fire
MY ENGINE WAS RECENTLY REPLACED DUE TO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT DUE TO FAULTY ENGINE WHICH DIED, THIS OCCURRED IN OCTOBER 2020 AND I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK TWO WEEKS AGO WITH A NEW ENGINE. LAST NIGHT ON 11/19/2020 THE ENGINE IN MY VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE I WAS PARKED IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WITH NO NOTICE AND I HAD TO CONTACT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT THE FIRE OUT.
Steering, Nov 19, 2020
STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS LIKE IT'S LOOSE SOMEWHERE. DEALERSHIP IS SAYING WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. BUT THEY SAY IT'S NO RECALL.
Steering, Engine, Nov 15, 2020
MY CAR TAKE MORE ENGINE OIL EVERY 400 MILES MY CAR NEED 1.5 LITERS ENGINE OIL AND MY STEERING SOME TIME STUCK AND WE FEEL NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 11, 2020
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THE WARNING SIGN CAME ON THE DISPLAY WITH THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE. STOP. DO NOT DRIVE. LESS THAN 10 SECONDS AFTER THE WARNING, THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO PULL THE CAR TO SAFETY.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2020
FRONT HEAD LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT AS WELL AS BACKLIGHTS. THE WIRING HAS GOTTEN SO HOT THAT IT HAS STARTED TO MELT THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE TAIL LIGHTS SO THEY KEEP BLOWING OUT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING, VEHICLE WILL NOT GO OVER 20 MILES PER HOUR AND JUMPS. STARTED SUDDENLY WHEN IN MOTION ON ROAD.
Engine, Nov 7, 2020
ANYTIME CAR IS RUNNING STATIONARY OR IN MOTION ITS A THICK WHITE/GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM MY EXOST ENGINE RUMBLES AS WELL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BYSTANDER ASSISTED HIM WITH PUSHING THE VEHICLE SAFELY OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2020
VEHICLE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. WE ARE ADDING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 500 MILES. OIL IS NOT LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2020
AUGUST 11 2020 DEALER SHIP TOLD US THEY CHANGE THE RECALL FOR 189 Y FUEL TUBE. TODAY 10/26/20 NOTICE STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WITHIN THE CAR. CHECK THE INSIDE THE HOOD FOUND SATURATED FOAM COVER WITH FUEL THAT CAN EASILY IGNITE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2020
I WAS DRIVING AT A NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED OF 60 MILES PER HOUR ON A SMOOTH ROAD AND FOLLOWING ANOTHER CAR APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE AHEAD WITH NOTHING OVERHEAD WHEN MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. I HAD THE SUNSHADE CLOSED AT THE TIME.
Air bags, Oct 24, 2020, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT LAST WEEK , THIS OTHER VEHICLE HIT ME FROM BEHIND AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH APPROXIMATELY. NOW THE STRANGE THING WAS THAT AT THE IMPACT THE OTHER VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED MINE DID NOT BUT I DID SEE IN MY DASHBOARD THE LIGHT OF THE AIR BAG AS IF IT WAS DEPLOYED IN MY CAR...SO I'M THINKING THAT IT'S DEFECTIVE.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 24, 2020
I SENT A NOTICE BEFORE EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPEN BUT I WAS MCDONALD'S LINE MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT IN DRIVE I HEARD A CLICK NOISE MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE OUT OF PARK AND AFTER HOLDING THE LINE UP OVER AN HOUR I HAD SOMEONE TO HELP ME MOVE IT. IT WAS AFTER 9PM SO I HAD TO SLEEP IN MY CAR UNTIL MIDNIGHT WAITING FOR HELP I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME AND IT WAS A $90 FEE I MISSED 3 DAYS OF WORK TO FIND A LOCAL MECHANIC TO FIX IT BECAUSE HYUNDAI SAID MY CAR WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY IT HAD EXPIRE SO NOW I BARELY DRIVE IT BUT STILL HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENT IT STILL NOT FIXED CORRECTLY NOW WHEN I TRY TO SHIFT GEARS IT TAKES A WHILE BEFORE THE COMPUTER READS IT. MY LIGHT ISSUES IN THE CAR THE FRONT HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT I SPENT OVER $100 IN THE PAST MONTH. NOTHING IS SHOWING IT'S OVER HEATING OR MELTING I HAD TO PAY SOMEONE TO LOOK AT IT AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE IT OUT THIS HAD CAUSE ME TO GET PULLED OVER MORE THAN ONCE BECAUSE I WORK OVERNIGHT. PLEASE HELP