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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 21, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 21, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 60 DAYS AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PROCESS THE CAR FOR THE SAFETY RECALLS.
Steering, May 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE SOUND INTENSIFIED WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG RECALLS AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO COMPLETE THEM ON THE CAR. THEY HAD THE CAR IN A DEALERSHIP FOR 90 DAYS AND HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE RECALLS ON THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO MOVE FORWARD AND COMPLETE THE WORK ON THE CAR SO THAT I CAN GET IT REMOVED FROM THE REPAIRING DEALERSHIP.
Structure, May 20, 2019
ONLY 50,000 MILES AND DASH CRACKED IN 2 SECTIONS AND DEALER SAID THAT IT IS NOT COVERED IN WARRANTY. NO HELP FROM HYUNDAI
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Wheels, May 18, 2019, crash
I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM SHEEHY OF WALDORF AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS I HAVE BEEN STOP BY POLICE IN BALTIMORE CITY TAILLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING AND FRONT ENGINE PROBLEMS FRONT END PROBLEM MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THIS VECHICLE BEEN DECLARED UNSAFE TO DRIVE I BROUGHT THIS REPORT AND THEY DELETED INFORMATION OF THE CARFAX AND ME STATE INSPECTION MILEAGE IS DIFFERENT AND MY TITLE AND CONTACT HAS THE SAME MILEAGE AND THE SERVICE PAPER OS LIES GM TOLD KE NO NEW TIRE WAS NOT PUT ON THE CAR BUT SERVICE PAPER THAT THEY STATES NEW TIRES ON THE CARFAX THEY STATE ONLY THING THEY DONE ON INSPECTION WAS A LEFT TIRE END THE WIRING IS CUT ON BOTH SIDES ON BACK LIGHTS AND WERE THE FUSES ITS ALOT OF ELECTRIC TAPE THEY SCAMMED ME AND DID FRAUDULENTLY ACTIVITY TO ME WITH THIS CAR I WAS TOLD THIS TITLE BEEN WASH IT NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD ENGINE PROBLEM FRONT END PROBLEM TIRES WORM I DIDN'T PUT FOUR THOUSAND MILES REALLY
Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2019
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT'S A WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE AND AT TIME OF PURCHASE THEY TOLD ME THE FUEL PIPE HAD A RECALL AND THAT I COULD GET IT FIXED FOR FREE AT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP.
Engine, May 10, 2019
2013 HYUNDAI SONATA CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HYUNDAI SONATA SAFETY RECALL VEHICLES ENGINE AND ASK WHEN REPAIR WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLE. *AS
Electrical system, May 8, 2019
THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS BURNING OUT LIGHTS WITHIN DAYS.IT GETS SO HOT IT MELTED THE SOCKETS IT SCREWS INTO. ONLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS.
Engine, Apr 28, 2019
THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 68 MILES PER HOUR. THE ENGINE FAILURE HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AS I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE DOWN THE INTERSTATE. AT THE MOMENT THE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED THERE WAS VARIOUS DASHBOARD LIGHTS ON MY CAR THAT ILLUMINATED - INCLUDING THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP. I MANEUVERED THE CAR TO THE OFF-RAMP AND THEN PARKED ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE ENGINE WAS VISIBLY VIBRATING AND SHAKING AT THIS POINT BEFORE I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. ANY ATTEMPTS TO START MY CAR AGAIN WERE UNSUCCESSFUL AND A TOW TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WAS NEEDED.
Steering, Apr 24, 2019
I WAS DRIVING AND AS I WAS MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS I WAS TRYING TO TURN OUT OF THE TURN, THE WHEEL UNSEIZED AND TURNED THE WAY I WAS TRYING TO TURN IT, BUT THEN WENT SLACK WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO START DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THEN I FELT THE STEERING CATCH AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AS NORMAL. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER NEXT WEEK SO THEY CAN CHECK IT OUT. THIS SHOULD REALLY BE A RECALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Engine, Apr 18, 2019
TAKATA RECALL MY 2013 SONATA HAS BEEN MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR UP TO SAVANNAH HYUNDAI ON ABERCORN SEVERAL TIMES. THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY ENGINE. NOW FOR THE LAST TWO HAVE BEEN PUTTING OIL IN MY CAR EVERY TWO DAYS. IT'S OIL LEEK AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG
Engine, Apr 18, 2019
THE SONATA IS GOING TO THROW A ROD AROUND 100000 THE COMPANY KNOWS THIS BUT DOES NOT CARE IF YOU HAVE ONE GET RID OF IT DO NOT BUY MINE THREW A ROD ON THE HIGHWAY
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2019
WHILE DRIVING I HIT A POT HOLE AND MY SUN ROOF GLASS BROKE
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2019
I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR MY RECALLS BUT AT THE APPOINTMENT THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T DO NOTHING BUT SWITCH MY OIL STICK AND LIE ABOUT FIXING THE RECALLS I CALLED HYUNDAI COMPLIANT DEPARTMENT STILL NOTHING DONE BUT I HAVE PICS OF OLD OIL LIGHT STILL ON AIRBAG I JUST WANTED MY RECALLS DONE INSTEAD OF A LIE I ALSO CONTACTED BBB FOR ASSISTANCE BUT STILL NO HELP.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Apr 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED THAT IT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS) AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 953 (ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT). SHORTLY AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. AUFFENBERG HYUNDAI (1300 CENTRAL PARK DR, O'FALLON, IL 62269, (618) 622-9001) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS TO FOLLOW-UP WITH A RESPONSE WITHIN 48 HOURS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND WAS WAITING FOR THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS AN OPTION OF A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS TO PROVIDE A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2019
PROBLEM WITH MY HYUNDAI SONATA 2013 GLS TAILLIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT TURNING OFF. THE CAR IS OFF, KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, LIGHTS SWITCHED OFF AND FOOT NOT ON THE BRAKE AND LIGHTS ARE REMAINING ON. THEY STAY ON THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AND DAY. THE WORST TIME IS WHILE DRIVING , THEY REMAIN ON AS IF I'M DRIVING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I AM LEFT TO FIGURE IT OUT ON MY OWN AS THERE IS NO RECALLS AND I REFUSE TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD CLEARLY BE A RECALL. WITH HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE REPORTING THIS ISSUE WITH SONATAS FROM MODULES DATING BACK THAT I CAN TELL FROM 2007 TO CURRENT. I REFUSE TO GET THIS CAR AGAI AND AS SOON AS I CAN SALE IT CONSIDER IT SOLD!
Engine, Apr 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS EXTREMELY LOW. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT OIL WAS ADDED EVERY TWO DAYS DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED BEAMS HYUNDAI OF FLEMINGTON (180 US 202, BUILDING B, FLEMINGTON, NJ), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Apr 15, 2019
WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS WAS AFTER A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCE, AND LOOSE TIE ROD WAS REPAIRED. MY CHIEF COMPLAINT WAS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS REPAIR WAS UNDER THE 100,000 MILES WARRANTY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND SINCE I'M A SECONDARY OWNER, I'M NO LONGER UNDER THE WARRANTY. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS TYPE OF MECHANICAL ISSUE SHOULD OCCUR ON A VEHICLE THAT'S ONLY 5-6 YEARS OLD.
Engine, Apr 11, 2019
CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 30-40MPH. WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR BUT ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. CAR ENGINE WAS ABLE TO START ONCE MORE AND ALLOWED ME TO TRAVEL TO MY DESTINATION. LATER IN THE DAY, THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AGAIN AT AROUND 30-40MPH DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IN A 2 LANE EXTREMELY BUSY ROAD AND DID NOT RESTART UNTIL A TOW TRUCK WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR SOMEHOW. DROVE THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY SEIZED AND DOES NOT START. DURING THE WHOLE ORDEAL NO CHECK ENGINE OR OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. EACH TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF THERE WAS NO WARNING EXCEPT THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. EACH TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND HAD A HIGH POTENTIAL OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Engine, Apr 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POHANKA HYUNDAI OF FREDERICKSBURG (540-322-2298, LOCATED AT 5200 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY A, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408) WHERE THE ENGINE REPLACED AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WERE REPAIRED. THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIR WERE NOT PROVIDED. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT HEARD UNUSUAL NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANTWERPEN HYUNDAI CATONSVILLE (410-747-3333, LOCATED AT 6440 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE, MD 21228). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,570. *TT*JB