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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 10, 2024
I bought this car brand new and I’m the only driver. I have my oil changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Boiling Springs Tire is the place I get it changed but I have had it changed a few times at Hyundai in Spartanburg. About a year or so ago my oil light came on and I was shocked because it hadn’t been long since I had oil changed. I checked it and it was almost out. I put oil in it and thought maybe boiling springs tire did not put enough in it. Next time i took to Hyundai but kept eye on it. To make a long story short I am having to keep an eye on my oil and adding more about every 200 miles. I know it’s 10 years old but I’ve had cars older than this and did not have to add oil. Other cars older than mine are being recalled and I’m not understanding why 2013 are left out. Please advise as I’m sure I’m not the only 2013 owner having issues with our Hyundai Sonata . I park the car in my carport and there is never any oil on the floor so I’m not sure where the oil is going. I did ask them at the Hyundai place about that and I was informed there were no recalls on mine and it would cost me around $1000 just for them to pull the engine down to check. So I’m just having to keep checking on the oil.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2024
The electrical has been an issue for this vehicle. The head and tail lights continuously go out. Sometimes they work, and other times they do not. Since the lights have been an issue, the electrical issue is also now inside the vehicle. The radio and other controls in the vehicle do not work any longer, as well as the lights in the radio, air conditioning, and other controls inside the vehicle. The steering wheel is also loose now and jiggles when driving the vehicle. There have been no warning lamps about these issues, and I had an auto shop confirm that there are electrical and steering issues. I did receive a letter about a recall for electrical for the year, type, and model of my car, however, the dealership said that my VIN number is not associated with the recall and will not fix the issues.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2024
Started car normally this morning, engaged transmission, car would not accelerate. Pressing gas pedal had no effect. After a couple of blocks, shut off engine. Then restarted, same problem. Had to get to appointment, so stopped and restarted twice more, second time ran normally and I reached my appointment. Started car to return home, same problem for some seconds, then normal. Later taking son to medical appointment, lost pedal function mid trip for a few seconds, then continued to appointment
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2024
The dashboard is cracking I have been online and I've seen other Hyundai owners experiencing the same thing. Multiple concerns 1. cracks in the dashboard effecting defroster for windshield and not being to see already having issues 2. airbags no deploying correctly for driver or passenger in the front seats. 3. I've owned several cars, including two (2) KIA's and NEVER had this happen (1989 Ford, Festiva aka KIA in other parts of the world, and a 2000 Kia Sephia, both vehicles had over 200k in mileage and dashboard NEVER cracked the split like this.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Dear NHTSA: I recently bought a HYUNDAI SONATA 2013 I got the NC vehicle inspection PASSED the same day. The car has been working perfectly. But, my granddaughter, XXXX, who I share the car with got a terrible experience last Thursday [XXX], she was driving to her job around 2:30 PM when suddenly the car just died, without any light showing on the screen. She was in panic in the middle of a big road with all the cars passing by. She used beach chairs so the others could know the car was dead. A police officer stopped and helped her move the car out of the road so a towing can pick up the car. This was not only a missed day at job for her, it could have ended in a terrible accident. Here are some pictures of the awful day. The car was towed to a mechanic who immediately said this is an engine manufacturer problem of your brand. I am the third owner of the car so no communication has been sent to me saying this car has an ENGINE RECALL that could fire at any moment. This is insane and I felt totally drowned by your brand. Again, no light was showing on the screen, nothing…. My car is at the Hyundai Keffer dealer at Charlotte and they said the recall for engine is closed and that will not cover the repair. I do not have money for a repair. Please help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2024
All bulbs in vehicle do not work. No matter how many times I have them replaced they continue to blow or not work. Without headlights I cannot drive, without brake lights other drivers cannot see me. This is a HUGE SAFTY ISSUE. I cannot drive my vehicle because lights are malfunctioning.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2024
All 4 of my door lock actuators have failed since, 1 year in to owning the vehicle. There is a safety concern in not being able to get into or out of the vehicle due to the locks failing. As well as, making me a target for theft. Sometimes the locks will lock, other times they will not. I once put my dogs in the car and the locks would not open back up, it was terrifying. The component has not been checked yet, but I see there was a recall but my Vin was not included for some reason. This happens without warning.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2024
Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to determine when the car is braking for a stop at night. The secondary concern is that the lights pose a fire hazard.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2024, fire
While accelerating on the highway, several warning lamps (battery, engine, others that I forget) came on. When I pulled over the hood was smoking, and a fire flared up after I opened the hood. My son and I escaped the car with no injury. Still waiting for report from insurance company.
Structure, Jun 22, 2024
Vehicle driver and passenger door handles will not open from the outside despite being unlocked. No damage occurred to handles. Handles worked one day and stopped working the next. Huge safety risk, if there is an accident, the driver and passenger are completely inaccessible.
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
WHILE DRIVING AND USING THE ACCELERATOR , THE RPM WOULD REV UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CAR WOULD THEN JERK BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ABLE TO GO APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR, BUT THE RPM WOULD GO AS HIGH AS 6K OR 7K RPM. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WHEN IDLE, ALSO FELT RPM GO UP AND JERKING MOTION
Engine, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while exiting a drive-in car wash, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact immediately observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and oil was added to the engine. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return to have the vehicle inspected. The contact returned after driving 1,000 miles and the engine oil level was extremely low. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact arrived at the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, however, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,547.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 31, 2024
The car was running well when suddenly loss power and stall. Have it check with a Scanner it read code P1326 (Knock Sensor) which has been recalled on other Sonatas, and Hyundai Models for the same Problem/Issue. This code (P1326) have Made Hyundai to REPLACE the engine in many cars (Recalls). My year made Hyundai Sonata it was not included on the Recalls. Now, I have a car with Loss Power and Stalls to move with No safety because of the 2013 was not included in the Recalls which has the same Issue as those Recalled.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2024
On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.
Engine, May 22, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact recevied notifiaciton of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the ESP, Low tire pressure, Check Oil, Check Engine, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was stopped on the side of the road where white smoke and flames emanated from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,966.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2024
For over a year had to replace right brake light 3 times. Got an extended warranty letter, took to dealership they checked and ordered part needed,its on national backorder. Now my left brake light went out. So now I have no taillights,brake lights or turn signals. It is due to wire melting. I have almost been rear-ended numerous times now. No other transportation so I'm in need of this being taken care of asap.
Structure, May 15, 2024
My rear drivers side door will not open. I cannot get my grandson out of his car seat without walking to the passenger side of the car. If there was an accident, first responders would not be able to reach anyone in the backseat behind the driver's seat. This is a common problem with this make/model vehicle. I asked the dealer to try to open it for me, but wouldn't even look at it for without a $185 charge. No one else has inspected the vehicle. There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 11, 2024
When driving, an acceleration would sometime cause the car's RPMs would drop to zero with the throttle of the vehicle responding poorly. A lose of power occurs and the takes about 15 seconds to feel some power return to the throttle. The feeling of no throttle occurs which is very scary when your reason for accelerating is to pass a vehicle but the sudden lose of power makes it difficult to accelerate properly to pass. The RPMs remains none responsive. With the loss of power, the traction control light came on. When the vehicle is turn off and turned back on, the car's issue disappears. But the problem randomly occurs again.
Engine, May 6, 2024
2013 Hyundai Sonata with known engine failure issue. While driving, vehicle experienced complete engine failure during operation in confined express lane of highway. Vehicle was rendered inoperable and required towing to dealer for repair. Delear declared "complete engine failure" and offered to apply for repair assistance through Hyundai engine failure recall assistance, but then repair was declined by Hyundai Motor Co. Same vehicle was in Hyundai service for service/repair 04-23, with check engine light. Hyundai, knowledgeable of engine failure recall, only advised me of a possible fix via high pressure fuel error (another known issue) at cost of $1200.00, with a note to "start here." One year later complete engine failure without any prior warning, light, change in engine performance, etc. Obviously caused by known issues.
Service brakes, Apr 30, 2024
I was pulled over by law enforcement due to both brake lights being out. Further investigation while changing the bulbs for the 3rd time in 1 year found the housing was deformed and plastic around the bulb housing was melted. The left light bulb was completely black and was difficult to replace the plug back into the plastic housing. The right light bulb metal piece melted into the socket and the glass part of the bulb fell off the metal piece and would not come out of the brake light assembly as if it was now to big to fit throught the hole. This bulb broke off the metal piece and fell into the brake light assembly. After using pliers to remover the broken metal piece from the bulb socket. The new bulb was placed and still could not fit in the hole it is designed to fit. Further inspection reveals the plastic housing the bulb should fit has melted and can no longer accept the new bulb or removal of the previous bulb. This is a safety hazard as the bulb and wiring gets too hot and could heat up the plastic to the point of burning the inside of the trunk. As well as continuing replacement for the bulb of which now cannot be replaced. Potenial safety risk for an accident if the brake lights cannot be replaced due to warping or melted housing. There was no warning or safety notice provided. Until I researched and found the problem has been reported by many owners of this make and model and there is even a recall that went out in January 2024 for the exact issue. I reported this to the dealer who informed me my vehicle is not apart of the recall even though my vehicle meets all requirements of the recall and extended warranty for the recall. Year, make, model, within mileage requirements and the safety issue being present. They want to charge me just to confirm the issue and possible charge for the repair.
Steering, Apr 30, 2024
I own 2013 Hyundai Sonata limited . It has 37000 miles ( Approximately). When I drive the car and move the steering wheel to rt or lt, it makes clicking noise. At times I felt I can't turn or take exit. It is scary and afraid that steering wheel will freeze. I called dealer where I bought the car , they want me to leave the car for 5 days. They will do the diagnostic work costing $214 . They didn't promise just tell me that they will call the company and see if they will for the work. will reply from you before I drop the car because the repair work will cost me about $800. Please help. A B
Air bags, Apr 24, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and passing through an intersection, another vehicle involved in a high-speed chase failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result, the contact's vehicle was stuck on the front passenger side door, sending the vehicle careening to the shoulder of the roadway and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a parked vehicle. All air bags were deployed, excluding the driver's and passenger's side curtain air bags, which could have possibly prevented and/or lessened the severity of the injuries the contact sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it remained until the contact regained possession. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital, where he received emergency surgery to repair three fractured vertebrates in his neck as well as contusions to his face, which required an extensive hospital stay. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was inspected; however, it was determined that no malfunction had occurred. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
The engine failed. This created a risk for me and my family as it could have seized on us while driving and caused an accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer in conjunction with the manufacturer. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dashboard. The only indicator of the issue was burning oil smell and engine shaking while driving. Additional details: The engine started burning a lot of oil close to the 10 year ownership mark around July 2023. We started putting oil into the engine about weekly, then daily around August and September. I finally took it into the dealership in October and they started an oil consumption study. From October 2023 through now in April 2024: 1. They changed the oil and we drove 1000 miles, then went back. 2. They changed the oil again and we drove 1000 miles again. 3. The third time, we went in and they charged me money to deep clean the engine and then asked me to drive the car for another 1000 miles yet again. 4. We made it about 500 miles and then took it back in after the car started shaking and making noises. Ultimately, Hyundai replaced the engine (they also charged me money) but I am concerned that other systems in the car will fail and I will continue to face safety issues and future charges as well.
Engine, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted after the third attempt; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle for an engine failure under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.