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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2024
Hello, My rear brake lights burn out frequently and the bulbs get so hot it deforms the plastic bulb holders and the light bulb falls out resulting in no brake lights. This has been happening for over 10 years. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem and sent a notice to repair it for free if the car is less than 15 years old or less than 200,000 mile. My Sonata has 210,000 miles and they will not repair the defect. I've replaced hundreds of bulbs and multiple bulb holders/wiring harnesses. My daughter has been pulled over multiple times and yelled at from other drivers because her brake lights do not work. The reason why these bulbs get so hot is because it receives to much voltage. Hyundai acknowledges this fact. My brake lights receive 13.4 volts instead of around 12. To much voltage gets them hot and burns them out quicker. It's a safety issue Hyundai acknowledges but wont repair. I guess I have no alternative but to keep replacing the bulbs.... This car is not ready for the scrap yard yet as it get a new engine from Hyundai because the original seized up from another Hyundai defect Do you have any recourse or advise on how to get Hyundai to repair it like they would if the car had 199,999 miles on it? Hyundai refused to budge on the matter. Any advice?
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while an acquaintance was driving the vehicle at an unknown speed, the vehicle made an abnormal banging sound and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine seizure caused by rod bearing wear. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated upon checking the engine oil level more than a year later, she noticed that there was fuel intrusion into the engine oil. The contact stated that an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was significant fuel intrusion in the oil, and the dealer determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 16, 2024
When driving to work the car stopped running in the middle of the highway. We had to pull off to the side of the road, turned off the car and when turning it back on the engine wouldn’t start. The EPS, low oil, check engine, battery, and low tire pressure lights were all on. I took the car to my mechanic and he said the engine seized due to the crankshaft breaking.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Apr 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Exterior lighting, Apr 9, 2024
ALL OF THESE CAR HAVE A HEADLIGHT ISSUSE ALSO BREAKLIGHT
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
ABS speed Sensor failure - my speedometer to cease registering in rare situations. If the ABS isn't working correctly, the brakes still work but the wheels may lock up and you'll slide in a straight line. The delarship was not able to reproduce cuz you have to speed up to 45 miles to be able to reproduce the issue. (brought it in couple times) Not inspected by manufacture cuz it would cause me $600 to diagnose the issue at dealer ship. I would get a beeping noise and a light would come up. Once I let go the gas pedal the car go back to normal.
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
Around mid-April of 2023, I was driving and i attempted to LIGHTLY apply my brakes and an alarm starts going off. Then the brakes VIOLENTLY start grinding. I went from 50mph to an immediate 10mph. The dealership said they replaced the fuse that SHOULD solve the problem. It did not. My car has been sitting at the dealership for a whole year now. They have not been able to update me on when it will be fixed. They have made ZERO attempts to provide me with a reasonable accommodation for my ONLY form of transportation being their lawn ornament for a year. I lost my job. I lost my place to live. And they are doing nothing. Now they say they're going to be replacing fuses to fix the issue but they already tried that and it did nothing. Every time I call to ask about an update, they put me on hold for over 10 minutes and then say there's nothing they can do at this time. The only thing they have tried to do is attempt to get me to buy a whole new car, which is out of the question because mine is completely paid off. This has seriously affected mine and my child's life. I don't even have a vehicle to go grocery shopping or make it to dr appointments or shoot functions because I have no way to get there.
Engine, Mar 29, 2024
My car began consuming alarming amounts of oil as well as emitting a knocking sound and hesitating while been driven. I went to Patriot in Boyertown, PA and they advised me to contact Hyundai as my engine was failing, could cease at any minute and exhibited all of the signs associated with their engine recall/rotor warranty extension. I have had two diagnostics done to the car that found metal as well as three other major signs associated with their engine recall and warranty extension. Hyundai has now asked me to pay $529 out of pocket for additional diagnostics they are requesting as part of their recall and warranty despite the fact that I have already had diagnostics done telling me what is wrong with my engine and additional diagnostics provides no benefit to me. When researching the issue, it is alarming the thousands of other accounts detailing the lack of honoring the recall and warranty as well as practices that sound illegal when it comes to safety and consumers. I would welcome an inspection of my vehicle as I believe them to be trying to not honor their own recall and warranty and replace my faulty engine that they sold me.
Hybrid propulsion system, Mar 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that a warning message illuminated "Hybrid System Fault Stop Driving" and the check engine and battery lights illuminated as well as a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to pull off of the road and turn the vehicle off and on and regain normal vehicle functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the propulsion battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,803.
Power train, Engine, Mar 19, 2024
We were part of the Hyundai Theta claim group. Our car did stop in traffic, luckily my husband was alone, and no one was hurt. It was towed to the dealer. This was October2023. Dealer gave a list of fixes & stated it had nothing to do with theta. We had all recommended maintenance done; as we always do. Roughly 2 months later, Dec., with a full car, it did it again, at a stoplight. We are lucky to be alive. We had it towed to our mechanic. I contacted the Theta claims line. Our mechanic stated oil was still in the filter, but the pistons had blown clear through the engine, which he still has. Hyundai contacted him. He sent pictures. Hyundai denied my claim for timely filing. I have called weekly, followed every instruction. Now they want me to mail a letter. I am a disabled veteran. Look how many recalls they have. They don't mind recalling. They will just deny people. Please help.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2024
Vehicle was left in care of dealership service department after critical failure of engine. Determined that recall 162 was responsible and Hyundai would afford the repair. Vehicle at dealership for 5 months until repair could be scheduled. Repair complete, dealership advised us that the airbag light was illuminated. Technician performed "courtesy" diagnostic to read codes. Codes B1329 and B1331; front impact sensor and passenger communication error. Neither code is historic for the vehicle and only displayed after service from dealership.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2024
Car smells like it’s burning, been told it’s oil. Dealership after seeing leakage on the engine replaced the valve gasket. Car still smells like it’s burning and apparently there is no leaking. I went to the same dealership to inform them and they recommended replacing a hose but not a guarantee it will fix the overall problem which is smelling of burning. I’m concerned! I’m 37weeks pregnant and don’t want to inhale burning or any other chemicals pre and post postpartum with a newborn
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
The engine seized up while my wife was driving on the freeway forcing her to pull over. There is a settlement about these engines indicating that they consume too much oil and Hyundai offered a lifetime warranty for them which we were denied because a previous owner didn’t take care of the oil changes it appears. I have fought with Hyundai to replace this engine simply due to the fact it’s a bad engine and countless millions of customers know this. I was advised that some customers have reached out to you to inspect and sometimes this forces Hyundai to do something. If we didn’t qualify for this replacement we shouldn’t have received a brochure and we shouldn’t be in trouble for somebody else’s actions. The vehicle shouldn’t have been sold to us in the first place.
Service brakes, Mar 9, 2024
after 5 months Hyundai does not have a remedy for NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 which is an acknowledged fire hazard. What is NHTSA doing ro encourage Hyundai to move more quickly?
Engine, Mar 5, 2024
We purchased this vehicle used in good condition. We have kept up the maintenance especially oil changes and all recalls. The car uses or burns shall I say a lot of oil between oil changes. It is showing no signs of leaks anywhere and I have had to add at least four quarts of oil so far and it isn't even time to change it yet. The check engine light came on. So, I am about to take it to the shop before it stops on me like I have read in the many complaints here.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a software update, the dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that the clockspring had failed and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2024, fire
Wires, reverse osmosis system unauthorized and unknown
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 15, 2024
I see that the recall notice was issued in September of 2023 but I have to say that for no recall remedy to be available yet is disheartening. I drive my car every day and it is the only car I have, because of that I risk my life everyday. My car loses power because of this recall daily and it ranges from 3-6 times a day. I lose power on the highway, the main roads and back roads, it does not matter the speed or time of day. I would like them to push out a fix now. Eventually I will end up in an accident because sadly I cannot afford to get into a new car or a used car.
Service brakes, Feb 11, 2024
The fix for campaign 251 recall is taking too long.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2024
Driver side brake lights keep melting the housing replaced at my cost the housing and bulb 2 times took to dealer no help went in at 202258 miles for service had a extended warranty which had expired at 200,000 dealer offered no help told me about cost of new housing I looked and found bad bulb replaced it for $6.00 insteaded of $300 plus dollars for housing dealer was no help with this problem safety problem with no brake light
Engine, Feb 2, 2024
I was driving down the NYS Thruway in mid December and the check engine light started flashing. Before I could reach the next exit (maybe 3 minutes at most) the engine stopped accelerating and I had to make a choice to pull over on the side of the highway before I lost speed altogether. We had it towed back to our mechanic and it was a complete engine failure, without warning.
Air bags, Feb 2, 2024
Seatbelt retention sensor not working. Not covered for seatbelt repair.
Service brakes, Jan 29, 2024
On [XXX], my brakes failed on my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on a busy interstate in Atlanta, GA. I had it towed to Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smyrna, GA and after "looking at it" they were not able to diagnose the issue. I informed them my brakes went out, they ran a diagnostic test and found where the message came across the dash, but stated it was fine and to bring it back if it happened again. On [XXX], it happened again. My brakes failed and the same alert was sounding off in my vehicle. I took it to Ed Voyles again and they were finally able to determine it was the ABS module on my vehicle. This was due to an electrical short in the brake system. I found out it is the same part as the recall. I emailed the service manager and he agreed. However, Hyundai Motor America will not allow them to remedy the issue because they haven't "come up with a remedy". The recall is listed as severe! Not only will it catch on fire, but the brakes also fail! There is a burning smell that comes from under my car and I am not sure how there is no remedy for a recall that could cost HMA way more than to replace some ABS modules. I don't feel safe driving my vehicle and I am not sure how to get more attention to this matter. It is immensely unsafe to allow millions of people to drive in a potential failing brake fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2024, fire
While driving the car at freeway speeds it died and quit running, and the engine compartment began smoking, and a fire ensued under the hood. Gasoline could be smelled before it started fire.
Engine, Jan 27, 2024
The vehicle started making a very loud noise and shaking