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2013 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,916 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the engine (40% of complaints, typically around 95,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Sonata model year since 2000 and has 9 recalls.
Most common 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems
Engine
775 complaints · 40%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0t started knocking on the way home from work. As I was driving the knocking noise got worse. So I pulled over and called the dealership and they told me to bring it in. I got it towed, none of the dash lights came on. Engine siezed. I see that there are recalls for the 2011 and 2012 Sonata's…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
Steering
342 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: electric power assist system, steering wheel/handle bar.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The steering wheel emitted a loud rubbing and metal clanking noise while turning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure…
2013 Sonata steering does not center back to straight. If you turn in either direction, it will maintain an arc. It is easy to oversteer changing lanes, etc. Have had alignment checked at dealer, new tires, rotated tires, and nothing seems to help. It is electrical power steering and there seems to be a programming…
Electrical
261 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, instrument cluster/panel, instrument panel, ignition.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 60 MPH, all the warning indicators on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine, and the vehicle shook and stalled. The driver coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and attempted to restart it, but…
While I was driving on the freeway going 65mph, the vehicle began to make a ticking sound with no warning or indicator lights being illuminated. The vehicle then began to lose power and would not accelerate past 2000rpm. I then pulled off of the freeway and went into a parking lot as soon as my vehicle stopped all of…
Fuel system
211 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
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.
In the evening of 07/11/2019 I was driving my 2013 Hyundai santa on the bishop ford expressway, when smoke began to come out of the hood. I pulled over to the shoulder, and at that time , my car was completely filled with black smoke, and the brakes completely failed, foot went right to the floor. The car coasted…
Lights
198 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, tail lights, headlights, hazard flashing warning lights.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the exterior brake lights failed to work without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (homer skelton Hyundai; 8145 craft rd, olive branch, ms 38654; ([phone]) where it was diagnosed that the light bulb socket and housing needed to be replaced. The…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds at night, the external and instrument panel lighting flickered randomly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (southtowne Hyundai, 7665 ga-85, riverdale, ga 30274). The contact was informed that if the failure could not be repeated, the failure…
Other or unspecified
175 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
2013 Hyundai sonota with 78,000+ miles feels like transmission is slipping, cannot drive it over 50 MPH, does not change out of last gear down hwy
First- airbag light comes on randomly driving, in park or reverse. Second my interior light is in door mode does not go off as it should this is random as well sometimes it will go off other times it does not. I have to keep it in off mode - not fun at night leaving in dark for work or loading unloading babies. It has…
Brakes
149 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: fluid.
Vehicle does not recognize either key fob and will not start just goes into accessory mode. When placing foot on brake pad it is extremely hard. Yet every time we let vehicle drift down our driveway and get level it starts no problem. We are worried when our daughter is driving the vehicle it won't recognize the key…
Both of our brake lights went out at once. We have been told that the harnesses of the brakes are bad. Since the car has only 55,000, we feel this is a defect that should be the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are giving US the run around.
Air bags
104 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
I was involved in a major accident on 11-13-18 involving someone rear ending me from behind. I was driving down the street with traffic when I was hit , I ended up hitting the car in front of me and so on. It ended up being a 4 car collision and my air bags did not deploy ! Causing my face to smash against the…
While driving I performed a quick serve to avoid an accident when the driver side curtain airbag deployed resulting in hitting the median. The car was towed due to inopperable seatbelt and airbags obstructing view. There is already a recall out for this issue with model and year, but it shows that my car is not under…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: 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
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated july 13, 2022, petitioning the agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain hyundai motor america, inc. And kia america, inc. Vehicles spanning model years (my) 2005-2021. The petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are
Engine fires
Summary
On march 29, 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened two preliminary evaluations (pe19-003 on hyundai and pe19-004 on kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year hyundai and kia vehicles.â during the pe investigations, hyundai and kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.â the remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.â additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modif
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated october 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (etc) system on certain kia vehicles resulting in the opening of dp21-003. Accordingly, model year (my) 2005-2016 kia optima/k5, my 2006-2015 kia sorento, my 2007-2016 hyundai elantra, my 2007-2016 hyundai santa fe, my 2006-2015 hyundai sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a vehicle owner questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (odi) number 11439675.on november 12, 2021, odi opened defec
Electrical overstress
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.â during the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (acu) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ecu) manufactured by zf-trw. â the ecu receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with m
Non-crash vehicle fires
Summary
During this preliminary evaluation (pe), the office of defects investigation (odi) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (my) 2011-2014 hyundai sonata and santa fe vehicles equipped with theta II and lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). Odi also reviewed field data of other hyundai vehicles equipped with theta II, gamma, nu and lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this pe, hyundai has issued NHTSA recalls 20v-746 and 21v-727 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain hyundai vehicles
Non-crash vehicle fires
Summary
In a letter dated june 11, 2018, the center for auto safety (cas) petitioned the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (my) 2011-2014 kia optima and sorento, and hyundai sonata and santa fe vehicles. In a letter dated july 24, 2018, cas requested that my 2010-2015 kia soul vehicles be added to the petition. Cas stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The office of defects investigation (odi) had already opened recall queries (rq17-003 and rq17-004) on all kia and hyundai vehicles equipped
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. Odi reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (my) 2011 hyundai sonata, my 2012-2013 kia forte and forte koup vehicles. Odi also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, zf-trw (zf), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (acu) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai motor america (hma) issued recall no. 18v-137 for my 2011-2013 sonata and my 2012 sonata hybrid vehicles. Kia motors america (kma) issued re
Scope and timeliness
Summary
Nhtsa opened recall query (rq) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of hyundai?s theta II gdi engine recalls (recall nos. 15v-568 and 17v-226), and hyundai?s compliance with reporting requirements. On november 23, 2020, the agency entered into a consent order with hyundai to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with rq17-004. Nhtsa?s assertions included that hyundai may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including the untimeliness of recall nos. 15v-568 and 17v-226, inaccuracies in hyundai?s recall reports, and that a required report describing potential safety-related issues contained certain inaccuracies or omissions.under
Front passenger seat belt anchor failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation on december 27, 2016 based on two odi consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.on march 8, 2017 hyundai motor america (hyundai) filed a defect report with the agency stating that it would conduct a safety recall on 977,778 model year 2010-2014 sonata vehicles produced from december 11, 2009 through may 29, 2014 and model year 2011-2015 sonata hybrid vehicles produced from december 2, 2010 through january 9, 2015.the remedy for the recall was to inspect the front seat belt anchor connector for proper attachment to the
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (775 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles); steering (342 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); electrical (261 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 6, 2022 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Hyundai Sonata?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Sonata model year since 2000, with 1,916 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.