VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 169 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.8× the Sonata Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (40), electrical system (27), and brakes (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

169

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

18

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?

Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted216 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 216 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 40 complaints2015: 83 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 123 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 21 complaints2021: 69 complaints2022: 30 complaints2023: 23 complaints2024: 12 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4024%
Electrical System2716%
Brakes2515%
Fuel System148%
Transmission148%
Other127%
Steering106%
Speed Control74%
Airbags42%
Body & Structure42%
Tires & Wheels32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Lighting21%
Seats11%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

17V617000Seat BeltsOctober 4, 2017 · 443,545 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V152000Seat BeltsMarch 8, 2017 · 977,778 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 81 SOUTH NEAR WOODSTOCK, VA ON SUNDAY MORNING, JUNE 24, 2018. THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND, THEN WE LOST POWER. BY THE TIME WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER, THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE CAR ENDED UP BURNING. THE VA STATE POLICE, VDOT, AND FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 24, 2018 · fire

“ON OCTOBER 28, 2017, I WAS INJURED IN AN AUTOMOBILE COLLISION, WHICH WAS CAUSED SOLELY BY A MALFUNCTION BY MY 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. ON THAT DATE, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE SAFELY AND CAREFULLY, LIKE I ALWAYS DO. I WAS PROCEEDING SLOWLY IN MY CAR, AND TRAVELING BETWEEN 10 MILES PER HOUR. I STEPPED ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 28, 2017 · crash

“I WAS PARKING THE CAR (AFTER TURNING AROUND AND REVERSING) AND AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO EASE INTO THE PARKING SPOT THE BRAKES AND CAR JUST STOPPED FUNCTIONING. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKES FURTHER AND ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE. THE CAR MOVED FORWARD AT A SLOW SPEED AND WENT UP THE CURB, TOPPLED A SMALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 28, 2013 · crash

“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I HAD TO MANEVOUR TO THE FAR RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO COME TO A STOP. TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THEN RE STARTED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 13, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. ALSO, THE GEARSHIFT BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK A STREET SIGN. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 2017 · crash

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 169 complaints put the 2013 model at #3 of 16 Sonata Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Sonata Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (40 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), brakes (25 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015, 2021, 2014. The cleanest record among Sonata Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.