VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,635 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.9 times the median Sonata year — the 2013 model ranks #2 of 41 Sonata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 119 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 764 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

2,635

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

9

Investigations

141

Crash-involved

159

Fires reported

119

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Sonata years?

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine76429%
Steering34113%
Electrical System29611%
Fuel System2098%
Lighting2018%
Other1817%
Brakes1486%
Airbags1004%
Transmission934%
Speed Control873%
Seat Belts632%
Body & Structure532%
Suspension492%
Visibility & Wipers221%
Tires & Wheels211%
Driver Assistance30%
Latches & Locks20%
Seats20%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

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

22V312000Fuel SystemMay 6, 2022 · 215,171 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

20V121000Fuel SystemFebruary 28, 2020 · 216,799 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

18V934000EngineDecember 28, 2018 · 150,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

18V137000AirbagsFebruary 27, 2018 · 580,058 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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.

17V226000EngineMarch 31, 2017 · 572,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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.

14V434000TransmissionJuly 18, 2014 · 883,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

12V352000AirbagsJuly 24, 2012 · 29,767 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE. IN ADDITION, WHEN SWITCHING FROM GEAR TO GEAR, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BUMPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 19, 2017 · fire

WHILE DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD THE STEERING COLUMN 'FROZE' AND BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER CORRECTLY WHILE GOING AROUND A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER INTO THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND SIDE OF THE CAR (PASSENGER SIDE). THE CAR REGAINED STEERING CAPABILITY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 28, 2016 · crash

DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AROUND THE FUSEBOX/ BATTERY AREA. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF THE SMOKE STOPPED. IT IS AT MACK GRUBBS HYUNDAI IN HATTIESBURG,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 5, 2020 · fire

On May 7th 2022 my 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine caught fire just driving down the road. I had only bought it 2 months prior. Smoke started coming pouring out of the vents and I had to pull over and have the fire department put it out. Hyundai has looked at it and offered to pay off my loan but I gave…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 7, 2022 · fire

SONATA RECALL: WELL FOR STARTERS I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKY I WAS TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT IT HIT THE SIDE RAIL BECAUSE I COULDNT GET IT TO STOP.NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL. ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 2, 2019 · crash

2013 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,635 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 41 Sonata years. It is one of the Sonata years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (764 complaints), steering (341 complaints), electrical system (296 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Sonata. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 9 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 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.