2013 Hyundai Sonata Air Bags & Restraints Problems

Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX] ) has experienced several cracks in the dashboard area of the vehicle. We know this is a reported common problem with this vehicle and some information says its related to both heat and sun exposure. However, my wife has always used sunshades everywhere she travels and the car has been parked in the garage when its not in operation. We are also concerned that this could be a safety issue if the air bag ever deployed in an accident. The dealership where we purchased and Hyundai Corporate have denied our claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfere with the airbag as it inflates creating additional safety hazards. Cracks may expose sharp edges or materials under the dashboard which could harm occupants during a collision, especially in areas where passengers may come into contact with the dashboard. A cracked dashboard could also cause a compromised electrical system dashboards house numerous electrical systems, sensors, and controls cracks could indicate underlying damage to these components. In a collision, these systems may fail or behave unpredictably which could further reduce safety features. Cracked dashboards present a significant risk during a collision and should be addressed by the manufacturer promptly to ensure its customer safety.

The Air bag light came on on the dashboard of my 2013 Hyundai and wouldn’t go off. When I took it to the local Hyundai dealership, they diagnosed the problem as the airbag clock spring. I asked if there was a recall for the clock spring, and was told no. They install a new OM Clock to fix the problem, and it cost me $805.77. When I returned home, I did my own research and found there was a recall for the Clock Spring in 2011 - 2013 Hyundai Sonatas, but only for certain VIN Numbers. I then contacted the Service manager who confirmed that the recall is only for certain VIN numbers. Since Hyundai know this is a problem, why not cover the repairs for all Sonatas with the problem. It’s unfair for they to cherry pick certain VIN numbers for repair and deny others with the same problem.

The airbag indicator light for the driver came on after I got into the car. The light being on means the airbag protection system for the driver is off. This occurred at about 137,000 miles. I called my closest Hyundai dealership, Eckert Hyundai, within a month to report the problem and I was told by the dealership that there was no recall on the vehicle regarding the issue I was reporting. I have been driving a vehicle that will not protect me in any type of collision.

The airbag warning light on the dash is illuminated. Diagnostic code B1481 Driver airbag resistance too high.

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The air bag warning light illuminated prior to the incident. The contact then crashed into the rear of a utility trailer, where it came to a stop. The contact broke a tooth. The paramedics were called and performed a check; however, the contact did not go to the hospital or urgent care. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The insurance company was contacted and declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

On [XXX], in Washington, D.C., my 2013 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden engine failure, leaving the vehicle inoperable. My goodwill repair request was denied within 30 minutes, without a proper inspection of the rod bearings (a known failure point covered under the TXXI extended warranty) or the fuel pipe recall—a known issue that could pose a fire hazard. Hyundai cited suspected maintenance neglect, but I have documentation of regular synthetic oil changes. Despite having over 200,000 miles, a Firestone inspection from September 2024 confirmed the vehicle was in good condition prior to the failure. Additionally, Hyundai Theta II engines are widely known to suffer from excessive oil consumption, a defect that can lead to premature engine failure even in well-maintained vehicles. Hyundai has replaced engines in vehicles with similar mileage under the same extended warranty, yet in this case, no proper inspection was conducted before denial. Safety Concerns: The fuel pipe recall was not inspected, raising concerns about whether unresolved recall defects are leading to engine failures or fire risks. The airbag clock spring, covered under Hyundai’s TXXA extended warranty, was not inspected, despite the airbag light being illuminated, potentially affecting airbag deployment in a crash. The vehicle failed without warning lights or error messages, creating an unsafe situation. Hyundai’s failure to inspect recall-related issues before denying repairs could impact other affected vehicles on the road. I request that the NHTSA: Ensure Hyundai properly inspects recall-related components before denying repairs. Investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty and recall-related repairs, even in cases where similar vehicles have received replacements. Determine if the unresolved fuel pipe recall and airbag clock spring defect pose broader safety risks. This issue has been reported to Hyundai corporate, but no proper inspection has been performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Srs light on. Problem code indicates high resistance on driver's side air bag. Dealer said it was the airbag control module, but refused to give me the actual estimate or anything in writing other than problem description. There was a recall for other 2013 sonata airbag control modules, mine was not included apparently, but it has the same issue as the recalled ones. Dealer wants $3000 to replace the module.

Driver seatbelt doesn’t click and takes tremendous effort and time to get the belt to click into the holder. This is not safe and needs to be replaced asap. Afraid the seatbelt will come unclicked if a wreck occurs.

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.

Seatbelt does not recoil

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2 recalls that Hyundai are refusing to fix. My engine has been consuming oil since 10/15/2023. 2-3 quartz oil has to be put in the car every 5 days. Some of the recalls were satisfied on 11/15/2023. I took my car South Shore Hyundai located at 360 Sunrise Hwy, Valley Stream, NY 11581 on 1/4/2024 They are refusing to replace the engine . my car was under warranty at the time of the recall. However, I never received a letter to notify me of the recall. Everything the recall states my engine has been doing. I reached out to the corporate office with no resolution. Hyundai says I have to be the original owner which is absurd. After careful research I see where they have replaced vehicles similar to this nature free of charge after consumers hired a lawyer, which I can't afford at the moment. My 23 year old daughter uses the car for work and I fear for her safety. I am replacing the fuel injectors and spark plugs today as suggested by the dealer. I am asking for help in getting the engine approval for replacement. Thank you.

My airbag light came on mechanic said it's rc174 and tsb [XXX] is the # want to know if it's covered or if there's a recall on it would love a respond asap taking it to dealer in Honolulu on the 12 Dec. appt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt buckle assembly had failed and was unable to be buckled after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt buckle assembly was inoperable. The contact stated that he was an independent mechanic and had determined that the front driver's side seat belt buckle assembly and the front passenger's side seat belt buckle assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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.

Seatbelt retention sensor not working. Not covered for seatbelt repair.

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.

The engine knocking plus seat belt doesn’t work

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and then flashed off and on. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the next available appointment was February 2024. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that she had to adjust the seat to remove the steering wheel lock, which might have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she had initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that one year after the recall repair was performed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact linked the failure to the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not related to recall and that the at vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,714.