NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
On 3/12/22 I was driving on Hwy 330 towards Big Bear CA, when I started hearing a knocking/rattling sound from the engine compartment. I pulled into a turn out and called AAA for a tow. The tow car driver, Don's garage in Running Springs and the dealership in Loma Linda all agreed that most likely it is an engine rod issue. As of today, March 14th, I am still waiting on call back from the Loma Linda dealership to find out about the issue with the engine. The car has about 59,750 miles on it.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
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 $4000.00 cash down and now that is lost. They won't cover that. Will there be another class action lawsuit ?
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The waste gate actuator was previously replaced; however, the warning light illuminated after the replacement. The approximate failure mileage was 109,900. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I was driving on a main road and my engine siezed up. No warning no lights nothing. Then it wouldn’t start. Got it back to my sisters house it started the next day but the engine is knocking mechanic said it needs new engine!!!! It only has 90k miles!!!!!!
While driving the engine seized up very dangerous going 40 mph lost absolute control almost causing serious accident
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer had not informed the contact of the diagnostic result. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under recall due to the vehicle having a salvage title. However, the contact stated that the vehicle was salvaged due to the rear bumper being detached. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to safely coast off the roadway and stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
The contacted owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle deaccelerated without warning several times. The contact stated that the failure was occurring for about a week and the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated recently while driving at 70 mph the vehicle was decelerating with the check engine warning light illuminated, pulled over to the side of the roadway, and called for a ride. The contact stated smoke was seen coming from under the hood she opened the hood but saw no fire. The contact stated left the vehicle parked on the side of the road and was notified by the police that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact vehicle was awaiting a tow to the unknown Hyundai dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
iGNITION KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE. WHEN TURNING ENGINE OFF, THE KEY STAYS LOCKED IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WHICH CAUSES A DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT!
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated an independent mechanic came to his residence and was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed by the dealer that his VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Hyundai failed to inform me of the engine component module recall in 8/18, and now they won't cover replacing my blown engine in my 2013 Sonata. This was a year/model of several engines being recalled and replaced by Hyundai.
My car seized up a lot, like pushing forward, then all together stopped and went into only going up to 40mph. I just hot the car 10 months ago so it shouldn't have done that. Took it to a repair shop and they said the engine was on it's last legs even though I literally just got the car.
Sometimes car won’t start right away, won’t even try to turn over. Burns lots off oil smokes , acts like it’s going to cut off, has no power. It started when I purchased it November 2020 been getting worse tried to take it back, dealership wouldn’t take it back it started getting a lot worse about February 2022
The car is experiencing major functioning issues including the theta engine class action lawsuits with engine failure and abnormally high oil usage. It has been stranded for weeks and left my children and myself in danger . Hyundai of Auburn refused to diagnose or allow it to sit on the dealership lot until May 2022. I'm stranded without assess to my children, mail or safety resources that have put my family and myself at great risk if either of us need emergency assistance.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the dealer confirmed that the recall repair had been completed; however, two days later while the contact was driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering in 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited “sticks” when driving down the road. Once the car is going in one direction, you have to unstick it to go on the path you want. This causes the driver to oversteer to bring it back to the path you intended and wobbling down the road as if you were inebriated. Have seen this same complaint in a number of online forums. No fix has been found that actually works, including replacing the steering column, for any length of time. Why has this issue not been recalled? I can envision someone possibly driving off the road, into a guardrail or into a bicyclist or another vehicle. You have to constantly.correct the steering, which is especially troublesome at interstate speeds.
The brake lights keep blowing every time I replace them & have read other cases where light casing may melt when the bulb blows
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle , the vehicle started stalling. The contact stated that there was no warning lights illuminated , however her vehicle started smoking. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle to a service station where she attempted to restart the vehicle . The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised that she was experiencing an internal engine failure. The contact stated that she then contacted the dealer who advised her that her vehicle could not be repaired due to not having a warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Without warning, all of the vehicles warning alarms and indicator were triggered and the car shut off with now power or engine running while i was in motion driving in traffic. Absolutely no prior indications before this occurred. I had to have to vehicle pushed from the middle of the road then towed home.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced until March 2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Engine light flashing oil light flashing car cut off while I was driving on the road with my daughter In the car
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the chest strap failed to tighten after locking the seat belt into place. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt retractor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and provided the contact a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a second dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
STEERING IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. STEERING WILL ALSO JERK AT THIS TIME!! THIS RECENTLY CAME ON GRADUALLY AND IS ESCALATING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED!!
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer. The vehicle was towed to Ettleson Hyundai (5631 South La Grange Road, Countryside, IL 60525). The dealer informed the contact that they would not be able to diagnose the vehicle since they were booked until the end of February. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact of Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without a warning light. The vehicle was towed to her mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil was clumped up in the engine. The dealer took the engine apart and however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
My ABS light is continually on and smells like my brakes are burning. And my traction control light is on at all times also. No inspection. available for inspection upon request.
While driving the vehicle the engine seized. Had to safely maneuver to the shoulder of the road without being hit by other vehicles.
I am the original owner of this vehicle. It has been meticulously maintained. Today on my commute to work the car engine stopped then quickly caught fire. I barely got out in time. Fire department came and put out fire. Vehicle destroyed
Ref: NHTA Recall Number: 20V-746 Hyundai REcall Number:198 (2nd recall fix ) After the above recall fix we had informed the Hyundai about engine heating up, we were told this is false alarm and car has monitoring system recall issue, Recall would would be mailed. I have all the dealer bill to prove the engine was heating up, they replaced certain part at our expense ( bill attached ) After above recall Fix by Hyundai Dealer in San Leandro, CA. we had engine overheating and car started engine started vibrating & I could see smoke from the exhaust. it ceased in the middle of the highway. Please note: Our Car has been services by Hyundai dealer. Note: if you look at the second safety recall notice, It does state in safety notice about engine compartments fire while driving for many reason and depending on the severity of the fire. the identification of the cause can be untraceable.. Above incidence happened just after your dealer did 2nd recall fix. IMO - It proves that recall fix was faulty and overheating engine cause the engine blew-up. Car has been with the dealership repair for 3rd recall. since a month Hyundai dealer asking us $9K to fix the car. I have reported the incidence to Hyundai Corporate under the case # 18811202. They are not responding. Dealer did contact Hyundai Corporate to get the engine change request, either the request if denied or gone unanswered.
My vehicle will suddenly drop in speed regardless of increasing gas, by adding pressure to the gas pedal. It is also making an odd noise from the engine. I took it to the mechanic who stated that they heard the noise but it was beyond their scope and I should take it to the dealer. I called the service department and told them the problem and also mentioned the lifetime engine warranty that Hyundai was pressured to offer. This was the statement for Hyundai at the Mall of Georgia. "Hyundai engine warranty is only on blown push rods." I stated what happens if the car suddenly dies or engine blows while driving 70mph on Interstate 85. All power being lost causing an accident and injuring or killing people. He stated, "I'm just telling you what Hyundai said!" This will cost Hyundai much more than engine replacement. I am suppose to here from them 12/30. I have been wait for two weeks after being put off twice. Please address for saving lives. Sending copies to media as well. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine has a knocking sound
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to Bachman Hyundai (630 Broadway St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130: (812) 282-4356) and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the recall repair needed to be completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Clicking noise while steering, safety at risk up too and leading to death. Problem confirmed by independent service center and authorized dealer. No warning, occurred randomly including vibrations. Was told known issue its the steering coupler part.
This vehicle consumes/burns oil at an alarming rate (1-2 quarts each month). I have taken it to both an independent mechanic and Hyundai, and nothing has been found to be failed. However, this is common enough with Sonatas that I was told that this is "common with Sonatas". This has been going on for well over a year. My concern is if/when the engine locks up while driving.
There was previously a smell of fuel in the driver's compartment approximately 2 days prior to the incident and subsequently, a service appointment was made with the service department at the local dealership. On the date of the incident, the vehicle was being driven when smoke appeared in the interior of the vehicle. Driver pulled out of traffic into an empty parking lot where the car then became increasingly engulfed in flames. Local Fire Department came and extinguished flames, but car appears to be a total loss.
keep getting random Hybrid system warnings and Check Engine light but when checked, there is no codes to be retrieved. and the dealer couldn't duplicate the problem hence can't fix it. when this message appears on the dashboard, the car will lose power and die. which makes it very dangerous event as the last time it happened i was in the middle of a busy intersection.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into the (R) reverse position; the vehicle independently accelerated backward into her neighbor's driveway and hit two parked vehicles. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into the second vehicle and that second parked vehicle was deemed destroyed. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back across the street and parked the vehicle on the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that since her vehicle was involved in an assurance claim, they could not render any assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that an investigation could not be performed unless she signed a waiver. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the contact. The failure mileage was 76,876.
Currently, Hyundai has issued a notification for extended warranty on a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai ELANTRA for an issue with the door latch system. However, this problem is occurring in several other Hyundai models. I own a 2016 Tucson and also a 2013 Sonata. the problem starts out usually when you try to open the door you have to pull the handle 2 to 3 times before it opens eventually it will not open at all. I had the problem fixed on the Tucson it was still under warranty, however, my 2013 Sonata rear driver side door just stopped opening from both the inside or the outside. I’ve watched videos on how to get the door open and I’ve looked up how to get it fixed. If I take it to the dealer it can cost up to $1500 which I don’t have. I don’t understand why it’s not a safety recall. I currently have one grand child who sits in a car seat in the back, and I only have one way of getting her in and out through the opposite door that opens , in another week, I will have a second grandchild to put in my car. I cannot install both car seats and use them if only one door opening. This is a safety hazard in all their vehicles. They use the same latch mechanism on all of their vehicles, if you look at YouTube, you’ll see hundreds of Tucson videos and if you search sonata you’ll find the same latch problem with sonatas. When I took my Tucson to be repaired, I asked about the Sonata and the repair person said if there’s no recall, I would have to pay to have it fixed. This is a safety issue because you can close your door and drive then Stop your car and try to open your door and it won’t open, and it is impossible to climb from the front seat to the backseat in a Sonata . There is no warning, It just happens. please look into this I need my doors fixed and I cannot afford $1500 to fix one door!
In 2017, Hyundai performed a complimentary engine inspection on my vehicle as part of NHTSA Campaign 17V226000 (Hyundai Recall 162). Now, nearly four years later, my vehicle is experiencing several of the symptoms of engine/bearing failure as indicated in the recall documentation. The engine is making a knocking/pinging noise, which a Hyundai dealership service department confirmed on 4/12/22. The vehicle sometimes hesitates during acceleration. The engine oil consumption has dramatically increased, but there are no leaks. On three occasions, the engine has burned through an entire tank (nearly 5 quarts) of oil in less than 3,000 miles and the "check engine" and "oil pressure" lights have never illuminated.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at the traffic light with a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and soreness on the neck, shoulder, and back. The other passenger sustained soreness all over the body. The contact and the other passenger later sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence though the bumper had detached and the vehicle was shuddering while driving. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop for repair. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown local Hyundai dealer where the tires and frame were inspected. The dealer was notified of the air bags failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags), which she associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA.THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE CAR AND THEY FOUND NOTHING TO BE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY DID FIND SHAVINGS OF MEDALS PIECES IN THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT BECAUSE THEY HAD MANY CARS; SONATAS WHERE THE ENGINE JUST COMPLETELY WENT OUT. THE CAR DID STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY PUTTING ME AT-RISK AND I DID NOT FEEL SAFE. I HAD MANY RECALLS ON THIS CAR BEFORE, BY FAR THIS WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS BECAUSE I HAD A MINOR IN THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI SONATA ENGINES WHERE THEY COMPLETELY GO OUT. IT HAPPENED WITH MY LAST HYUNDAI SONATA THAT I BOUGHT FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ENGINE WENT OUT. THIS IS MY SECOND CAR FROM INVER GROVE HYUNDAI. ITS STRESSFUL AND A FRUSTRATING SITUATION.
Sudden "Hyundai Sonata Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" while driving on freeway. I had to tow my car because the engine did not start after the sign. My safety was at danger because it happened suddenly on the freeway and the car slowed down. I had no control over car speed.
Complaint # 11459299 was filed with nhtsa needing follow up as stil denied due to salvage title.?? It was just a door and the body shop over inflated the bill so insurance paid out as a total loss.. there was no frame damage.. As you can see in the pictures I included it’s just a simple door the car is fixed from the door damage and was in pristine condition with the motor locked up Hyundai denied our claim because of the salvage title and the only reason it has a salvage title it’s because the body shop way overinflated the bill before we bought it so the insurance paid out a total loss
My back left brake light is out. It's been out for a few months now. I took it to Hyundai and they said I needed a new lamp. Recently I started taking pictures of other sonata's when I'm out and a lot of other vehicles I've seen have the same problem.
Steering column coupler keep breaking
Since November 2021, my 2013 Hyundai Sonata is found to have a dead battery on multiple random occasions. I replaced the battery with a brand new battery twice before bringing it in for inspection at a Hyundai dealer on September 1, 2022. The dealer diagnosed the problem as an electrical short circuit within the rear view mirror console and replaced said part for $711. The vehicle has had a dead battery twice since that repair, indicating there is still an electrical draw/short circuit somewhere within the vehicle. Each instance of a dead battery was preceded by rainy humid weather. I brought the vehicle back to the Hyundai dealer on November 14, 2022. I explained that I suspected moisture was getting in somewhere that it shouldn’t be and causing the electrical short circuit thus draining the battery. The Hyundai dealer found no electrical short and documented that the electrical system was performing to specifications (no electrical draw found that exceeds 50MA). There have been no dashboard warning lights or messages indicating the issue. Hyundai has no solution. I have replaced the battery three times within one year. I am concerned that the undiagnosed electrical problem may lead to a fire while parked and off and/or a dangerous failure while driving. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request.
*** Normal driving, brakes went out while driving. *** Car was recently repaired by dealer related to hybrid power relay system failure - fuse and precharge relay failed and forced car to pull over while at highway speeds to side of road then left driver stranded on side of road. This was repaired supposedly. Now just a couple weeks later under normal street driving condition brakes totally went out. Stop light then let off brake and car started beeping and making noises - check engine light, brake light, LCD displayed BRAKE warning and flashed "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive". The car was unresponsive to acceleration pedal and only slowly moved then puttered a little bit but I managed to get it out of the intersection and into a parking lot under its own power. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I used Emergency Brake to stop and park then had it towed. Could have been disaster if I was on highway - which I was at stop light to turn onto when the failure occurred. I am scared of this car now. 2 times in a month it has forced driver to pull over and then become unresponsive. No brakes is the last straw. This is a dangerous car now.
The car stopped while I was driving twice in the middle of an intersection with no warning lights or anything. My vehicle stopped in the middle of the road while driving and would not start back. Yes my mechanic seen it and said he has seen a lot of Sontas with this problem. No warring lights or anything ever came on.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026