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.
My husband keeps replacing the left passenger side brake light and when he called the dealer he was told that they know of the issue but there isn’t a recall on it. Today 10/20/21 he went to replace the bulb again because it was out he noticed that as he was pulling the bulb the light came on. When he moved the harness around the light bulb would turn on and turn off. He went to autozone and one of the associates told him the same thing the deal told me, that they knew of the issue but there wasn’t a recall on it. He said that’s what they told him when he encounter the same issue I was having with my vehicle. His girl friend has the same vehicle as I do. It is available for inspection, unknown, yes it has been confirmed by the dealer, it has been inspected by my husband job AAA, and no warning lights appeared.
there was a clicking noise and vibration coming from the steering column at 65 mph. Have an appointment with Joe Holland Hyundai on November 16th to get checked out. There was no messages prior to issue. 105,000 miles on car
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the taillight assemblies replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle went into limp mode and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the knock sensor software update was performed. The contact consulted with an independent mechanic and was informed that there were metal shavings in the engine causing bearing failure. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The fuel has a gas leak
Passenger door handle broke and the car is not accessible from outside. It has to be open from inside.
Normal weather, normal day. Hybrid car. Starts fine and drives as usual. Yesterday at 55mph got immediate alert to pull over. Barely able to pull over safely then car turns off and will not turn back on. Clicking under hood. No indication of battery or hybrid issue. Scan codes completely different than dealership advice. No exact indication of issue. Could have caused accident at 55pmh and electrical system go out like that. Battery died while on side of road. Towed to dealership and they said its a bad 12v battery ( but it was fine ) and a fuse and a "pre-charge hybrid relay" whatever that is. Thousand dollar repair that caused car to be forced off road while driving highway speed. Bottom line, everything prior was fine, no indication of any battery issue, no hard starts nothing. While driving system failed and then unable to restart. Many similar complaints online.
Possible compromise to the integrity of the passenger air bag due to known 2012-2013 dashboard cracking issue. Dashboard cracked approximately 8-9 inches on top of the passenger air bag. concerned for integrity if cracking persists of the air bad
Most of my exterior bulbs burn out out constantly. Headlights at least once a year, most of the time twice a year. Brake lights/ rear license plate bulbs burn out multiple times a year. Fog lights and high beams affected too. Apart from the annoyance of constantly being pulled over and given verbal warnings, or people yelling at me, trying to help me out by letting me know that yet another bulb is out, it's a safety concern. If I'm breaking and the person behind me isn't paying attention, they could slam into me. Where I live durning certain times of the year the fog gets so thick that without fog lights, it's scary to drive. The spot where that 60 car pile up that happen in Virgina a few years ago, is part of my commute. There was a time when a fog light and a head light went out with in minutes of each other, while I was driving in snow. Now, if the bulbs I have used were cheap ones, then I would be more lenient on then burning out faster. But I'm using top tier Sylvania and Phillips bulbs. These bulbs are expensive and having to change them is costly. I've gone to dealerships and the response is always the same. "Bulbs just burn out, we'll sell you some for $30 each" That's what a Hyundai dealership near me told me when they failed my Sonata's State Inspection. I needed two break lights. I know it isn't just my car either. I've been watching Sonata's for probably about a year now, and would you know it, their brake lights are usually out (right side most often) Or their head light is out. A quick Google search is proof enough that I'm not alone.
At this time steering column has a "click" or "clunk" sound when turning the wheel in either direction. Steering on this car has always been odd. You have to continuously adjust wheel as you drive to stay in your lane. I am going to have it checked by my mechanic. If I lose steering that's a pretty big safety concern.
Rear passenger door doesn’t open from the inside or outside. The actuator is unlocking but the cable that attaches to the handle is stretched and not releasing from the striker. The component at fault is the “latch assembly”. This is very dangerous and people can get stuck in the rear.
Hyundai turbocharger failed in my vehicle. This is common in Hyundai vehicles and is unsafe. The car stalls out while driving and sometimes do not start. This is eventually going to cause the engine to be damaged. This is dangerous because the car just turns off. Hyundai is not willing to own up to their mistakes on manufacturing these cars and it is frustrating.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact requested an alternator replacement. The mechanic replaced the alternator however, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic diagnosed that the oil was 2 quarts low and needed an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was unable to follow-up with the case manager. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Recommended lights for brakes keep burning, causing the brake light sockets to melt. I have replaced them twice and replaced the complete tail lights and wiring. Purchasing stock tail lights, bulbs as well as after market. The bulbs continue to blow or get so hot that they are melting the plastic. My car was smoking today from the rear and upon poping my trunk it was filled with smoke from the tail lights burning. This needs to be recalled and fixed.
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill at a traffic light, the vehicle seized and there was smoke exiting under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and open the hood when the smoke faded away but did not see any visible fire. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and had two unknown recalls completed on 9/1/2021. The contact also stated he would smell fuel fumes when starting the heater. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated on 12/8/2021, while parking the vehicle, he saw smoke exiting under the hood. The contact was able to run out of the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard. The manufacturer called the contact and informed them they needed to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
There is noise coming from the steering column when driving over bumps. The sounds gives the impression that parts in the column is loose. The noise is heard and low and high speeds.
My engine seized up and the car just stopped as I was driving. I had it towed to the dealership to be fixed and they said there was a recall but they couldn't fix it because my car is over 120000 miles.
After purchasing my vehicle my engine seized and needed to be replaced in 01/2021. Recently my car started to smell like gasoline, I am told it is an issue with the fuel pump on the engine. There is gasoline going all over the engine making it a big fire hazard.
Vehicle shut off while driving on the freeway while gas gauge showed 1/4 tank full. There was no warning light indicator or anything. Vehicle would not turn back on until additional gas was added to the gas tank. The vehicle shutting off unexpectedly is dangerous to not only myself and my passengers but other drivers around me as well. Gas gauge also does not reflect accurately when gas is being added to the tank. Called the dealer and explained that this is an issue in other 2013 Hyundai Sonata and they said it’s not vin number specific and refused to service it.
On 9/7/2021 my Son Alex and I were out for a drive in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata gls.. my son is 17 years old an was completing his 50 hour driving time required, to get his drivers license.he has a learners permit. We had done some in town driving for about an hour and we decided he needed practice on the freeway.. after about 15 mins on the freeway my vehicle suddenly shut down without any warning.. my son being an inexperienced driver did a great job of not having an accident being he lost all power steering and power braking functions of the vehicle. Thank god he steered us off the road an into the ditch an not into on coming traffic.. we both were fine but understandably shakin up.. I Then had my vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership here in my area, who has since refused.. to honor a safety recall campaign that they themselves have already verified Per VIN number that my vehicle qualifies for that safety recall campaign issued by the NHTSA.
Engine replaced by Hyundai for recall 4/2021. Gas is leaking from high presser pipe directly on top of the engine. Hyundai customer service says I did not meet requirements for Recall 180. Dealer who replaced engine says covered by warranty and could be faulty part and not installation issue. Teen drivers could have been killed driving the car when gas, leaking directly onto the engine, started smoking. They stopped vehicle before gas could spark. We have video of gas leak when car not running. Medlin Hyundai in Rocky Mount said gas was "spewing from the high pressure pipe onto the engine".
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that her son was driving the vehicle at 35 mph when he noticed that smoke was issuing from the rear which then entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's son was able to slow the vehicle by using the shifter due to not having any brake power. The contact stated her son was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's son flagged a police officer who called the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire with water, but the vehicle was completely burned and undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a police impoundment lot. The contact was not aware of a police or fire department report being filed. The contact did not take the vehicle to the local dealer and the contact's insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle fire origin was not determined by the insurance company. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she had a previous recall letter from the manufacturer for a fuel line issue and it was addressed at a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was in traffic, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle home. When the contact drove the vehicle, she stated that an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the vehicle while driving up an incline. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the vehicle during the failure. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer to have the vehicle serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer then called the contact and informed her that a diagnostic test needed to be performed on the vehicle prior to the recall repair. The contact refused to pay for a diagnostic test and instructed the dealer to only repair the recall on the vehicle. Since that call, the contact had called the dealer on multiple occasions but had yet to receive a response. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. The VIN was not available.
engine seized up after 2 weeks of having an oil change...stopped on highway had it towed several times from breakdowns on highway to shop they put in new battery it ran for one day and would not start had it towed to another shop was advised the engine seized up due to gunk in oil pan..had an oil change two weeks prior to incident of vehical stopping was advised the oil change was fine no problems.....contacted hyundia consumer affairs filed a complaint advised them of the situation they had me tow the car to the hyundia dealership they looked at the car told me the engine was seized due to gunk in the oil. i sent them proff of all my oil changes and maintence records.. they denied the claim said i had not enough maintence records i have only had the vehical for three years have had no problembs with the vehicle untill it hit 99.000 miles...the dealership offered to repair the engine for $7500.. i could not pay. so i had to return the vehical to finance company as i still owed a balance now i am without a vehical and in debt to the finance company. for a vehical that had been on recall..can you assist me with this situation.. I believe they should should have accepted the fault of the engine seizing due to recalled parts.....
After starting the car and putting it in the reverse or in drive, the steering wheel gives jerks as if something is loose.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving the vehicle there was a clicking noise and vibration coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering coupler was faulty and had also caused damage to the front passenger’s and driver’s side tie rods. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 123,000.
They failed to fix my recall, they handed my receipt stating it was done. It was a recent recall. I was very upset because they failed to fix my issue and lied to me about it!!! So I have text and emails about their false fixed recalls. Very disappointed in my Patrick Schaumburg Hyundai dealership! Very unsafe and fake fixing mandatory recalls.
Hybrid system warning light comes on at random times and sometimes the car won't start.
On Sat 8/28/21, while driving, Without any warning or engine lights, the engine stopped running while I was driving on the road at 45 mph. I was able to pull over safely and the car would not restart. I had it towed to a nearby auto shop, the diagnostic shows fuel pump not turning on. I've had this car for 14 months with no issues until now. I could've been injured or crashed had I been on an interstate. It will need to be towed again to a dealership for fuel pump replacement. I've lost wages due to this incident and no idea how to pay for this costly repair.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 - 35 mph, the vehicle stalled while going up a hill. The contact was able to use the emergency brakes to pull over into a ditch, in order to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. There was dark gray smoke coming from the engine and a burnt odor was detected when the contact opened the hood. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case and informed the contact that they would send her case over to NHTSA. The contact was waiting on instructions from the manufacturer on what to do with the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
I was driving and my vehicle started cutting out. When I hit the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated and did not want to go, I had the gas pedal push down to the floor, it eventually kicked in. I traveled a short distance and then it did the same thing, almost coming to a stop. The engine started making a rattling-banging noise and then the Malfunction indicator light came on.I was at a busy intersection and proceeded to try to make a left turn to get out of traffic and to the Dobbs repair shop across the street.As I attempted to Cross the two lanes of oncoming traffic my vehicle stalled and shut completely down. The oncoming traffic had to stop in order to avoid striking my vehicle. My vehicle was stalled blocking both oncoming lanes of traffic. I put the vehicle into “Park” and restarted it by hitting the automatic start button. When I accelerated the vehicle barley rolled, maybe 5 mph? It rolled enough to remove me from danger from being stuck. I then made another immediate left turn into the Dobbs parking lot. The vehicle then began to pick up speed, I drove around to the front of Dobbs, parked the vehicle and dropped it off to get the problem diagnosed. I was called the next morning and told that it was possible engine damage and that it would have to be towed to the dealer. I called Auffenberg in Ofallon Illinois on Friday 08/27/21 at 0923hrs.and was told that I needed to speak to the service manager Bill Gillespie for approval. I left him a voice message. He never returned my call so I left a second message at 5:51 pm. On Monday 08/30/21 at 12:45 pm after still never receiving a return call, I called and left Mr. Gillespie a third voice message. In the messages I left I informed him of the problem and also that I was stranded without having another vehicle. I filed a case with Hyundai online, case #xxxx5097. I later spoke to a person who said they were told that there were 30 other cars at this dealer with blown engines and that there is a 3 month repair wait!
Our engine has seized up according to our mechanic. They replaced the gasket on the oil pan and found metal shavings. Then just a week later the engine seized up. We had the dealer look at at back in 2017 and they only did a software update. Does this qualify for the engine recall?
The lights bulbs have burned out multiple times. The hole where the bulb fits is misshapen and is very hard to install new light bulbs (practically impossible). Reported to dealership. They said it is a known issue and that Hyundai will not fix it now. Told me to buy new lights. I did that and the bulbs are still burning out. The socket the bulb goes into is melted, the spot the light bulb goes into the light is melted. This is not safe. I have put over 10 light bulbs in the trail lights in a little over 3 years.
When accelerating to 65 mph, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle stopped accelerating. Took the vehicle in to a mechanic, who stated there was poor acceleration at high RPM's and the car had jerking symptoms during hard throttle. For the engine diagnosis there was a fault code for the knock sensor found. Very low oil levels were in crankcase, no additional fault codes found, abnormal noises. Signs of internal engine problem low oil pressure suspected, no apparent lubricant to upper part of the engine. Recommended replacing the engine. The mechanic estimated the car was also losing oil faster than it should've. Prior to this incident occuring, the car has been regularly maintenanced at the dealership. Car was taken in to an independent mechanic to be looked at because dealership service repair did not have an opening for 2 weeks to look at the car. The lower acceleration could cause an accident on the freeway if driving at high speeds and the acceleration malfunctions without warning. No other persons have looked at the car yet. There was no lights, symptoms, or messages indicating a problem prior to this incident happening. This was the first time this incident has happened with the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where the oil was drained, and the contact was informed that the connecting rod bearing was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that when he drove away from the independent mechanic, the engine seized. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted however, there was no response. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
my brakes stop working . The dealership advised that the HECU needed to be replaced. There are several incidents showing online with the same dangerous problem. at home going into my apartment garage the car just started rolling back onto on coming traffic. the brakes just stopped working, I swerved to avoid being hit. The car is at the dealership. There was not any working for this ever expensive problem,
I had been hearing a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The steering wheel also vibrates at speeds above 60. I took the car in for diagnosis and was told the steering column and assembly needs to be replaced. I had recently hit a pothole and noticed the noise and vibration was a lot worse. The dealership felt that could have been a cause of the increased noise and vibration. I was advised to file a claim with my insurance company. The insurance company said it was a known steering wheel issue with Hyundai.
Tail lights are CONSTANTLY going out. This is the second time over a 20 day period that I replaced them. It’s not normal. I’m afraid to drive at night due to this matter, as I do not want another vehicle colliding with my rear end. The bulbs are brand new but yet it’s still goes out. This matter should be looked into immediately as it is a safety hazard for nighttime drivers.
The brake pedal bushing has completely deteriorated and caused my car to be able to shift gears without touching the brake. It also caused me to be unable to use cruise control (which I found out driving down the interstate thank god I wasn’t in an accident) and caused me to be unable to park my car. Caused my battery to die and left me stranded at work. No pieces to remedy to issue are available. And Hyundai has said there was a recall with earlier models (up to year 2011) my car is 2013 and is obviously effected. I have now had a recall on y seat belts, air bags, engine, seat belt anchors, fuel line transmission fluid sensor and now my brakes. I’m not sure what is actually ok with this model at this point!!!
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her sister was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
I was replacing my windshield washer fluid and the hydraulic shock on the hood failed without warning and the hood slammed down on my left arm
The steering column is clanging over bumps and when steering which is a failure in the plastic steering shaft coupler.This coupler looks like an impeller.It is situated between the steering column shaft and the electric steering motor.The coupler is disintegrating and will lead to steering failure and high probability to death or injury of the cars occupants.This coupling failure is commom and found in perhaps thousands of Hyundai vehicles.A recall needs to be mandated immediately.If it is ignored then Hyundai needs to prepare for the lawsuits that will ensue
The car stopped running and started smoking. Took it to Langdale Hyundai in Valdosta, GA and they said it was a rod bearing and there was a recall on it. They then told us after over a month and a half of them having the car that it was declined due to the engine not being updated since 2018??? I've never once heard of updating an engine. But I also thought the recall took place before that time frame so I don't see why that matters.
No incident yet! I bought the car from a family elderly member who kept it in the garage! The car has only 7,600 miles! The steering wheel makes a clunking noise when making a turn! When i searched for recalls i saw it's a common problem with that year 2013 Hyunday Sonata! Everyone who complained is surprised that there is no recall issued! People with higher mileage are experiencing failure of steering/ Car when turning, fails and goes to next lane!
I purchased a used 2013 Hyundai Sonata and in less than a month it was stolen! The police told me that Hyundai has a huge problem with vehicle theft because the manufacturer has built in design flaws that make it the easiest car in the world to steal. The thieves did not even have to break my window even though they were completely up and the car was locked! From what I see on the internet, Hyundai has never addressed the problem and should have voluntarily recalled the vehicles and fixed them! Why has this been allowed to happen when both the federal/state governments and NTSB are aware of such a gigantic problem that is causing extreme financial burden to Hyundai owners?
Blinking saying turn off engine almost died on highway this is my business car in my business name I haven't had this car for a year sign says turn vehicle off it cut off in front of my house hybrid system warning
The brake light is constantly going out since I purchased this car in 2013 see other ocmplaints https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/brake-light-problems.php
White paint peeling off from the car.
I was driving on the Interstate and my engine sized up. Luckily I was able to get to the off ramp with out an accident. I had my car towed to the dealership. It was confirmed that the engine sized up and related to the recall. Hyundai has had my car for close to 3 months and refuses to honor the recall and replace the engine. I took it in for the recall after I found out on the news. They changed my oil and said the engine was good. After the engine froze up, I was told that their was a second recall that I was again not notified by. Hyundai warrantee department will not replace my engine because I did not know about the second recall, and it did not get done. After my car was towed to the dealership I got a pamphlet in the mail about an engine chip program update. My car is now a paper weight, Hyundai failed to honor their recall, left my wife and I with only 1 car that has an engine recall on it, I need to spend money on a second tow to a repair shop, and we need to find a few thousand dollars to get a repair shop to replace the engine.
When driving on the freeway at 75 mph, check engine light came on and shortly after the car just stopped running. Could have been a terrible accident but able to get over to side of freeway without causing an accident. Car was towed to dealership in Flagstaff Arizona on 8/9/2021. Advised it was a Campaign T3G engine and turbo charger recall and that part was ordered on 8/10/2021. Required hotel stay, rental car nightmare to get home to Albuquerque New Mexico. Dealer advises the part has still not been received as of 10/29/2021 and they do not know when they will get it. They also have 8 other cars waiting for same repair. Owner of vehicle is without the car for 3 months now, not to mention the car is in another state and we can't follow up easily.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026