2013 Hyundai Sonata Complaint Log

After starting, got a warning stating check hybrid braking, do not drive. When going forward, brake pedal went to floor, heard heavy grinding noise and vehicle stopped accelerating. Had to use the emergency brakes to avoid an accident. Hyundai says they can’t find a problem. Now I can’t even drive it back to the dealer! Did an internet search and many other hybrid owners have reported the same issue. I just want to have Hyundai buy the car back at this point. It only has a little over 50,000 miles on it.

Hybrid system issue. Do not drive, stop safely.

My car suddenly stopped while in drive, with a forceful jerk like someone hit me from behind. This nearly caused a 3 car crash. It grinds when you put it in park but the car doesn't move in drive nor reverse.

Brake lights become hot enough to melt through housing, hanging loose in the trunk where they can damage wiring and further burn through taillight housing. There was no warning, uncertain how long issue has been ongoing as I only noticed when a light went entirely out. Vehicle has not been inspected since engine replacement under previous recall. Will be available for any inspection on request. This problem has occurred on both the left and right taillight assemblies

my car broke down and now the car does not pick up speed and rattles when i press the gas pedal.

Hyundai extended warranty on 2011-2014 due to premature engine failure. On [XXX] my car suddenly lost all power and died on in breakdown lane of highway. Currently vehicle is at colonial Hyundai in new london CT awaiting a decision that premature engine failure issue that falls within warranty is the issue. When tow trunk driver dropped off car at mechanic he smelt smoke from under the hood he informed me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

With no warning light indication the Sonata lost all power on I-75 South near Dayton Ohio. After tow & vehicle I inspiration the engine was said to be dead. There is a recall for the 2015 for the SAME issue.

2013 Hyundai Sonata engine caught on fire after being replaced TWICE.

There is no lights at all on the brake lights but the brake light in the back window stays on all the time the dim head light only lets one side work

Vehicle had been low on oil for multiple months and was brought to the dealership and then to independent body shop for repair. Low oil light NEVER came on, but vehicle initially leaking oil (puddle on floor under car). Car serviced every 3 months/miles. While driving on highway, engine started knocking, and the MIL (malfunction indicator light started blinking). Knocking got louder and all sensor lights illuminated. Pulled off side of road and waited for tow truck. Attempted to drive to safer location off highway to wait. Car towed home. Would not start next day. Jumped battery and MIL light came back on and knocking sound continued. Car towed to mechanic who performed diagnostic and advised that the Rod Knock was broken and engine would need to be replaced. Vehicle has approximately 130,000 miles, however was running perfectly prior to this incident.

The driver’s door and back door stopped opening inside and out. The back door on the driver’s side stopped opening first about 2 years ago, then the driver’s door stopped opening a few days ago. I am fearful of being trapped inside the car in the event of an emergency.

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.

Recall 162 engine died no reason Hyundai refused to replace engine 2nd submission

My wife and I bought a new 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS in August of 2013, which is now over eleven years ago. In late September 2024, with still fewer than 100,000 miles on the car, I noticed a snapping sensation/clunk sound in its steering column when changing the direction of steering (from left to right/right to left.) I researched this symptom and, with the confirmation of a Hyundai Dealer's Service Manager, diagnosed the problem as a failing soft coupler between the car's steering column and "Motor Driven Power Steering" motor. NHTSA is aware of the problem, and Hyundai was compelled to issue an elusively brief warranty extension. Having taken delivery of the car over 10 years ago, that warranty extension does us no good, and I'm being told that at the Hyundai Dealer, the job will cost us between four and six hundred dollars, including a complete wheel alignment they say will be made necessary by the repair. I found that a modestly skilled, able bodied, and properly equipped "shade tree mechanic" can buy an aftermarket replacement of this soft coupling for less than fifteen dollars and, with care and a little luck, can complete the repair for ostensibly less than that. (...Unless the job truly creates a need for a wheel alignment.) Since learning all of this, while I've considered whether my bad back is up to the cost-saving job, we've needed to keep driving the car. I estimate we've put another 1,600 miles on it and, especially lately, the coupler's deterioration has obviously been accelerating. My wife and I have agreed I'd best not tackle this as a DIY project so, at Great Lakes Hyundai in Streetsboro, Ohio, we have an appointment for its replacement and subsequent wheel alignment, but we worry about it lasting until then. We feel lucky to be able to afford the ESTIMATED costs, but shouldn't have to. This is a premature and DANGEROUS component failure. A recall should be issued. Hyundai should pay for all of it. ~ [XXX] , Ohio INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Hyundai issued Extended Warranty directive TXX7 dealing with the "rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly" The directive covered the replacement for 2011 to 2014 model year Sonata for 10 years from the date of delivery or first use or 100000 miles, whichever occurs first. Hyundai indicates in TXX7 that "wear of the coupling does not affect the ability to steer or control thee vehicle and is not a safety issue" I have a 2013 Sonata with less than 75000 miles but is clearly over 10 years since the "date of first use". The "thud" in the steering wheel began at about 70000 miles and seems to be progressively more pronounced. I have read that the wear can in fact be a safety issue. I have contacted Hyundai Customer care twice and in both cases they indicate that because I have owned the vehicle for more than 10 years, the warranty period has expired My contention is that - do they deem that the part fails because "time" or "usage (mileage drive or used). Simply because I have not driven the car over 100000 miles (25000 less) should not disqualify me from from TXX7.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving at higher speeds on the freeway. The contact could not confirm whether there was any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the abnormal sound was coming from the engine base. The mechanic informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

The steering wheel makes clicking and grinding noise. Steering wheel coupling may be broken. And sometimes head and interior lights turn on and off when I make turns

Within a span of 6 months, 3 out of 4 doors on this car failed. The interior handle on the driver's side snapped off; it crumbled apart and sliced through the hand of the person opening the door. This occurred while the car was in park. Within 6 months the door latches on both rear doors froze and made it impossible to open the doors. This meant that no one could enter or exit through the rear of the car. Children needing to ride in the car would have to climb through the front to get to the back but would be unable to open the doors to exit, since the door latches failed. Though this is an older car, it is gently used and, at most, is driven 13 miles a day to and from work. Rear doors had rarely been used when they broke.

Having to add 1-2 quarts of oil per month and engine knock noise has started and been louder when oil is low.

My low pressure fuel hose has a leak. The amount of gasoline that is spraying on my spark plugs and engine is concerning. The gas fume smell coming in through the vent was horrible. After finding this leak I came to the conclusion that I am very lucky My car didn’t catch fire while I was driving. For some reason there is already a recall in place that includes my vehicle year but does not include my vehicle Vin. How do I get my vehicle included in this recall so that it can get repaired? The recall in question is NHTSA number 227 or 22V – 314. At this time, the car is sitting in my driveway and I am not inclined to move it until I know it can get repaired. At that time, I will have it towed to the dealership.

I have a 2013 Hyundai sonata in which the engine was recalled close to about 2 years ago. About 3 days ago my engine just randomly gave out on the highway in rush hour traffic the middle of me driving. And now I am without a vehicle and my car is sitting at lake Norman Hyundai dealership.

My headlights and break lights are constantly going out. My back taillights light connected is constantly burned up which is a huge safety concern because I can’t see. My car has multiple recalls for engine problems which fit my car problems such as premature bearing wear but it won’t be covered because my vin number isn’t associated with that recall

The malfunction component was the engine. My safety and other was very risky and dangerous. Unknown if the problem was reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The vehicle was inspected by police. The only warning lamp was the engine lamp that appeared approximately 30 minutes before the engine caught fire resulting in total car loss.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while at a stop, a pedestrian informed the contact that both the driver-side and passenger-side brake lights failed to illuminate while the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both rear housing lamps had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that both brake light bulbs had been replaced several times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately157,000.

Rear driver side door cannot be opened from the inside or the outside of the vehicle.

Losing oil somewhere in the engine and the oil smells like fuel.

Started car normally this morning, engaged transmission, car would not accelerate. Pressing gas pedal had no effect. After a couple of blocks, shut off engine. Then restarted, same problem. Had to get to appointment, so stopped and restarted twice more, second time ran normally and I reached my appointment. Started car to return home, same problem for some seconds, then normal. Later taking son to medical appointment, lost pedal function mid trip for a few seconds, then continued to appointment

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillight bulbs failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the taillight bulbs overheated and burned out quickly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with taillight wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the taillight wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the contact stated that the recall notification was not received. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,500.

Car loss power turned off on turnpike while driving 45k miles per hour and HYBRID battery system lights alarms turned on at 94k had car towed to dealership. I was told that it was the HYBRID battery and that it was changed. I am now having same problem again after taking car in for recall updated. Attempted to pick car up twice couldn't get a mile away from the dealership both times the car was jerking lost power and car turned off abruptly. Again HYBRID system failure lights alarms. I initially told it was the HYBRID battery, now finding out the battery was never changed, after being told it was the battery for 3 months now being told it is the HPCU a HYBRID battery component. Part 36600-3D003

Car was purchased on [XXX] for our daughter for a little over $6500.00 for a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited addition. On around July the 2nd the car started running weirdly and by [XXX] it had stopped running all together and the men from work had to help her push it onto her jobsite, which she wasn't far from. I had the car towed from her job to a mechanic who stated the engine was frozen. I immediately started googling the year make and model to see how much a used engine would cost. That's when a page came up stating there was a recall on that make and model. I was relieved because we do not have money and this was a necessity for our daughter who is [XXX] to get to work. I spoke with the dealership on approximately the 4th or 5th of July and scheduled an appt to had the car towed on July the 8th.. The car has been at the dealership until today 08/12/2023. The car is not running correctly. The didn't say anything other than the new engine has been placed and we can come pick the car up. This car is a hazard. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dear NHTSA: I recently bought a HYUNDAI SONATA 2013 I got the NC vehicle inspection PASSED the same day. The car has been working perfectly. But, my granddaughter, XXXX, who I share the car with got a terrible experience last Thursday [XXX], she was driving to her job around 2:30 PM when suddenly the car just died, without any light showing on the screen. She was in panic in the middle of a big road with all the cars passing by. She used beach chairs so the others could know the car was dead. A police officer stopped and helped her move the car out of the road so a towing can pick up the car. This was not only a missed day at job for her, it could have ended in a terrible accident. Here are some pictures of the awful day. The car was towed to a mechanic who immediately said this is an engine manufacturer problem of your brand. I am the third owner of the car so no communication has been sent to me saying this car has an ENGINE RECALL that could fire at any moment. This is insane and I felt totally drowned by your brand. Again, no light was showing on the screen, nothing…. My car is at the Hyundai Keffer dealer at Charlotte and they said the recall for engine is closed and that will not cover the repair. I do not have money for a repair. Please help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While accelerating on the highway, several warning lamps (battery, engine, others that I forget) came on. When I pulled over the hood was smoking, and a fire flared up after I opened the hood. My son and I escaped the car with no injury. Still waiting for report from insurance company.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact arrived at the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, however, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,547.

The car was running well when suddenly loss power and stall. Have it check with a Scanner it read code P1326 (Knock Sensor) which has been recalled on other Sonatas, and Hyundai Models for the same Problem/Issue. This code (P1326) have Made Hyundai to REPLACE the engine in many cars (Recalls). My year made Hyundai Sonata it was not included on the Recalls. Now, I have a car with Loss Power and Stalls to move with No safety because of the 2013 was not included in the Recalls which has the same Issue as those Recalled.

WHILE DRIVING AND USING THE ACCELERATOR , THE RPM WOULD REV UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CAR WOULD THEN JERK BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ABLE TO GO APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR, BUT THE RPM WOULD GO AS HIGH AS 6K OR 7K RPM. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WHEN IDLE, ALSO FELT RPM GO UP AND JERKING MOTION

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact recevied notifiaciton of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the ESP, Low tire pressure, Check Oil, Check Engine, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was stopped on the side of the road where white smoke and flames emanated from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,966.

When driving, an acceleration would sometime cause the car's RPMs would drop to zero with the throttle of the vehicle responding poorly. A lose of power occurs and the takes about 15 seconds to feel some power return to the throttle. The feeling of no throttle occurs which is very scary when your reason for accelerating is to pass a vehicle but the sudden lose of power makes it difficult to accelerate properly to pass. The RPMs remains none responsive. With the loss of power, the traction control light came on. When the vehicle is turn off and turned back on, the car's issue disappears. But the problem randomly occurs again.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while exiting a drive-in car wash, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact immediately observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and oil was added to the engine. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return to have the vehicle inspected. The contact returned after driving 1,000 miles and the engine oil level was extremely low. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

I was pulled over by law enforcement due to both brake lights being out. Further investigation while changing the bulbs for the 3rd time in 1 year found the housing was deformed and plastic around the bulb housing was melted. The left light bulb was completely black and was difficult to replace the plug back into the plastic housing. The right light bulb metal piece melted into the socket and the glass part of the bulb fell off the metal piece and would not come out of the brake light assembly as if it was now to big to fit throught the hole. This bulb broke off the metal piece and fell into the brake light assembly. After using pliers to remover the broken metal piece from the bulb socket. The new bulb was placed and still could not fit in the hole it is designed to fit. Further inspection reveals the plastic housing the bulb should fit has melted and can no longer accept the new bulb or removal of the previous bulb. This is a safety hazard as the bulb and wiring gets too hot and could heat up the plastic to the point of burning the inside of the trunk. As well as continuing replacement for the bulb of which now cannot be replaced. Potenial safety risk for an accident if the brake lights cannot be replaced due to warping or melted housing. There was no warning or safety notice provided. Until I researched and found the problem has been reported by many owners of this make and model and there is even a recall that went out in January 2024 for the exact issue. I reported this to the dealer who informed me my vehicle is not apart of the recall even though my vehicle meets all requirements of the recall and extended warranty for the recall. Year, make, model, within mileage requirements and the safety issue being present. They want to charge me just to confirm the issue and possible charge for the repair.

I own 2013 Hyundai Sonata limited . It has 37000 miles ( Approximately). When I drive the car and move the steering wheel to rt or lt, it makes clicking noise. At times I felt I can't turn or take exit. It is scary and afraid that steering wheel will freeze. I called dealer where I bought the car , they want me to leave the car for 5 days. They will do the diagnostic work costing $214 . They didn't promise just tell me that they will call the company and see if they will for the work. will reply from you before I drop the car because the repair work will cost me about $800. Please help. A B

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted after the third attempt; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle for an engine failure under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.

Hello, My rear brake lights burn out frequently and the bulbs get so hot it deforms the plastic bulb holders and the light bulb falls out resulting in no brake lights. This has been happening for over 10 years. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem and sent a notice to repair it for free if the car is less than 15 years old or less than 200,000 mile. My Sonata has 210,000 miles and they will not repair the defect. I've replaced hundreds of bulbs and multiple bulb holders/wiring harnesses. My daughter has been pulled over multiple times and yelled at from other drivers because her brake lights do not work. The reason why these bulbs get so hot is because it receives to much voltage. Hyundai acknowledges this fact. My brake lights receive 13.4 volts instead of around 12. To much voltage gets them hot and burns them out quicker. It's a safety issue Hyundai acknowledges but wont repair. I guess I have no alternative but to keep replacing the bulbs.... This car is not ready for the scrap yard yet as it get a new engine from Hyundai because the original seized up from another Hyundai defect Do you have any recourse or advise on how to get Hyundai to repair it like they would if the car had 199,999 miles on it? Hyundai refused to budge on the matter. Any advice?

Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to determine when the car is braking for a stop at night. The secondary concern is that the lights pose a fire hazard.

2013 Hyundai Sonata with known engine failure issue. While driving, vehicle experienced complete engine failure during operation in confined express lane of highway. Vehicle was rendered inoperable and required towing to dealer for repair. Delear declared "complete engine failure" and offered to apply for repair assistance through Hyundai engine failure recall assistance, but then repair was declined by Hyundai Motor Co. Same vehicle was in Hyundai service for service/repair 04-23, with check engine light. Hyundai, knowledgeable of engine failure recall, only advised me of a possible fix via high pressure fuel error (another known issue) at cost of $1200.00, with a note to "start here." One year later complete engine failure without any prior warning, light, change in engine performance, etc. Obviously caused by known issues.

Vehicle driver and passenger door handles will not open from the outside despite being unlocked. No damage occurred to handles. Handles worked one day and stopped working the next. Huge safety risk, if there is an accident, the driver and passenger are completely inaccessible.

ALL OF THESE CAR HAVE A HEADLIGHT ISSUSE ALSO BREAKLIGHT

The engine failed. This created a risk for me and my family as it could have seized on us while driving and caused an accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer in conjunction with the manufacturer. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dashboard. The only indicator of the issue was burning oil smell and engine shaking while driving. Additional details: The engine started burning a lot of oil close to the 10 year ownership mark around July 2023. We started putting oil into the engine about weekly, then daily around August and September. I finally took it into the dealership in October and they started an oil consumption study. From October 2023 through now in April 2024: 1. They changed the oil and we drove 1000 miles, then went back. 2. They changed the oil again and we drove 1000 miles again. 3. The third time, we went in and they charged me money to deep clean the engine and then asked me to drive the car for another 1000 miles yet again. 4. We made it about 500 miles and then took it back in after the car started shaking and making noises. Ultimately, Hyundai replaced the engine (they also charged me money) but I am concerned that other systems in the car will fail and I will continue to face safety issues and future charges as well.

My car began consuming alarming amounts of oil as well as emitting a knocking sound and hesitating while been driven. I went to Patriot in Boyertown, PA and they advised me to contact Hyundai as my engine was failing, could cease at any minute and exhibited all of the signs associated with their engine recall/rotor warranty extension. I have had two diagnostics done to the car that found metal as well as three other major signs associated with their engine recall and warranty extension. Hyundai has now asked me to pay $529 out of pocket for additional diagnostics they are requesting as part of their recall and warranty despite the fact that I have already had diagnostics done telling me what is wrong with my engine and additional diagnostics provides no benefit to me. When researching the issue, it is alarming the thousands of other accounts detailing the lack of honoring the recall and warranty as well as practices that sound illegal when it comes to safety and consumers. I would welcome an inspection of my vehicle as I believe them to be trying to not honor their own recall and warranty and replace my faulty engine that they sold me.