2013 Hyundai Sonata
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 1,912
- Recalls
- 9
- Investigations
- 9
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 1,912 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,377 |
| 2012 | 1,557 |
| 2013 | 1,912 |
| 2014 | 746 |
| 2015 | 1,148 |
| 2016 | 726 |
| 2017 | 764 |
| 2018 | 374 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 87 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
38% · 736 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When my father was driving, the vehicle stalled out with no prior odd activity. He pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to start the vehicle. He saw smoke, opened the hood, saw flames and cleared the area of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
2013 Sonata engine fire on 9/21/2023. Insurance totaled car Engine replace on 1/6/22I by dealership with reman sub engine 1) Engine aluminum flared gas line from engine fuel pump to cylinders was cracked and leaked gas.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-29
This vehicle is subject to a known Theta II connecting rod bearing defect (Recall 162 / KSDS) and a related class action settlement. On October 2, 2025, the vehicle stalled while entering the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-01
Steering
18% · 342 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.
Electrical system
14% · 261 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving a new 2013 Hyundai Sonata in a parking area, approaching a parking space for a straight-in parking facing a building. My speed was about 10MPH. I brake continuously to slow down and stop, but nothing happened.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-24
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated, and the horn failed to engage as intended.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08
Exterior lighting
10% · 200 reportsMost commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
Service brakes
8% · 150 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
9 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-08-31Air bags12V352000 Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate…
Remedy: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
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2013Complaint volume 1,912 complaints filed for this model year.
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2014-09-12Power train14V434000 Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014.
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2016-12-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2017-10-23 Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure
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2017-04-13Seat belts17V152000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017.
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2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
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2017-07-10Engine and engine cooling17V226000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.
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2017-11-06Seat belts17V617000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge.
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2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
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2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2018-10-15Air bags, seat belts18V137000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
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2019-03-01Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V934000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
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2020-08-10Fuel system, gasoline20V121000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2022-10-10Fuel system, gasoline22V312000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 736 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 342 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 261 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V352000 · Air bags
- Recall 14V434000 · Power train
- Recall 17V152000 · Seat belts
- Recall 17V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 17V617000 · Seat belts
- Recall 18V137000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 18V934000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V121000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V312000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.