NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 14 recalls, 1987 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata.
26–37 mpg combined
6.4–9 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2013 Sonata complaint picture is dominated by engine and steering issues, with a notable cluster around exterior lighting as well. Engine complaints are by far the most common, with owners frequently describing sudden engine seizure or complete failure, often with little or no warning beforehand. Many reports involve the 2.4L and 2.0T four-cylinder engines locking up unexpectedly, sometimes at highway speeds, and a recurring thread involves owners pursuing engine replacements under Hyundai's extended warranty program for affected engines. When the engine stalls or seizes in motion, owners also report losing power steering and brake assist simultaneously. Steering complaints follow as the second-largest category, with owners describing loss of power assist or heavy, unresponsive steering. Exterior lighting complaints round out the top three, with owners reporting headlight and other exterior lamp failures.
1,987
Total Complaints
101
Crash-Related
100
Fire-Related
63
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 14 recalls, the most serious including an engine that can seize without warning, curtain airbags that can deploy spontaneously, and a transmission shift cable that can detach and cause the vehicle to roll in an unintended direction.
Fire risk runs through several recalls. A low-pressure fuel hose can crack from engine heat and leak fuel, and vehicles that had prior engine work may have a damaged high-pressure fuel pipe that also leaks. A faulty anti-lock brake control module can cause a fire while parked or driving. On Sonata Hybrid models, a fuse in the power relay assembly can blow and cut hybrid system power while moving, and worn connecting rod bearings can lead to engine damage, stalling, or fire over time.
On the restraint side, front seatbelt linkages can detach from the anchor pretensioners in a crash. A prior repair attempt did not fully resolve this, which is why two recalls address it. Separately, the airbag control module on some vehicles can disable frontal airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and side airbags at the same time, leaving occupants without protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The safety plug fuse in the power relay assembly may blow, causing the hybrid system to suddenly lose power.
What the fix does
Replace the 125-amp safety plug fuse with a 150-amp rated fuse.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel feed line connecting to the high-pressure fuel pump may develop leaks over time, causing fuel odor or visible fuel leaks in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you instructions to have a dealership replace the fuel feed line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose connecting the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to engine compartment heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely over time, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a new Knock Sensor Detection System will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line connecting to the high-pressure fuel pump may crack over time, potentially causing fuel leaks or odors in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer for repairs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel hose connecting the fuel pump to the direct injection pump may crack over time from engine heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hose for damage or leaks and replace it if needed, or apply heat-protective tape if undamaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may be damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued from a previous engine replacement, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, which could prevent the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an external wire filter kit at no charge to prevent the air bag control unit from short circuiting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may come loose and separate from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, which are devices that tighten seat belts during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the connection between the seat belt linkage and pretensioner, then install a warning label to prevent future detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause engine bearings to wear prematurely, potentially leading to engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace the engine short block if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, causing the seat belts to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connections between the seat belt linkages and pretensioners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift cable can detach from the shift lever pin, which may prevent proper gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The curtain side airbags may inflate unexpectedly without a deployment command due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the curtain side airbags at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
