HYUNDAI SONATA · model year

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA

2592 NHTSA complaints, 139 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013HYUNDAISONATA carries 2592 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 139 crashes, 152 fires, 115 injuries, and 2 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 SONATA is engine with 700 filings, followed by steering (338) and electrical system (249). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2013 SONATA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

2592
Complaints
139
Crashes
152
Fires
115
Injuries
2
Deaths
2013 HYUNDAI SONATA — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

2592 filings

Crashes Reported

139 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE700
STEERING338
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM249
EXTERIOR LIGHTING177
UNKNOWN OR OTHER173
SERVICE BRAKES138
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM125
AIR BAGS97
POWER TRAIN90
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL85
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE71
SEAT BELTS57
SUSPENSION47
STRUCTURE:BODY43
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING37

Recalls (9)

17V22600031/03/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

18V93400028/12/2018

ENGINE

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. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued durin

20V12100028/02/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

18V13700027/02/2018

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

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. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to inc

12V35200024/07/2012

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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 without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.

14V43400018/07/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

17V15200008/03/2017

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

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.

22V31200006/05/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

17V61700004/10/2017

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Recent Complaints

20260217ENGINE

It is a known issue on several makes and years on Hyundais. excessive oil consumption. burning a quart every 375 miles. at one point we had no oil in the car at all. causing a potential major safety issue lubricating parts of the engine. etc. we have contacted Hyundai several times and brought to Hyundai dealer who has confirmed issue through a test. no warning that oil was low!

20260201CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.

20260201CrashSTEERING

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.

20260201CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.

20260116ENGINE

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] , 2.4L Theta II GDI engine) is experiencing symptoms consistent with the known Theta II engine defects covered under prior NHTSA recalls (e.g., 17V-226) and the related class action settlement for connecting rod bearing wear due to manufacturing debris restricting oil flow. The vehicle has begun exhibiting [describe your specific symptoms here, e.g.: "a loud metallic knocking/tapping noise from the engine that increases with RPM, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds; reduced engine power and hesitation; illumination of the check engine light and/or oil pressure warning light; excessive vibration; or sudden loss of power/stalling risk"]. These issues have [escalated/worsened over time or occurred suddenly while driving]. This poses a serious safety hazard because premature bearing wear can lead to complete engine seizure or stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion, potentially at highway speeds, resulting in loss of motive po

20260116ENGINE

Engine losing power and metal shavings in oil and engining shutting off

20260114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, vehicle slowed down abruptly and stopped. It was flashing “vehicle not safe to drive”. This happened before hen I got a new engine 2 years ago. Even with a new engine now it is happening again. I took it to Nissan Moreno Valley and paid $240 for diagnostic only to find out there a software update they had to do with a tablet. No work needed to be one just a software update hooked up to their system. Hyundai cooperate would not assist to over this fee. I like have crashed with this happening. The car just stops with no warning and it’s extremely dangerous how it cuts off while driving. Luckily I was on the streets not freeway.

20260114ENGINE

While driving, vehicle slowed down abruptly and stopped. It was flashing “vehicle not safe to drive”. This happened before hen I got a new engine 2 years ago. Even with a new engine now it is happening again. I took it to Nissan Moreno Valley and paid $240 for diagnostic only to find out there a software update they had to do with a tablet. No work needed to be one just a software update hooked up to their system. Hyundai cooperate would not assist to over this fee. I like have crashed with this happening. The car just stops with no warning and it’s extremely dangerous how it cuts off while driving. Luckily I was on the streets not freeway.

20260112AIR BAGS

Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX] ) has experienced several cracks in the dashboard area of the vehicle. We know this is a reported common problem with this vehicle and some information says its related to both heat and sun exposure. However, my wife has always used sunshades everywhere she travels and the car has been parked in the garage when its not in operation. We are also concerned that this could be a safety issue if the air bag ever deployed in an accident. The dealership where we purchased and Hyundai Corporate have denied our claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20260108ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Wiring for headlights, and break lights has been malfunctioning. It is not a fuse and i have tried changing them to the point i keep extra in my trunk and still won't work. yes, available for inspection, I have been pulled over multiple times and was written a citation yesterday.

20260108EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Wiring for headlights, and break lights has been malfunctioning. It is not a fuse and i have tried changing them to the point i keep extra in my trunk and still won't work. yes, available for inspection, I have been pulled over multiple times and was written a citation yesterday.

20260105ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

20260105FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

See attached document for complaint.

20260103ENGINE

Engine Seized while driving - took to Hyundai dealership in Newport News VA and was advised it was negligence on our part. car was just inspected 2 months prior with no issues. All repairs were completed 05/23/2023 as required by Hyundai. Car does not start and they refuse to fix it. Car engine was recalled and never replaced. Information states it was but dealership refuses to provide records showing it was replaced since it was not. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20251230FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I started smelling a little gas in the 20th. And on the 21st it got a lot worse so I took it to the dealership. This is the same place that replaced the engine because it failed and it was a recall. I let them know of the recall and they said it is not covered. They told me it was the high-pressure fuel line that connects to the pump. I have provided a picture of what the tech said.

20251229STRUCTURE:BODY

About a year ago, I went out one morning, and the Rear Passenger Door would not engage or open. I tried using the key fob, as well as manual lock, trying to lock and unlock, and it still would not open. No one can get into the car from the outside. No one can get out of the car from the inside. This especially is very dangerous. Nothing has changed. I would like Hyundai to repair my door, since it is inoperable. In case of accident, fire, or other reason, someone would be locked in to their detriment.

20251219FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My vehicle had Hyundai Safety Recall 227 (fuel tube replacement) completed on December 7, 2022. After the recall repair, the same fuel-system symptoms returned. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe and stated the condition was critical and a safety risk due to fuel system involvement and potential fire hazard. Hyundai Motor America declined assistance, citing vehicle age and mileage, despite this being a recurring fuel-system safety issue following a recall repair. The vehicle continues to present fuel-related safety concerns, and operating the vehicle poses a potential fire risk. In addition, the estimated repair cost exceeds $2,000, which represents a significant financial hardship for a safety-related defect that occurred after a recall repair. I am submitting this complaint due to concern for vehicle safety and the recurrence of a fuel-system defect after a manufacturer safety recall.

20251215AIR BAGS

My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfe

20251215UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfe

20251210ENGINE

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for a Lifetime Warranty engine replacement under the Theta II Class Action Settlement. The dealership is refusing coverage unless I provide maintenance records, even though the settlement prohibits denial based solely on missing records or the presence of sludge. Hyundai must prove neglect caused the failure, which has not been demonstrated. I am requesting review by the Engine Settlement Team and approval of my engine replacement.

Compare 2013HYUNDAISONATA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
The 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA has 2592 NHTSA complaints, 139 crashes, 152 fires, 115 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Yes, the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The most-complained component for the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA is ENGINE with 700 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.