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2013 Hyundai Sonata

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 1,895 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (900 complaints) and body (510 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Sonata, consider the 2025 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Hyundai Sonata dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 3

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

20V121000 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...

Risk

If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

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 ins...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

17V226000 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 ...

Risk

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 se...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V312000 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...

Risk

A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.

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...

Reported Jun 5, 2022

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200015911613515
200110518483219
200217625664611
2003851456359
20041081454179
2005621172164
2006370744929317
200724198291579
200814655161558
200918193748031
201022428353919
201113041147381095118
201243111830464751
201351010832990048
20141184417337230
2015248519968855
2016120358646018
2017260156040916
201882153622610
201931130952
2020533297814
2021384155716
202221494314
2023934627
20241821834
202563143

By Category

Engine
900
Body
510
Electrical
329
Brakes
108
Transmission
48

By Severity

1
861
2
830
3
15
4
188
5
1

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2013 Hyundai Sonata stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 2

I was on [XXX] . I was going 70 mph and then my car just instantly stopped accelerating. The check engine started flashing and I pulled to the side. There was a knocking noise and I just stopped. I called my son to come and get us and then my uncle told it to my house. I have several friends that work on cars and have a a tester. Of course they tested it in that same code came up as if it was the knocking center, so I had another friend come and tested with a different tester with the knocking sensor out his own cylinder three it’s not the knocking center the bearing in the motor is on cylinder two, which that’s what it is. I put my pen. I I put my pin number on the website and it’s showing that my car is affected. No it’s not showing on y’all‘s recall because it’s not something that you’re gonna recall. I have a history of my car motor being fixed every six years if I need to provide that, I will email that I’ve been given the runaround to get my car fixed because it’s not showing up on y’all recall, but it is a recall for the bearing in the motor we could’ve gotten hurt no warning no nothing. I just want to be done right because I’ve had my car service for the last six years and nothing went wrong. I just want y’all to be fair and do right and put that on y’all’s recall, I would hate to take this further but if I have to, I will sincerely [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

17d ago
Engine 1

MY ENGINE WAS DECREASING IN SPEED AND SHUTTING OFF IF I BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN ON MAJOR EXRESSWAYS AND LOCAL ROADS. I WAS ADVISE BY MY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SHOP THAT MY ENGINE HAD A RECALL AND NEED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI SERVICE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE . MY ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD HAD A CONSTANT BLINKING LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED CAMELBACK HYUNDAI AND A NEW ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP IS HOLDING MY VEHICLE HOSTAGE DEMANDING I PAY 2500.00 FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE THAT WAS A RECALL. THEY ARE THREATENING TO PLACE AN ABANDONMENT CHARGE AGAINST ME

29d ago
Engine 2

Excessive oil consumption. I lose 3 qt of oil every 1200 miles. I have had the required maintenance on the car and still having excessive oil consumption.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX]) suffered a driver's airbag clock spring failure, completely disabling the primary restraint safety system. ABS light was on, the horn and all other electronics on the steering wheel were not functioning. All symptoms indicated in the recall This vehicle is explicitly covered under Hyundai Extended Warranty Campaign TXXA/TXXJ for 15 years/unlimited miles. However, Hyundai's validation systems are actively rejecting my VIN and blocking my federal right to a cost-free safety remedy or repair reimbursement. I replaced clock-spring and mechanic suggested i check into the recall. I attached receipt for repairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Engine 2

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. It was taken to Ken Garff Hyundai Surprise, and the following day, October 3, 2025, it entered engine protection mode (limp mode) during the dealership's own test drive, the exact behavior the Knock Sensor Detection System is designed to trigger for connecting rod bearing wear. The dealership's own service advisor documented in writing, as early as December 27, 2025, that he did not like how the vehicle ran and drove and wanted to resubmit a warranty claim. Despite this documented concern, on May 5, 2026, the dealership's service manager told Hyundai corporate that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and that it could be picked up. Hyundai corporate maintained that the engine had passed bearing clearance testing on two occasions, October 3, 2025 and May 23, 2026. I was told the vehicle was safe and retrieved it on June 29, 2026, out of necessity after my family's other vehicle was totaled in an accident. Approximately ten days later, the engine failed completely while I was driving with my family in the vehicle. Hyundai's own repair order documented the crankshaft as seized at over 95 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai subsequently approved and completed a full engine replacement. I am filing this report because a vehicle with a documented, known defect and a documented internal safety concern was represented to me as safe to drive, and it failed catastrophically with my family inside it within days of that representation

1mo ago
Transmission 2

Car stalls when I’m at a red light, very dangerous

1mo ago
Engine 4

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. Due to the large Hyundai/Kia engine recall for his year of vehicle, the engine had been replaced 2-3 times and ONLY EVER been serviced by the dealership. We do not know if all recall repair work had been done, because there was also a fuel line recall which was "fixed" in 2020 and 2022.

1mo ago
Engine 1

Bought car from a used car dealership, car fax report filed 3 other owners, with a well maintenance report on file with oil change done atleast every 5K miles. Bought car in January 2026, maintenance had been done before car was taken off the lot. At 3k miles since hsving the ca on 05/15/26 I got my oil changed and cabin filters replaced. It’s only been less than 1500 miles and car engine had reportedly seized.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

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. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the clock spring. The contact related the failure to a clock spring warranty extension TSB; however, the VIN was excluded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.

2mo ago
Engine 1

Driving my car, oil light comes on. I take to a local mechanic who said he sees this often, my engine is going to seize up and confirmed via VIN my car is affected by the Sonata Engine Recall campaign XXX. Vanessa At Hyundai said to take it to a dealership immediately for further inspection as it may not be safe to drive. Took to dealership on XXX. While at the dealership, service manager said on XXX “my car was perfect, didn’t know why it was even there and trying to find something wrong with it was like chasing unicorns.” I said please look again and on XXX the engine seized up as it was taken on a drive by said advisor. Via dealership, they took pictures of manifold, but Hyundai denied my replacing my engine per the recall. I called Hyundai to request an appeal and received a case number/case manager ( Madge case # XXX) on XXX. I then submitted maintenance records which showed at least one oil change at each requested interval and still denied on XXX. I continued to call both parties: dealership & case manager but got no reply. I received my case manager’s direct line at Hyundai on XXX via [XXX] who said no notes were on file and case manager would return call in 1-3 days and he has never returned my calls, nor has the service manager who said my car was in perfect driving condition. Today is July 8 and I am still waiting for a written letter or phone call explaining the reason for my denial. Napelton Hyundai is also charging me $215.00 for the engine inspection when my paperwork shows a NO CHARGE to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Engine 2

Engine developed a loud rod-bearing knock at approx. 107,771 miles, consistent with the Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by NHTSA Recall 17V-226 (Hyundai Recall 162). The vehicle was taken out of service and delivered to Webb Hyundai, Highland, IN, on 06/13/2026, where it remains. Hyundai's own campaign records confirm Recall 162 (GDI engine inspection/replacement) was completed on this VIN on 10/02/2017 and the KSDS engine-monitoring software (Service Campaign 953) was installed 08/09/2019 - yet the engine has now failed in exactly the manner the recall was meant to remedy, indicating the recall remedy was ineffective for this vehicle. Hyundai Motor America (case #42847594) has refused repair, citing a "branded title"; the only brand on the title is a "Not Actual Mileage" odometer disclosure, not a salvage or rebuilt brand. NHTSA guidance is that title branding is not a valid basis for denying a recall remedy. The defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and stalling while driving. No crash, fire, or injury. Requesting NHTSA review of recall remedy effectiveness and of Hyundai's denial.

2mo ago
Engine 1

My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring engine replacement. The excessive oil consumption continued. On June 6, 2026, the engine developed severe metal knocking, misfires, and became unsafe to operate. I was concerned the engine could fail completely or lose power while driving, creating a safety hazard for myself and others. The vehicle had to be towed to a Hyundai dealership on June 7, 2026. Hyundai of Kennesaw inspected the vehicle and verbally advised that the engine failure was caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Although the dealership identified connecting rod bearing failure, Hyundai Motor America declined to replace the engine and instead advised that it would not proceed with repairs because of the settlement provisions related to the vehicle's age and mileage. As a result, the vehicle remains inoperable. I am submitting this report because I believe this engine failure presents a significant safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. I am also concerned that I reported symptoms years before the failure, yet the engine ultimately failed from the same type of defect associated with many Hyundai Theta II engines.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I am writing about my 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX]. On [XXX] my vehicle experienced a knocking noise from the engine and the Illumination of the check engine light. The car lost power and I was unable to drive it home. I had to call a tow service to have the car towed to Alan Turner Hyundai, 6501 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505. I spoke to a service writer at Alan Turner Hyundai. He told us that they could not help us and to contact Hyundai corporate office for help. We purchased this car brand new from Alan Turner Hyundai. We visited your web site and put in our VIN and the system stated that our vehicle was affected by the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall Campaign. We are an [XXX] with one car, and that car has stopped working. We need help in getting this car repaired under warranty via the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall Campaign. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Engine 2

I was a victim of odometer fraud I bought a car in February of this year and on my odometer it has like 144,000 miles but in my carfax it states the car has about 300,000 miles.

2mo ago
Body 2

. The horn on steering wheel only works when steering wheel is turned completely right, and it is available for inspection upon request. . My safety and others put at risk, when needing to use horn to warn pedestrian or another driver of near miss incidents. . Problem been reproduced and confirmed by independent service center. . Component been inspected by authorized mechanic shop. . There are no warning lames, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure in this vehicle, and problem started on 6/02/2026 on my way home from work when I tried to use horn to warn another vehicle and it didn't work.

2mo ago
Electrical 2

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata on February 26, 2026. The vehicle was purchased as a dealer sale. The contact stated at the time of purchase, the odometer was recorded at 149,945. The contact later purchased a Carfax report, which recorded the odometer on November 10, 2025, at 279,966. In addition, the vehicle was advertised as a 2014 Hyundai Sonata; however, Carfax recorded the vehicle as a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.

3mo ago
Electrical 1

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 230,000.

3mo ago
Engine 1

Excessive oil burning

3mo ago
Engine 1

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the braking system. I have had the brakes replaced and serviced multiple times, yet the brakes begin grinding again within a very short period, including an instance where the grinding returned approximately one month after replacement. Despite spending money on repairs, the problem continues to reoccur. I am concerned that there may be an underlying defect affecting the braking system that is not being properly identified or corrected through normal maintenance. In addition, the vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent monitoring and replacement between oil changes. I am concerned that this issue could potentially lead to engine failure or other dangerous mechanical problems while the vehicle is being operated. As a single mother, I rely on this vehicle daily for transportation to and from work and for caring for my family. I have experienced significant financial hardship attempting to keep the vehicle operational and safe. Despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle, these issues continue to occur. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this complaint and determine whether these issues may be related to known defects, recalls, investigations, or patterns reported by other owners of 2013 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. I am willing to provide maintenance records, repair invoices, mileage information, and any additional documentation that may assist in evaluating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this complaint and for your commitment to vehicle safety.

3mo ago
Electrical 3

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while occupying the front driver's seat of the parked vehicle, the air bag suddenly deployed without impact. The contact stated that the air bag warning light might have been illuminated. The air bag hit the contact's face. The contact sustained a stinging sensation from the right side of the face and forehead, headaches and moderate neck pain. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the driver's air bag, the air bag module and clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

3mo ago

1895 total

1/ 95
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