2013 Hyundai Sonata Problems
What owners have reported about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sonata. Owners have filed 1,915 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.
1,915 complaints 9 recalls, 3 fire risk 2nd worst of 17 Sonata years
Top 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems
Engine problems
775 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe and cooling system.
Steering problems
342 complaints (18%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and steering wheel / handle bar.
Electrical problems
261 complaints (14%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and instrument cluster / panel.
Fuel system problems
211 complaints (11%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,063 of 1,915). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2013 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe 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. A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121.
Recall 22V312000 · May 2022Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe 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. If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V121000 · Feb 2020Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk
Fire riskA high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly tightened during an engine replacement, so fuel can leak out. Fuel leaking near an ignition source can cause a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 18V934000 · Dec 2018Pretensioner, Air bag / restraint control module
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 include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge.
Recall 18V137000 · Feb 2018Front seat belts may detach from anchors
Injury riskThe linkage connecting each front seat belt to its pretensioner can come loose. If that happens, the belt may not hold the occupant properly in a crash, which raises the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will check the connection between each front seat belt linkage and its pretensioner and install a warning label to prevent future detachment, free of charge.
Recall 17V617000 · Oct 2017Engine
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 17V226000 · Mar 2017Front seat belts may detach in a crash
Injury riskThe linkages for both front seat belts can come loose from the seat belt anchor pretensioners. If that happens in a crash, the belts may not restrain occupants properly, which raises the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and pretensioners and repair it if needed, free of charge.
Recall 17V152000 · Mar 2017Automatic transmission
In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin. If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge.
Recall 14V434000 · Jul 2014Curtain airbag may inflate without warning
Crash riskManufacturing error can cause the side curtain airbags to inflate with no crash and no deployment command. A sudden deployment can injure occupants and block the driver's view, raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge.
Recall 12V352000 · Jul 2012Get an email when your 2013 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
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Sonata years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2013 Hyundai Sonata problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sonata. Owners have filed 1,915 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, steering, electrical system and fuel system. 775 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe and cooling system.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 65,000–125,000 miles, with a middle value near 97,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
9. Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (22V312000); Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (20V121000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V934000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.