2013 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems

Knock sensor has detected a failure. Check engine light is flashing and the car is in limp mode.

NHTSA ID

11763154

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

On September 8, 2026, while driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited at highway speed, the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power. The vehicle slowed to approximately 40 mph, then approximately 20 mph, before the engine completely shut off. I had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway while surrounding traffic continued traveling at highway speeds. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. The engine would not operate afterward and appears to have seized. The vehicle had approximately 100,000 miles at the time of the incident. There had been no clear warning of an imminent engine failure before the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle has not yet received a complete diagnostic inspection, so the precise cause of the failure is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injuries occurred, but the sudden and severe loss of power created an immediate safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11762781

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

I am reporting a serious engine failure involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle's engine was previously inspected by a Hyundai dealership as part of a Hyundai engine recall. I followed Hyundai's instructions and brought the vehicle to the dealership for the required inspection. I was informed that the engine passed the inspection, and an orange marking was placed on the oil dipstick. The Hyundai dealership should have the service record documenting this recall inspection. Many years later, at approximately 120,000 miles, the same engine suddenly failed without warning and became locked/seized. A mechanic attempted to turn the engine and determined that it would not turn. I understand that many years had passed and the vehicle had accumulated additional mileage since the recall inspection. I am not claiming that the previous recall issue necessarily caused the current failure. However, I believe the circumstances warrant investigation because this is the same engine that had previously been inspected under a Hyundai engine recall and determined to have passed the inspection. The vehicle had been routinely maintained. Much of the routine maintenance was performed outside Hyundai dealerships by a mechanic in my family and by me, so the Hyundai dealership service history may not contain all maintenance records. I am concerned that the sudden engine seizure may represent a safety-related engine defect or may potentially be related to the previously recalled engine condition. An unexpected engine seizure can result in a sudden loss of propulsion and create a significant safety risk if it occurs while the vehicle is being driven. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint, including the vehicle's recall history and any related complaints or investigations involving the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, and determine whether this failure warrants further investigation. The Hyundai dealership that performed the recall inspection have documentation of that inspection.

NHTSA ID

11762394

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was unable to restart on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The dealer asked the contact to provide receipts of past oil changes. After submitting the information to the manufacturer, the request to cover the repair was denied. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a month. The manufacturer was informed of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,973.

NHTSA ID

11761893

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

Mileage

52,973 mi

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)

NHTSA ID

11759571

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11756752

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11756370

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11754108

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11751024

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11750382

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11749190

Incident

May 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11748947

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11747939

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11745808

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11745721

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

Excessive oil burning

NHTSA ID

11742847

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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.

NHTSA ID

11742339

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly locked up. The engine was previously replaced in March at an undisclosed location. The engine light was illuminated. While using the code reader, he received the P0711 code related to the temperature sensor in the transmission. The contact indicated the failure was due to the temperature wiring harness. The vehicle was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB 19-AT-015H. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11737624

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Mileage

82,000 mi

Engine was replaced in 2023. In March 2026 there was a fuel line leak to include fuel misting near heat components. The vehicle was in a fender bender but Hyundai determined this did not cause the leak which eludes to this being a faulty installation of the engine replacement associated with the recall. I’ve reviewed my 2023 engine replacement invoice. I see the Service Kits were used to transfer parts from my old engine, but the High-Pressure Fuel Pipe (35340-2G710) is not listed. Per Hyundai's GDI service protocols and Recall 180, that pipe is a one-time-use safety component that should not be reused during an engine swap due to fire risk. Since it is leaking now, it’s clear the old pipe was reused and has failed. I'm asked for a goodwill replacement because this was a procedural error during the 2023 warranty work and was denied. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11737231

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata (under 90K miles). In April 2026 the engine suddenly locked up without warning. The vehicle was towed to Massey Hyundai (Hagerstown, MD) and a claim was submitted to Hyundai Motor America for an engine replacement under Hyundai’s lifetime engine warranty program for affected 2.4L and 2.0L Theta II engines. I provided records I could obtain. Some oil changes were performed at home by my stepfather & several were performed by a local independent garage that has since gone out of business those records are unobtainable. I explained this & submitted all existing documentation. They denied my claim twice and closed both cases. I requested the official written denial, the date it was issued, the specific reasons for the denial, and the name and department of the individual who made the decision. Hyundai refused to provide any of that information, stating they “cannot disclose the information or documentation” and that the denial is “final.” Hyundai has not identified any specific maintenance item I allegedly neglected, nor provided any evidence supporting their claim of “exceptional maintenance neglect.” I have completed all Hyundai recalls and maintained the vehicle responsibly. Hyundai refuses to provide transparency or to reconsider the claim despite my documentation and original-owner status, I am requesting the Bureau of Consumer Protection investigate Hyundai Motor America for possible unfair or deceptive practices related to warranty denial & lack of disclosure. I ask that your office ask Hyundai to reopen & reevaluate my warranty claim for the Theta II engine defect based on the documentation I provided & my maintenance history as the original owner Provide the written denial, the date it was issued, the specific reasons for denial & the name title & department of the decision-maker Produce any evidence Hyundai relied on to conclude there was “exceptional maintenance neglect Hyundai can't substantiate its denial

NHTSA ID

11737141

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I went shopping notice needed gasoline filled the tank 3/4 the next day I smell gasoline on My2013 Sonata Hybrid VIN [XXX] inside the car and I did not notice any light alerts etc., just the smell of gasoline inside the car. I ask for a ride I was scare to drive to the dealer on Monday 5/6/26 around 12:30 pm I called the dealer I was gonna dropped the car they told me diagnostic would take 3 days , I was afraid to cut on fire since my gas left a big stain and was wet gasoline in the parking lot at work., I called Hyundai USA mentioned the problem i notice there is a recall for gas pump leaking and causes gas tank to crack Recall for 17V-226 for fuel pump leaking 0n Hyundai sonatas hybrid 2011-2016 my car is in the Hyundai Dealership [XXX] [XXX] They called me telling me my gas tank is cracked cost of repair labor 2800.00 and 280.00 diagnostic charge and is ready for pick in 30 min No recalls I must pay for this service INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11736459

Incident

May 6, 2026

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11735498

Incident

May 1, 2026

While accelerating to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly lost power and died completely. I lost power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. There was no warning light or unusual noise prior to the stall. The vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles. This stall occurred in live traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision.

NHTSA ID

11734749

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine experienced a sudden connecting rod bearing failure while driving on the expressway in Florida. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 153,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminated and the vehicle entered limp mode, causing significant loss of power while in motion at highway speeds. The engine and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request. Diagnostic scan confirmed P1326 — the exact code the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) is designed to trigger upon detecting connecting rod bearing wear or failure. Prior to this incident, no warning lamps or symptoms were present; the failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven normally. The KSDS software update was previously completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes and complete maintenance records are available. No engine sludge was found upon inspection at the dealership. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed connecting rod bearing failure consistent with the known Theta II GDI engine defect covered under the class action settlement lifetime warranty. Despite meeting all eligibility requirements — KSDS update completed, P1326 confirmed, full maintenance records, no evidence of neglect — Hyundai Motor America denied the warranty repair citing vehicle age and mileage exceeding 150,000 miles and 8 years. This mileage and age limitation does not apply to Theta II GDI engines under the lifetime warranty class action settlement. This failure represents a serious safety risk as the engine lost power while the vehicle was in motion on the expressway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other road users. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance, but is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection.

NHTSA ID

11734203

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.

NHTSA ID

11734019

Incident

Apr 18, 2026