2013 Hyundai Sonata Problems

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.

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

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)

. 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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a well-known and widely reported issue: 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid car, which has recently experienced the following dashboard alert: "Hybrid system warning! Safely stop and do not drive." When the car is pulled over and shut down and sits for roughly 10 minutes, it starts up just fine and runs again for an undetermined amount of time, and then the alert will go off unexpectedly. This has happened twice, once the car was driven about 4 miles, and the alert came on, and the second time the alert came on as the car was started for the first time of the day. The car repair shop indicates that there are no codes saved when this happens. This is apparently a documented issue, where the codes are not saved, and difficult to diagnose by repair shops and dealers. It could lead to the vehicle completely shutting down while driving at highway speeds within traffic, which could cause a serious accident involving multiple vehicles and people. Why is this not recalled by the dealer and fixed? This has been reviewed by the dealer and by an independent repair shop. Is the NHTSA waiting for the death count to require the manufacturer to address the issue?

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.

I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [XXX] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. when I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the engine and smell like fire or burn or some plastic fire. I’m a mechanic he said before I bring the mechanic I seen that the screen light it’s like a car with the key in the middle of the car. The picture is the light the car stop starting. I thought I call somebody he told me maybe the car is the program or disconnect. We need to program it or they bring the battery I bring a battery. I tried to start the car again. It’s not working the mechanic. He told me that starter. I bought the starter and I start in the car. You still not working they told me after that. They told me the battery maybe I checked the battery I took the AutoZone. I took the battery. It was 95%. I called the company and the company. If they check the car, they say the car they have to recall just I get appointment with them the first time on October 1, 2025, but when I take the car there the end VIN number different with an appointment not my car. I get another appointment October 8. I told the car over there. Dixie Highway highway Louisville Kentucky. When I arrive to the car dealership in Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY they told me your car is rebuilt title. I told them what they mean. He said we can’t do nothing with it because it’s built. I told them why they didn’t tell me before I wouldn’t give the car here. They told me to bring the car appointment before you get appointment. You have to check the car as if you can see it’s built you are a company Even that time I don’t know what’s rebuilt car mean , idk if Hyundai worry just about people they have clean title? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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)

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.

I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [XXX] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. when I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the engine and smell like fire or burn or some plastic fire. I’m a mechanic he said before I bring the mechanic I seen that the screen light it’s like a car with the key in the middle of the car. The picture is the light the car stop starting. I thought I call somebody he told me maybe the car is the program or disconnect. We need to program it or they bring the battery I bring a battery. I tried to start the car again. It’s not working the mechanic. He told me that starter. I bought the starter and I start in the car. You still not working they told me after that. They told me the battery maybe I checked the battery I took the AutoZone. I took the battery. It was 95%. I called the company and the company. If they check the car, they say the car they have to recall just I get appointment with them the first time on October 1, 2025, but when I take the car there the end VIN number different with an appointment not my car. I get another appointment October 8. I told the car over there. Dixie Highway highway Louisville Kentucky. When I arrive to the car dealership in Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY they told me your car is rebuilt title. I told them what they mean. He said we can’t do nothing with it because it’s built. I told them why they didn’t tell me before I wouldn’t give the car here. They told me to bring the car appointment before you get appointment. You have to check the car as if you can see it’s built you are a company Even that time I don’t know what’s rebuilt car mean , idk if Hyundai worry just about people they have clean title? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was In dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 A express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced it the same problem they said the key I changed the battery program the key same problem they told me battery I checked the battery 95 % another mechcheck by computer said the engine and he said most of these car has manufacturers problems the engine replaced recall 162 before bought the car what my solutions and I know ther is extended warranty

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)

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.

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

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.

1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaired by the dealership before. My brakes always smell like burning rubber after driving having me to believe that the lubricant for the brake pads aren't working. 2.The dashboard lights also periodically blinks out without warning. After a few moments it will illuminate again. 3. My seatbelts sometimes doesn't tighten up. I have to pull them several times for them to catch and return after the seatbelt isn't in use.

Seatbelt does not recoil

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.

The right-rear passenger door will not open from either the inside or outside of the car. This happened suddenly with no warning. It was instantaneous. I went to go pick my toddler from daycare and when we were returning to the car, the right-rear passenger door will not open after unlocking the car with my key fob. All the other doors (3) could be opened with the key fob or without the key fob from inside the car. I tried to open the right-rear paasenger door from the inside and it still will not open. Additionally, you can hear the locking system on the door moving when locking and unlocking the car with the key fob but the door simply won't open. This is a safety issue because it hinders my ability to quickly get to my toddler in case of an emergency.

While driving the vehicle at approx 10 mph the coil spring on the front driver side strut broke causing the spring to slide down over the strut and immediately hit the tire causing noise and vibration. Unable to drive and had to be towed. Hyundai dealer diagnosed problem, admitted it's a common problem with sonatas and cost to repair $1,300.

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Gt was a part of the Class action lawsuit in which the engine was replace. Within a year, I've had the vehicle checked and serviced at two different auto repairs shops for an extremely rough ride, loud rumbling-thumping and also a squeaking noise. The vehicle still drifts after having two separate wheel alignments. The steering wheel rattles and shakes with the slightest bump in the road. It feels like the underneath is falling apart and I'm going to lose control of the vehicle. With the sounds it makes and how it drives, it feels like I'm now driving a military tank instead of a car. I've spent over $2,000 for replacement-repairs of the: Tie Rods, U-Joints, Bushing, Brakes, two alignments and four new tires. I called the Ofallon IL Hyundai dealer who said there were no recalls or warranty left on these parts. After not getting any assistance from Auffenberg Hyundai, I researched online and found hundreds of complaints involving the suspension, Steering coupler, defective coil springs puncturing tires and causing motor vehicle accidents and serious injury. There were no warning messages prior to any of these symptoms. I feel that these mentioned parts contribute to maintaining control of the vehicle. I'm sure this could lead to a serious accident which could cause fatalities to eveyone involved! .........

The glass on the top of the car (sunroof) spontaneously exploded on the interstate at a speed of 70 mph. The hole on top of the car was about 16-20 inches in diameter and the entire sheet of glass on the sunroof was cracked. As the driver, the spontaneous shattering of the roof could have caused serious bodily harm because the glass would have quickly flown into the vehicle due to high speeds and the high volume of glass. I did not open the sunroof to inspect it; thankfully, the sunroof was closed at the time of the spontaneous shattering. I did exit the vehicle after pulling over to inspect and get photo evidence of the damage to the vehicle. The exterior temperature was 74 degrees with minimal airflow inside the vehicle (the interior temperature was 70-73 degrees). There was no rain, hail, or other weather incidents. Few vehicles were around and none had debris coming out. No bridge, streetlight, or other objects were above. The vehicle is currently in this state with a hole in the roof. The problem has been reported to the manufacturer and photo proof is available. It is also available for inspection upon request and will be inspected by the dealership. There were no warnings, messages, or other notifications.

I HAVE HAD BOTH MY BACK LIGHT HARNESSES WHERE A BULB HAS BLOWN AND IT WAS SO HOT IT MELTED THE BULB ENDS INTO THE SOCKET AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HARNESS FOR ONE SIDE AND MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE INSIDE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ALSO START FLICKERING OFF AND ON AS WELL AS THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME AND I KNOW THEY HAVE HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT YET THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANY RECALLS. WHY PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that a warning message illuminated "Hybrid System Fault Stop Driving" and the check engine and battery lights illuminated as well as a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to pull off of the road and turn the vehicle off and on and regain normal vehicle functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the propulsion battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,803.

The engine went into smoke and caught on fire. Resulting in damage to the vehicle ultimately causing to be totaled.

I purchased (4 tires) 205/65R16 Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 for my vehicle in January 2019. In the past few months I’ve noticed a constant rumbling noise from the rear while driving. I have had my vehicle serviced for an inspection and oil change. Each time I received no recommendations during the multipoint inspections related to my tires. The last time I took it in I mentioned that I planned to purchase new tires and the mechanic looked at me strangely. He measured that my tire thread were at a 6 and he could not see any visible defects. Once the tires were rotated the noise moved from the back to the front. There is clearly a defect with the tire and it is out of warranty to be replaced.

BRAND NEW TIRE WITH 500 MILES ON IT SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. SIDEWALL BLEW OUT AND COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE TREAD AND THE BEAD. I HAVE PICS.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there were three cracks on the front dashboard. The contact stated that two cracks were on the front passenger’s side airbag and the other crack was in the middle of the front dashboard and was spreading over to the driver's side. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to the safety concern. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,900.

My vehicle and a couple more vehicles that I have seen seem to have a cracked interior dashboard caused by the heat. This problem seems to be common on hyundai's of different models. I've owned several different manufacturered vehicles, and this is the first vehicle manufacturer with a common problem with the cracking of the vehicles interior dashboard it has plastic fumes. There seems to be no remedy for this defective product. I have done research and found alot of people online having the same problem.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). ALSO, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. LASTLY, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATERS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE SHIFT GEAR WOULD NOT MOVE FROM REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.