What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

Engine is the largest component group, with 816 complaints among the 2,024 on file, and steering is next at 353., followed by steering at 353.

How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2013 model year.

What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

The EPA rates it 26 or 27 MPG combined for the gas versions and 37 combined for the hybrid.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata safe?

NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash.

Is 2013 a bad year for the Sonata?

It has the second-highest complaint count of any Sonata year on file, 2,024, behind only 2011.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Recalls and MPG

The 2013 Sonata has 2,024 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and engine and steering reports lead the list^[1]^[2]^[3]. It also has 11 recalls, so check which ones were done on any car you are considering^[4].

2,024owner complaints^[1]

11recalls^[4]

26–37MPG combined (EPA)^[5]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[6]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 2,024 owner complaints on file for this model year^[1]. Of those, 101 mention a crash, 102 a fire and 86 injuries, and 1 death is reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car. The counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here are the largest named component groups (an unknown or other group has 185 complaints^[7]):

Component group	Complaints	Fires	Median mileage at failure
Engine^[2]	816	73	95,500
Steering^[3]	353	2	51,500
Electrical system^[8]	285	25	80,000
Exterior lighting^[9]	199	12	80,842
Brakes^[10]	175	4	55,000
Fuel/propulsion system^[11]	147	25	97,000
Power train^[12]	108	3	57,550

We also read a small sample of 12 complaint texts from each of four of these groups (steering, engine, electrical system and exterior lighting). It is a small sample, so treat it as a flavor of what owners write, not a measure of how common anything is.

Steering. In the sample, 11 of 12 owners describe the car wandering left and right at highway speed and needing constant correction^[3]. Seven of 12 say the dealer could not find or fix the cause^[3].
Engine. In the sample, 4 of 12 owners describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving^[2]. In 3 of those 4, owners say the dealer found nothing wrong^[2].
Electrical system. In the sample, 3 of 12 owners say the speedometer reads differently from true speed^[8]. Another 4 or 5 of 12 describe a loss of power or a shutdown^[8].
Exterior lighting. In the sample, 4 of 12 owners describe bulb sockets or housings failing or melting^[9]. Another 3 of 12 describe headlights that flicker or cut out^[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year^[4]. Each covers certain vehicles, not necessarily every car. Hyundai customer service can tell you whether a specific car is included.

Add 'On the Sonata Hybrid.' after the bold name for 23V651 and 20V746. and short out, which can cause an engine compartment fire, parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS fuse for free. Until then, the recall says to park outside and away from buildings^[13].
Low pressure fuel hose (22V312). The hose may crack from engine heat and leak fuel, which raises fire risk. Dealers replace the hose for free. Cars repaired under the earlier recall (20V121) that did not get a new hose need this newer fix^[14].
Connecting rod bearings (20V746). The bearings may wear early and damage the engine, which can cause a fire or a stall. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found, and they install a software update. The repair is free^[15].
Fuel hose (20V121). The same cracking hose problem. Dealers inspected the hose and replaced it as needed, or added heat-protective tape if it looked fine. The repair was free^[16].
High pressure fuel pipe (18V934). For cars previously repaired under two earlier engine recalls, the fuel pipe may have been damaged or loose after the engine work. Leaking fuel near an ignition source raises fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the pipe as needed, for free^[17].
Air bag control unit (18V137). The unit can short circuit, which may stop the front air bags, belt pretensioners and side air bags from deploying in a crash. Dealers install a wire filter kit for free^[18].
Seat belt pretensioner linkage (17V617). For cars previously repaired under 17V152, the front belt linkages may still detach from the pretensioners. Dealers recheck the connection and add a warning label for free^[19].
Engine bearings (17V226). Machining errors may wear the bearings early and the engine could seize, which raises crash risk. Dealers inspect the engine and replace the short block as needed, for free^[20].
Seat belt anchor linkage (17V152). The front belt linkages may detach from the pretensioners, which can raise injury risk in a crash. Dealers inspect and repair the connection for free^[21].
Shift cable (14V434). The cable may come off the shift lever pin, so the gear shown may not match the actual gear. The car could move unexpectedly or roll away even when set to park. Dealers inspect and repair the connection for free^[22].
Curtain air bags (12V352). The side curtain air bags may inflate without a deployment command because of a manufacturing error.. That can distract the driver and limit visibility. Dealers replace the air bags for free^[23].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists these ratings (city / highway / combined MPG) and estimated annual fuel cost. The cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version	MPG	Annual fuel cost
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd^[24]	22 / 33 / 26	$2,600
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd^[25]	24 / 34 / 27	$2,500
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd^[26]	24 / 34 / 27	$2,500
Sonata Hybrid, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6)^[27]	35 / 38 / 37	$1,800
Sonata Hybrid Limited, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6)^[5]	35 / 38 / 37	$1,800

All are front-wheel drive and use regular gas.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel-drive Sonata 5 stars overall^[6]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 9.7%^[6]. The Sonata Hybrid has the same ratings^[28].

Engine and size

The EPA test list shows 274 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder^[29]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 159 to 198 hp depending on version^[30].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so a US car can differ slightly. All versions listed are 190 inches long, 72 inches wide and 58 inches tall, with a 110 inch wheelbase^[31]^[32]^[33].

Version	Curb weight
GL/GLS/SE/Limited sedan^[32]	3,252 lb
2.0T Limited sedan^[31]	3,395 lb
Hybrid/Premium sedan^[33]	3,549 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sonata model year. The 2013 is highlighted^[4].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	66	2
1996	23	1
1997	49	2
1998	49	1
1999	170	4
2000	276	4
2001	205	3
2002	320	7
2003	199	6
2004	202	1
2005	165	1
2006	1,047	9
2007	696	5
2008	425	3
2009	460	2
2010	345	2
2011	3,474	17
2012	1,712	11
2013	2,024	11
2014	778	8
2015	1,207	12
2016	886	9
2017	879	5
2018	383	2
2019	172	0
2020	197	4
2021	189	4
2022	113	3
2023	103	2
2024	55	1
2025	28	0
2026	6	1

Among Sonata model years on file, 2013 has the second-highest complaint count at 2,024^[4]. Only 2011 is higher, at 3,474^[4]. The 2012 model year has 1,712 complaints and 2014 has 778^[4].

For recalls, 2013 has 11, tied with 2012^[4]. Only 2011 (17) and 2015 (12) have more^[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2013 Sonata?

The 2013 Sonata earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA^[6]. It also has 2,024 complaints on file, with engine and steering at the top^[1]^[2]^[3]. Several recalls involve engine bearings, fuel leaks and seat belts, so ask for proof that each recall was completed^[20]^[14]^[21]. If you test drive one, pay attention to how it holds a straight line on the highway, since 11 of the 12 steering complaints we read describe wandering^[3]. The hybrid is rated 37 MPG combined, and the other versions rate 26 or 27^[27]^[24]^[25].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?: Engine is the largest component group, with 816 complaints among the 2,024 on file, and steering is next at 353^[1]^[2]^[3]., followed by steering at 353^[1]^[2]^[3].
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?: NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2013 model year^[4].
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?: The EPA rates it 26 or 27 MPG combined for the gas versions and 37 combined for the hybrid^[24]^[25]^[27].
Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata safe?: NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash^[6].
Is 2013 a bad year for the Sonata?: It has the second-highest complaint count of any Sonata year on file, 2,024, behind only 2011^[4].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 2,024 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata (101 mention a crash, 102 a fire, 86 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
816 complaints name the engine component group (22 crashes, 73 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,500). NHTSA vehicle records
353 complaints name the steering component group (11 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Sonata model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sonata Hybrid Limited, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 38 highway / 37 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
185 complaints name the unknown or other component group (8 crashes, 9 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
285 complaints name the electrical system component group (8 crashes, 25 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
199 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (3 crashes, 12 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,842). NHTSA vehicle records
175 complaints name the brakes component group (15 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
147 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 25 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,000). NHTSA vehicle records
108 complaints name the power train component group (11 crashes, 3 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,550). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 23V651, filed September 22, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V312, filed May 6, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V746, filed December 1, 2020: Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V121, filed February 28, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V934, filed December 28, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V137, filed February 27, 2018: Air Bags › Air Bag / Restraint Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V617, filed October 4, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V226, filed March 31, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V152, filed March 8, 2017: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V434, filed July 18, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 12V352, filed July 24, 2012: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sonata, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata Hybrid, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 38 highway / 37 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Hyundai Sonata with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 274 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Hyundai Sonata with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 159 to 198 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN 2.0T LIMITED: length 190 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN GL/GLS/SE/LIMITED: length 190 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN HYBRID /PREMIUM: length 190 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2013 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and fuel economy