2013 Hyundai Sonata
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 813 of 2,016 complaints (40%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 1,710 in 2012 to 2,016 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,750–2,400 | 1,750–2,400 | 1,700–2,400 | 1,700–2,600 | 1,700–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–36 | 26–36 | 26–37 | 24–37 | 24–37 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–34 / 32–39 | 22–34 / 33–39 | 22–35 / 33–38 | 21–35 / 31–38 | 21–35 / 30–38 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 247–342 | 247–342 | 242–342 | 242–361 | 242–365 | |
| Complaints filed | 3,472 | 1,710 | 2,016 | 771 | 1,194 | |
| Recalls issued | 17 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 122 | 53 | 101 | 32 | 38 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 117 | 100 | 101 | 41 | 50 | |
| Injuries reported | 90 | 40 | 86 | 38 | 37 | |
| Deaths reported | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
Engine: 813 of 2,016 NHTSA complaints (40%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA rates it 26–37 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
EPA estimates $1,700–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 327 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 328 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 35 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 37 mpg (high) | $1,700 (low) | 245 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 35 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 37 mpg (high) | $1,700 (low) | 242 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 813 | 22 | 72 | 14 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 108 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 225 | 7 | 27 | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical | 285 | 8 | 25 | 10 | 0 |
| Brakes | 208 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 351 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 1 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 68 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 143 | 43 | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 97 | 16 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 59 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 218 | 3 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 191 | 8 | 13 | 10 | 1 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 23V651000 · Sep 25, 2023
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 22V312000 · May 9, 2022
Defect: 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 time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Consequence: 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 number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
ENGINE · Campaign 20V746000 · Dec 2, 2020
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 20V121000 · Mar 2, 2020
Defect: 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 time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Consequence: 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 installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.
ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 18V934000 · Jan 31, 2019
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 18V137000 · Mar 1, 2018
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 17V617000 · Oct 5, 2017
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Consequence: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 17V226000 · Apr 5, 2017
Defect: 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 the engine.
Consequence: 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 service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · Campaign 17V152000 · Mar 9, 2017
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 14V434000 · Jul 18, 2014
Defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Show 1 earlier campaign
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · Campaign 12V352000 · Jul 25, 2012
Defect: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
Consequence: The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.