2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks 1st worst out of 15 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and a verdict of Avoid. It logged 108 complaints, 4 recalls, 8 crashes, and 4 fires, led by Engine problems at 42% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 108
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 38 hwy
Top 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine45 (42%)
- Brakes29 (27%)
- Electrical System25 (23%)
- Fuel System14 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (13%)
- Steering11 (10%)
- Other10 (9%)
- Structure & Body6 (6%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
What owners report
- Brakes lose stiffening and the pedal sinks to the floor at low speeds, sometimes causing a collision with a fixed object.
- Owners report sudden loss of motive power at highway speed accompanied by warning lights and a beeping alert.
- Engine compartment fires occurred both while parked and while driving, in one case following a knocking noise and power loss.
- A rear seat reportedly caught fire spontaneously while driving, suspected to be linked to the seat warmer.
- Some owners describe unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed, resulting in a collision.
- A vehicle displayed a 'Do Not Drive' message tied to the engine recall before smoke entered the cabin from the floorboard.
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 17V617000Oct 4, 2017Seat Belts443,545 vehicles
Seat belts:pretensioner
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 37 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,750
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Sonata Hybrid ranks worst among the 15 model years covered, with a Complaint Index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Sonata Hybrid?
- NHTSA data shows Engine problems make up 42% of complaints (45 of 108), followed by Brakes at 27% and Electrical System issues at 23%.
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, covering Brakes, Engine connecting rod bearings, and two seat belt linkage campaigns.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 90,000 miles for Engine-related complaints on the 2013 Sonata Hybrid.
- How does the 2013 model compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?
- The 2013 model has the highest Complaint Index (100) of all 15 years tracked, worse than 2011 (79), 2012 (93), and 2016 (86), which are also rated Avoid.