2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst of 15 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 108 complaints, 4 recalls, 8 crashes, 4 fires, and 9 injuries, with engine problems the leading concern at 42% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 93/100
- #2 of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 108
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 38 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes fail to stop the car, with the pedal traveling to the floor even at low speeds like 10 or 15 mph.
- Sudden loss of engine power while driving, sometimes accompanied by beeping alarms and a dashboard 'Do Not Drive' warning.
- Engine compartment or rear seat fires reported, in one case while driving on the highway and in another while parked in a garage.
- Unintended acceleration reported after the vehicle had been stopped, resulting in a collision with a garage wall.
- Gearshift becoming difficult or unable to move out of drive during a braking failure event.
- Airbag deployment during multi-vehicle highway collisions tied to inadequate braking response.
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 model ranks second-worst among 15 Sonata Hybrid model years, with a complaint index of 93 and an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Sonata Hybrid?
- Engine issues account for 42% of complaints (45 of 108), followed by brakes at 27% and electrical system issues at 23%. Engine failures show a median mileage of 90,000.
- Does the 2013 Sonata Hybrid have a brake problem?
- NHTSA lists 29 brake complaints tied to 4 crashes, with owners reporting the pedal traveling to the floor with no stopping power, at a median mileage of 49,900.
- What recalls affect the 2013 Sonata Hybrid?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering brakes, engine connecting rod bearings, and two seat belt linkage campaigns; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- Is any Sonata Hybrid year better than 2013?
- Yes. Years like 2018, 2022, and 2024 carry Best verdicts with much lower complaint indexes (0, 21, and 14 respectively), compared to 93 for 2013.