2013 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Sonata years
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata ranks 2nd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 93, 1,910 complaints, and 9 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 44% of complaints, with 69 fires and a median failure mileage of 90,000.
- Complaints
- 1,910
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 93 / 97
- Injuries / deaths
- 77 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 24 city / 34 hwy
Top 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine831 (44%)
- Electrical System389 (20%)
- Steering341 (18%)
- Fuel System211 (11%)
- Other182 (10%)
- Brakes180 (9%)
- Airbags102 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain94 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires65 (3%)
- Seat Belts61 (3%)
What owners report
- Vehicles have caught fire while parked and unoccupied, with the fire traced to the engine compartment.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or surging while braking, causing the car to lunge forward and crash into objects at low speed.
- Some drivers report brakes suddenly feeling spongy or giving way, followed by the car failing to stop as expected.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in moderate-speed frontal or side collisions.
- A rolling-away incident was reported when the vehicle was shifted off without being placed into park, with no warning given to the driver.
- One report describes a fire starting after a burning smell and the car bucking on the highway before veering into trees.
2013 Hyundai Sonata recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V312000May 6, 2022Fuel System215,171 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V121000Feb 28, 2020Fuel System216,799 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V934000Dec 28, 2018Engine150,730 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,400
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Sonata ranks 2nd worst of 16 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 93 and 1,910 complaints logged.
- What are the main problems with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
- Engine issues make up 44% of complaints (831 complaints, 69 fires), followed by electrical system problems (20%) and steering (18%), according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 17V226000 for engine bearing wear from machining errors, plus two fuel system recalls (22V312000 and 20V121000) covering a low pressure fuel hose that can crack from heat.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2013 Sonata, covering the fuel system, engine, airbags, seat belts, and transmission, and none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2013 Sonata compare to other model years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 93 is close to the worst year, 2011, at 100, but far above later years like 2022 through 2025, which score between 0 and 20 and carry a Best verdict.