Are airbag problems common on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA lists 102 airbag complaints for the 2013 Sonata, making up 5% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median mileage at failure of 86,900 miles.

Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata airbags?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: campaign 12V352000 for curtain side airbags that could inflate without a deployment command, and campaign 18V137000 covering an external wire filter kit fix, both including the 2013 Sonata.

What do owners say happens with the airbags?

Owners most often report that airbags failed to deploy during moderate-to-severe crashes, including t-bone, rear-end, and frontal collisions. A smaller number describe side curtain airbags deploying unexpectedly without any crash.

Have airbag issues caused injuries or crashes in the 2013 Sonata?

NHTSA data tied to this component lists 37 crashes and 34 injuries among the reported airbag complaints for the 2013 Sonata.

How does 2013 compare to other Sonata years for airbag complaints?

The 2013 Sonata's airbag complaints made up 5% of its total complaints, lower than 2011 (12%) and 2012 (11%), but higher than most years from 2014 onward.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Airbags Problems

Owners filed 102 airbag complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of all complaints that year, tied to 37 crashes and 34 injuries. Two related recalls exist, covering side curtain airbag inflation and an electrical wire filter fix, with median mileage at failure of 86,900 miles.

Airbags complaints: 102; 5% of 1,910
Crashes reported: 37
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 34
Median mileage: 86,900 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Frontal and side-impact crashes where airbags failed to deploy despite direct hits to the front, side, or rear of the vehicle.
T-bone and rear-end collisions at highway speeds where no airbags activated, leaving occupants to hit the steering wheel or window.
Side curtain airbags deploying unexpectedly during normal driving maneuvers, such as a quick swerve, unrelated to any collision.
Low-speed parking lot crashes into walls or trees where airbags did not trigger even after visible vehicle damage.
Highway crashes involving loss of control, including a reported swing-arm fracture and hydroplaning incident, where airbags again failed to deploy.

When 2013 Hyundai Sonata airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 24, 2013, latest Aug 10, 2026.

102 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q2 (11).

Airbags recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA 18V137000Feb 27, 2018Airbags580,058 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 12V352000Jul 24, 2012Airbags29,767 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
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.
Risk: 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.

Airbags complaints by Sonata model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200555 (33%)
2006435 (42%)
2007257 (37%)
2008137 (32%)
200930 (7%)
201020 (6%)
2011418 (12%)
2012169 (11%)
2013102 (5%)
201431 (4%)
201525 (2%)
201621 (3%)
201722 (3%)
20184 (1%)
20199 (6%)
20207 (4%)
20214 (3%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (1%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

Are airbag problems common on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?: NHTSA lists 102 airbag complaints for the 2013 Sonata, making up 5% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median mileage at failure of 86,900 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata airbags?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: campaign 12V352000 for curtain side airbags that could inflate without a deployment command, and campaign 18V137000 covering an external wire filter kit fix, both including the 2013 Sonata.
What do owners say happens with the airbags?: Owners most often report that airbags failed to deploy during moderate-to-severe crashes, including t-bone, rear-end, and frontal collisions. A smaller number describe side curtain airbags deploying unexpectedly without any crash.
Have airbag issues caused injuries or crashes in the 2013 Sonata?: NHTSA data tied to this component lists 37 crashes and 34 injuries among the reported airbag complaints for the 2013 Sonata.
How does 2013 compare to other Sonata years for airbag complaints?: The 2013 Sonata's airbag complaints made up 5% of its total complaints, lower than 2011 (12%) and 2012 (11%), but higher than most years from 2014 onward.