2013 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 831 engine complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 44% of all complaints filed for this model year, with a median failure mileage of 90,000. Two related engine recalls exist (17V226000 for bearing wear, 18V934000 for the fuel pipe).
- Engine complaints
- 831
- 44% of 1,910
- Crashes reported
- 31
- Fires reported
- 69
- Injuries reported
- 16
- Median mileage
- 90,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine catching fire while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, with the fire department called to extinguish it.
- Owners describe the engine suddenly revving or surging while pulling into or out of a parking space, causing the car to lunge forward into a wall, curb, or another vehicle.
- Some owners heard an abnormal noise or felt a hesitation while driving uphill, followed by smoke from the rear of the vehicle and a dealer diagnosis that the engine needed replacement.
- Owners report the engine racing on its own while parking at low speed, with the car jumping barriers or striking objects before it could be stopped.
When 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 29, 2012, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
- 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.
- NHTSA 17V226000Mar 31, 2017Engine572,000 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine complaints by Sonata model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
- NHTSA lists 831 engine complaints for the 2013 Sonata, which is 44% of the 1,910 total complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine?
- Yes. Recall 17V226000 covers premature bearing wear from machining errors, and recall 18V934000 covers a high-pressure fuel pipe issue tied to earlier engine repairs.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Sonata?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 90,000 for engine complaints on this model year.
- How does the 2013 Sonata compare to other Sonata years for engine complaints?
- The 2013 model year's engine complaints made up 44% of its total complaints, compared to 65% for 2016 and 12% for 2010, showing engine issues were a larger share of complaints in several Sonata years.
- Do engine problems on the 2013 Sonata involve fires or crashes?
- NHTSA records 69 fires and 31 crashes tied to engine complaints for the 2013 Sonata, along with 16 injuries.