Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2013)

2,025 consumer complaints on file.

#11698999November 12, 2025
ENGINE
My engine recently seized on my vehicle and Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine. Per their website my vehicles engine has a lifetime warranty. This warranty is eligible for class vehicles who have has to campaign 953 reformed on their vehicles prior to engine failure. This was performed in n my vehicle on April 16, 2019. Per Hyundai’s website. I am being offered a settlement I did not take part in instead of my engine replacement and it should be illegal for them to go against their own word.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696434October 29, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's daughter replaced the battery. A mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the VIN was included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694887October 21, 2025
ENGINE
Sir this is not first time to make complaint I brought my car to Hyundai company after I got an appointment and they called text emailed me and the know my car information on 10/1/2025 I brought my car but they mentioned wrong VIN NUMBER and after that I came back on 10/8/2025 but when I got there to finish my recall 953 they said your car rebuild title and now my car engine I think out I don’t know but they changed the engine before and i bought the car three months ago and now I can not drive it please help me with that the car just stopped when I was driving and 124369 miles and how the rebuild car not affected by recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11694619October 20, 2025
ENGINE
I bought the car on [XXX] used and it’s has 165000 miles drove fine for the 30 miles as I was driving At 65miles car losing power and slightly noise out the engine getting louder as I was to push the gas pedal and the engine light started flashing suddenly car has shut down as I was rolling on the road and I lost the power of breaking luckily I was going uphill on [XXX] and I parked on the side of the road. I call the Hyundai dealership of 3810 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 and I explained what happened he asked me have the car lost power I said yes, is the check engine light flashing I said yes. and do I hear knock engine I said yes. The dealership check the vin number and said it’s been warranty And we will inspect if that’s the problem we will be no charge to you with the repairs if something else we will charge you $175. I haven’t hear back i text to see the status and he told me the did test on the car and failed the test because of the issues on the engine I said okay you going to replace it he said we need to inspect inside the engine and take a photo to send over and to proof of the damage if not proof I will be responsible for the inspection time charge of $375 and I ask me of the I want to door that way which I have no choice until the dealership send over and get the proof to see the photo. Now im waiting the answer tomorrow INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694048October 17, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the starter. The mechanic informed the contact about an engine recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The starter was replaced. While leaving the dealer lot, the vehicle shut off. The dealer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed about a monetary compensation, a starter, or a repurchase of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693813October 16, 2025
ENGINE
Driving at 70 mph on the highway, the engine seized without warning. The car violently shuddered and rapidly decelerated in the travel lane. A fully-loaded semi-truck was directly behind me and had to swerve violently and brake hard to avoid crushing my vehicle. This created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a catastrophic, high-speed rear-end collision. The failure is with the internal engine assembly (likely connecting rod bearings) and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the engine failure but denied the repair. This is a known defect. The "Engine Oil Pressure" warning light flashed and a loud engine knocking began moments before the total power loss. This is a dangerous defect that causes sudden, unpredictable stalling at highway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693389October 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was restarted. The check warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair was denied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the waste gasket, timing belt, and battery needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that, due to the mileage and year of the vehicle; the recall repairs could not be redeemed. The contact stated that rental reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692725October 11, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag indicator light for the driver came on after I got into the car. The light being on means the airbag protection system for the driver is off. This occurred at about 137,000 miles. I called my closest Hyundai dealership, Eckert Hyundai, within a month to report the problem and I was told by the dealership that there was no recall on the vehicle regarding the issue I was reporting. I have been driving a vehicle that will not protect me in any type of collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692733October 11, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The right-rear passenger door will not open from either the inside or outside of the car. This happened suddenly with no warning. It was instantaneous. I went to go pick my toddler from daycare and when we were returning to the car, the right-rear passenger door will not open after unlocking the car with my key fob. All the other doors (3) could be opened with the key fob or without the key fob from inside the car. I tried to open the right-rear paasenger door from the inside and it still will not open. Additionally, you can hear the locking system on the door moving when locking and unlocking the car with the key fob but the door simply won't open. This is a safety issue because it hinders my ability to quickly get to my toddler in case of an emergency.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692386October 9, 2025
ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [XXX] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. when I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the engine and smell like fire or burn or some plastic fire. I’m a mechanic he said before I bring the mechanic I seen that the screen light it’s like a car with the key in the middle of the car. The picture is the light the car stop starting. I thought I call somebody he told me maybe the car is the program or disconnect. We need to program it or they bring the battery I bring a battery. I tried to start the car again. It’s not working the mechanic. He told me that starter. I bought the starter and I start in the car. You still not working they told me after that. They told me the battery maybe I checked the battery I took the AutoZone. I took the battery. It was 95%. I called the company and the company. If they check the car, they say the car they have to recall just I get appointment with them the first time on October 1, 2025, but when I take the car there the end VIN number different with an appointment not my car. I get another appointment October 8. I told the car over there. Dixie Highway highway Louisville Kentucky. When I arrive to the car dealership in Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY they told me your car is rebuilt title. I told them what they mean. He said we can’t do nothing with it because it’s built. I told them why they didn’t tell me before I wouldn’t give the car here. They told me to bring the car appointment before you get appointment. You have to check the car as if you can see it’s built you are a company Even that time I don’t know what’s rebuilt car mean , idk if Hyundai worry just about people they have clean title? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11692095October 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown NHTSA Campaign because the vehicle had a Rebuilt Title. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691817October 7, 2025
ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was In dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 A express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced it the same problem they said the key I changed the battery program the key same problem they told me battery I checked the battery 95 % another mechcheck by computer said the engine and he said most of these car has manufacturers problems the engine replaced recall 162 before bought the car what my solutions and I know ther is extended warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690182September 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
The Air bag light came on on the dashboard of my 2013 Hyundai and wouldn’t go off. When I took it to the local Hyundai dealership, they diagnosed the problem as the airbag clock spring. I asked if there was a recall for the clock spring, and was told no. They install a new OM Clock to fix the problem, and it cost me $805.77. When I returned home, I did my own research and found there was a recall for the Clock Spring in 2011 - 2013 Hyundai Sonatas, but only for certain VIN Numbers. I then contacted the Service manager who confirmed that the recall is only for certain VIN numbers. Since Hyundai know this is a problem, why not cover the repairs for all Sonatas with the problem. It’s unfair for they to cherry pick certain VIN numbers for repair and deny others with the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689398September 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Braking system failed on my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013. I was driving on the highway and suddenly the vehicle started a constant beeping noise and the dashboard illuminated with a message that read "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" as I driving 70 MPH on the highway, causing me to have to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid being rear-ended by vehicles traveling behind, this is a very dangerous issue, and Hyundai is placing safety of others on the lower rung of their priority list. I had the vehicle taken to the shop where I was initially told that the issue is contaminated braking fluid, the need to replace brakes and the brake master cylinder. Shortly after being notified of the issues that technician diagnosed I agreed to have these items replaced. However, when I went to pickup my car after being notified that services were "completed" the vehicle continued to have the same issues, the vehicle never made it off of the Hyundai car lot. The vehicle has been with Hyundai for over 2 months and suddenly I am being told that there is an ABS issue and that it will cost over 5,000 dollars to complete repairs. I scoured the internet and noticed that there are many other complaints similar to mine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689532September 24, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
See attached document for complaint. I am reporting a safety incident involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T (VIN# [XXX] ), which was subject to an open recall at the time of sale. On XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, the vehicle stalled and caught fire within minutes. It was declared a total loss. Two elderly passengers were in the car; one suffered breathing issues due to smoke inhalation. NHTSA records show Recall 22V312000 / Hyundai Recall #227 was issued August 31, 2022, for a defective low-pressure fuel hose that can leak and cause fires. The remedy was available before I purchased the car on April 11, 2025, but was never performed by the selling dealer, Auto Express of [XXX] . I request NHTSA investigate: 1.Why the recall was not performed prior to resale; 2.Whether Hyundai and its dealers are meeting notification and repair obligations; 3.Whether enforcement action is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687587September 16, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH with three passengers inside the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated or messages displayed prior to the failure and the vehicle shutting off. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was coasted off the exit to safety and then towed to the residence. The contact’s neighbor and son inspected the battery but found no fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687698September 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light on the dash is illuminated. Diagnostic code B1481 Driver airbag resistance too high.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686366September 10, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, which grew louder. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a Branded Title. The contact was informed that the title was Branded because the previous owner had not provided the requested maintenance documents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with failure of the rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the title was Branded in the Manufacturer’s database. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686131September 9, 2025
ENGINE
The car was being driven from Virginia to Austin, Texas. In Tennessee within 10 miles of Jackson, TN, on [XXX] the car suddenly lost power and the engine light started flashing and could not be driven above 60 MPH (the speed limit there was 75 and the car was being driven at the speed limit until this occurred). Even though the car lost power, the temperature remained steady and was driven to a car repair place and the next day it was towed to a nearby Hyundai dealership in Jackson, TN where they declared the engine needed to be replaced. This was also confirmed by our insurance company, Progressive. Ran the VIN and the car is an affected vehicle under Service Campaign 953 and engine should qualify for lifetime warranty but Hyundai is trying to deny the claim due to bogus claim of "Exceptional Maintenance Neglect" which is not even close to true. The car had an oil and filter change a few days prior to the start of the trip and had been well maintained prior to that as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685065September 4, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil usage
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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