Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2013)

2,025 consumer complaints on file.

#11652341April 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had received an undisclosed NHTSA recall campaign, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated since the vehicle was picked up from the dealer after the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not been driven since. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649506March 20, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated, the vehicle had been in for service just days prior to the warning light being illuminated. After a visual inspection of the oil dipstick, the contact observed that the oil level was abnormally low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649300March 19, 2025
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On [XXX], in Washington, D.C., my 2013 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden engine failure, leaving the vehicle inoperable. My goodwill repair request was denied within 30 minutes, without a proper inspection of the rod bearings (a known failure point covered under the TXXI extended warranty) or the fuel pipe recall—a known issue that could pose a fire hazard. Hyundai cited suspected maintenance neglect, but I have documentation of regular synthetic oil changes. Despite having over 200,000 miles, a Firestone inspection from September 2024 confirmed the vehicle was in good condition prior to the failure. Additionally, Hyundai Theta II engines are widely known to suffer from excessive oil consumption, a defect that can lead to premature engine failure even in well-maintained vehicles. Hyundai has replaced engines in vehicles with similar mileage under the same extended warranty, yet in this case, no proper inspection was conducted before denial. Safety Concerns: The fuel pipe recall was not inspected, raising concerns about whether unresolved recall defects are leading to engine failures or fire risks. The airbag clock spring, covered under Hyundai’s TXXA extended warranty, was not inspected, despite the airbag light being illuminated, potentially affecting airbag deployment in a crash. The vehicle failed without warning lights or error messages, creating an unsafe situation. Hyundai’s failure to inspect recall-related issues before denying repairs could impact other affected vehicles on the road. I request that the NHTSA: Ensure Hyundai properly inspects recall-related components before denying repairs. Investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty and recall-related repairs, even in cases where similar vehicles have received replacements. Determine if the unresolved fuel pipe recall and airbag clock spring defect pose broader safety risks. This issue has been reported to Hyundai corporate, but no proper inspection has been performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647399March 10, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt does not recoil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647241March 9, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I had an issue on my car where engine oil level is getting low day by day, then I have visited service center to solve they have said to change spark plug, pcv value and also done fuel induction service , said me to come after 1000 miles then after I had a another problem where my car RPM is increasing and speed is getting low. I have visited the service center again saying catalytic converter issue and asked me to pay 3000$ to do repair before that I have paid 700$ but mentioning you one thing till now I have spend 2000$ for the same issue what was happen. Today as now my car is issue to move in toll road it is very hard to move. And also Hyundai is denying my request and saying me I am out of warranty. My car has 94000 miles as for today. Please help me out from this I am struggling with the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646895March 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
submitting a formal complaint to NHTSA regarding unresolved safety defects in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Despite Safety Recall 251 issued in December 2023 for an ABS fire hazard, my vehicle continues to experience sudden loss of acceleration, engine shutdowns, and persistent dashboard warnings. Failed Recall Repairs & Lack of Transparency Since receiving the recall notice, my vehicle has been serviced multiple times at Thompson Hyundai in Dundalk, MD, yet the defects persist. When I requested service records to verify recall repairs, I was told that Thompson Hyundai’s acquisition by Heritage prevents them from providing full documentation—only three edited records missing key details. This raises concerns about: 1.Whether recall repairs are actually resolving safety defects. 2.Hyundai’s failure to maintain proper repair documentation. 3.The risk that other Hyundai vehicles remain unsafe due to incomplete recall fixes. Life-Threatening Breakdowns & Financial Hardship Since Hyundai’s supposed “fix,” my vehicle has broken down at least eight times, including major highways and intersections. On [XXX], on [XXX], my car suddenly lost power in heavy traffic, nearly causing a multi-vehicle accident. As a result: •I lost my job due to missed work from repeated breakdowns. •I suffered severe emotional distress, including PTSD-like symptoms and asthma attacks requiring medical attention. •I am facing financial instability from lost income and costly rental vehicles. Request for NHTSA Investigation Given Hyundai’s failure to resolve these defects, I urge NHTSA to: 1.Investigate whether Hyundai’s recall repairs fully resolve the defect. 2.Review dealerships’ recall documentation practices. 3.Determine if further regulatory action is needed to protect consumers. I am pursuing direct resolution with Hyundai but am bringing this to NHTSA in the interest of public safety. I appreciate your review and look forward to your response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646177March 4, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while reaching over the passenger seat, the gear shifter was knocked into a lower gear and would not switch back into the drive gear. In addition, the contact stated she managed to pull over the shoulder of the road before going over a curb and crashing into a grass field which brought the vehicle to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. A police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain or seek medical attention for any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was left for diagnoses and repairs. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645942March 3, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When you accidently hit the side of the brake pedal or slightly touch the brake pedal there is a rubber brake pedal stopper that engages the brake light switch. The brake pedal stopper eventually gets a hole in the middle and will not completely push the tab on the brake light switch all the way and sometime it will not completely release. When this happens and you try to accelerate the car with the gas pedal the car will not respond. In fact, it will actually start to decelerate. This is dangerous if you are trying to pass a vehicle or trying to make a turn with oncoming traffic because the car is slow to respond. Sometimes the car will not respond when you are at a dead stop and press the accelerator. When you pump the gas the switch will let loose from the rubber pedal stopper that is holding it and the car will jump forward suddenly. You could rear end another car very easily. Go to this YouTube video for a better explanation: [XXX] . This condition has happened multiple times and occurs randomly. I have been fortunate not to have an accident. A $3.00 part suppose to fix the problem but most technicians don't know about this simple fix. 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
#11646011March 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted right into the neighborhood and stopped in front of the neighbor's home. The vehicle remained parked. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to lock in the latch intermittently. The contact spoke with the dealer, before the failure, who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); because the vehicle was previously inspected under the recall and it was deemed that the engine did not need to be replaced, and that the recall was closed. The dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired for engine or seat belt failures. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645860March 2, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, the vehicle lost power. Eps, and oil lights came on engine completely shut off. I changed belt, alternator and starter. It rolled over 3 times and seized. There doesnt appear to be a rod slung, or cracks in the block, but ive spent almost 2000 dollars trying to get it running and have another 1300 in parts waiting to rebuild the motor.I know there is a recall on the motors, but never received mail or any attempt at engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645643February 28, 2025
STEERING, AIR BAGS
MY HYUNDAI HAS A LOOSE STEERING WHEEL WITH AN AIR BAG LIGHT ON IT. SO WHEN YOU DRIVE THE STEERING IS WEAK. I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THEIR WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN RECALL, BUT NOW ITS NOT FOUND. WHY? MY AIR BAG I BELIEVE IS NOT GOING TO WORK BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ON FOR AIR BAG.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642394February 12, 2025
ENGINE
Burns excessive oil/excessive oil consumption
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640507February 3, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle has begun to vibrate/shake badly but manageable. When a code reader was connected to the vehicle both codes 7E9 and 7E8 showed up. Upon researching, information has been found that these specific vehicles have been known for recalls due to fuel hose issues. If I continue to drive this vehicle without the issues being resolved which is not my fault, I jeopardize my son and I’s lives as well as any potential future passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640213February 2, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel is making a clunk noise like somethings loose
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639762January 30, 2025
ENGINE
I have a recall for the rod bearing , I drop off my car at AutoNation Hyundai North Richland Hills . Before 3 days to replace the engine because last time I changed the oil on Firestone the technician show me a metal on the oil and that coming from the rod bearing wear also when I cold start the vehicle I listen a rod bearing noise coming from the engine for a while , AutoNation Hyundai North Richland Hills called me today and say that the engine pass the rod bearing test and that is not right maybe it’s now but will not last like that , also i don’t want to drive the vehicle with this safety recall and get crashed when the bearing fail . I just need a help to replace this engine due to this recall I didn’t pickup the vehicle from the dealer location till I got a response from you .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639121January 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that over time the vehicle became slow to start and that the engine was rattling and shaking abnormally at start-up. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was oil inside cylinder #1, causing a loss of compression. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638164January 23, 2025
ENGINE
Fuel pump failed on long distance travel. Never been notified of issue. Fuel failed to inject itself as vehicle loss power. Along with engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637628January 22, 2025
STEERING
Hyundai issued Extended Warranty directive TXX7 dealing with the "rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly" The directive covered the replacement for 2011 to 2014 model year Sonata for 10 years from the date of delivery or first use or 100000 miles, whichever occurs first. Hyundai indicates in TXX7 that "wear of the coupling does not affect the ability to steer or control thee vehicle and is not a safety issue" I have a 2013 Sonata with less than 75000 miles but is clearly over 10 years since the "date of first use". The "thud" in the steering wheel began at about 70000 miles and seems to be progressively more pronounced. I have read that the wear can in fact be a safety issue. I have contacted Hyundai Customer care twice and in both cases they indicate that because I have owned the vehicle for more than 10 years, the warranty period has expired My contention is that - do they deem that the part fails because "time" or "usage (mileage drive or used). Simply because I have not driven the car over 100000 miles (25000 less) should not disqualify me from from TXX7.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637091January 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When my heat is on there is a burning smell when the heat on and my right side passages door will not allow me to open the door from the inside or out sides
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634770January 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
The back doors will no longer open when unlocked. This poses a safety risk. I was unable to get my child out of his car seat when the locks or locking mechanism went out. I had to climb into the back seat from the front. The door do not open either from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that this could be from faulty solenoids. I was unable to get a print out of a quote at the time of writing this
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Sonata