10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,114 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #128

Apr 152024

Sonata

  • miles
Brake lights do not illuminate when parking lights are engaged. We have replaced the socket multiple times. The standard 1157 bulb causes the socket to melt and has deformed the housing for the bulb from extreme heat from the bulb. Replaced the socket 3 times in 3 months this last time it stopped working within 4 days. The obvious safety risk is that cars following the vehicle not being able to determine when the car is braking for a stop at night. The secondary concern is that the lights pose a fire hazard.

- White Settlement, TX, USA

problem #127

Apr 242024

Sonata

  • miles
I was pulled over by law enforcement due to both brake lights being out. Further investigation while changing the bulbs for the 3rd time in 1 year found the housing was deformed and plastic around the bulb housing was melted. The left light bulb was completely black and was difficult to replace the plug back into the plastic housing. The right light bulb metal piece melted into the socket and the glass part of the bulb fell off the metal piece and would not come out of the brake light assembly as if it was now to big to fit throught the hole. This bulb broke off the metal piece and fell into the brake light assembly. After using pliers to remover the broken metal piece from the bulb socket. The new bulb was placed and still could not fit in the hole it is designed to fit. Further inspection reveals the plastic housing the bulb should fit has melted and can no longer accept the new bulb or removal of the previous bulb. This is a safety hazard as the bulb and wiring gets too hot and could heat up the plastic to the point of burning the inside of the trunk. As well as continuing replacement for the bulb of which now cannot be replaced. Potenial safety risk for an accident if the brake lights cannot be replaced due to warping or melted housing. There was no warning or safety notice provided. Until I researched and found the problem has been reported by many owners of this make and model and there is even a recall that went out in January 2024 for the exact issue. I reported this to the dealer who informed me my vehicle is not apart of the recall even though my vehicle meets all requirements of the recall and extended warranty for the recall. Year, make, model, within mileage requirements and the safety issue being present. They want to charge me just to confirm the issue and possible charge for the repair.

- North Richland Hills , TX, USA

problem #126

Sep 222023

Sonata

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Fuquay Varina, NC, USA

problem #125

Apr 202023

Sonata

  • miles
Around mid-April of 2023, I was driving and i attempted to LIGHTLY apply my brakes and an alarm starts going off. Then the brakes VIOLENTLY start grinding. I went from 50mph to an immediate 10mph. The dealership said they replaced the fuse that SHOULD solve the problem. It did not. My car has been sitting at the dealership for a whole year now. They have not been able to update me on when it will be fixed. They have made ZERO attempts to provide me with a reasonable accommodation for my ONLY form of transportation being their lawn ornament for a year. I lost my job. I lost my place to live. And they are doing nothing. Now they say they're going to be replacing fuses to fix the issue but they already tried that and it did nothing. Every time I call to ask about an update, they put me on hold for over 10 minutes and then say there's nothing they can do at this time. The only thing they have tried to do is attempt to get me to buy a whole new car, which is out of the question because mine is completely paid off. This has seriously affected mine and my child's life. I don't even have a vehicle to go grocery shopping or make it to dr appointments or shoot functions because I have no way to get there.

- Meridian, MS, USA

problem #124

Mar 092024

Sonata

  • miles
after 5 months Hyundai does not have a remedy for NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 which is an acknowledged fire hazard. What is NHTSA doing ro encourage Hyundai to move more quickly?

- Fuquay Varina, NC, USA

problem #123

Feb 152024

Sonata

  • miles
I see that the recall notice was issued in September of 2023 but I have to say that for no recall remedy to be available yet is disheartening. I drive my car every day and it is the only car I have, because of that I risk my life everyday. My car loses power because of this recall daily and it ranges from 3-6 times a day. I lose power on the highway, the main roads and back roads, it does not matter the speed or time of day. I would like them to push out a fix now. Eventually I will end up in an accident because sadly I cannot afford to get into a new car or a used car.

- Mount Juliet, TN, USA

problem #122

Sep 122023

Sonata

  • miles
The fix for campaign 251 recall is taking too long.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #121

Dec 122023

Sonata

  • miles
On [XXX], my brakes failed on my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on a busy interstate in Atlanta, GA. I had it towed to Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smyrna, GA and after "looking at it" they were not able to diagnose the issue. I informed them my brakes went out, they ran a diagnostic test and found where the message came across the dash, but stated it was fine and to bring it back if it happened again. On [XXX], it happened again. My brakes failed and the same alert was sounding off in my vehicle. I took it to Ed Voyles again and they were finally able to determine it was the ABS module on my vehicle. This was due to an electrical short in the brake system. I found out it is the same part as the recall. I emailed the service manager and he agreed. However, Hyundai Motor America will not allow them to remedy the issue because they haven't "come up with a remedy". The recall is listed as severe! Not only will it catch on fire, but the brakes also fail! There is a burning smell that comes from under my car and I am not sure how there is no remedy for a recall that could cost HMA way more than to replace some ABS modules. I don't feel safe driving my vehicle and I am not sure how to get more attention to this matter. It is immensely unsafe to allow millions of people to drive in a potential failing brake fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #120

Jan 182024

Sonata

  • miles
Hyundai recall 23V651000 has no remedy after 4 months of the start of the recall.

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #119

Jan 162024

Sonata

  • miles
Hyundai is taking too long to fix the Campaign 251 recall for the fire hazard associated with the ABS system. What can you do to speed up the solution and repairs?

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #118

Dec 112023

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. In addition, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering column. Most recently, while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal required excessive force to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated that it was discovered that an unknown liquid was leaking underneath the front of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that all the drive belts had fractured, and there was a fracture in the oil line and the radiator. The brakes had failed due to the calipers sticking and failed choppers and readers. The mechanic recommended that the radiator, electronic steering bushing, front calipers, pads, and readers be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Bristol, CT, USA

problem #117

Oct 132023

Sonata

  • miles
The left front brake caliper fell off and rubbed on the wheel-??s rim. When I drove in reverse and hit the brakes the wheel would lock up and I couldn-??t move. The dealer replaced the caliper. I had the brakes inspected by the local tire and brake specialists, Les Schwab. They wrote the inspection as the brakes locking bolt(the bolt that holds the caliper in place) was missing and the caliper was rubbing against the wheel. There wasn-??t a warning. But, I did hear a loud clunk right before the brakes failed then the brakes made a rumbling sound as if I had a rock stuck in the brake pad. I asked the dealer to save the broken unit so I could document it but the service department manager for Korum Hyundai of Puyallup tried to pass off a different unit. I took pictures of both my unit (on the car) and the unit the manager was trying to pass off.

- Auburn , WA, USA

problem #116

Jun 272023

Sonata

  • 18,178 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact became aware that the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the failure persisted. The contact stated that due to the brake lights remaining illuminated, the battery terminal had to be disconnected to avoid draining the battery. The contact stated that after one failure, a mechanic pulled over to the side of the roadway and the contact was informed that a sensor related to the brake lights had failed and needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,178.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #115

Jul 182023

Sonata

  • miles
The active hydraulic booster(AHB) failed while I was driving. While driving 70 mph down the highway the car began to beep and immediately the breaks began to lock up and brake pedal went all the way to the floor. All I could hear was grinding and it was hard to stop. A car came close to hitting me because the deceleration was so abrupt. I towed it to hyundai dealership and they confirmed the issue is the AHB. After further research, I learn that this happens more often then expect on this vehicle and at first was very hard to diagnose.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #114

Jul 072023

Sonata

  • miles
When driving with foot on gas car starts to decrease in speed and pedal goes to floor but I lift foot off gas then put back on gas speed increases back to normal

- Brentwood , MO, USA

problem #113

Jul 082023

Sonata

  • miles
Tail light on but brake lights not illuminating due to bulb melting on the bulb socket. Happened to a lot of vehicle owners online and now happening to me. But no recalls are posted. Was pulled over by police. I checked once I got home and saw that socket is burnt and melted.

- League City, TX, USA

problem #112

Jun 232023

Sonata

  • miles
The engine lost power while getting on the highway. I was able to let off the gas and then go again. This happened several times. I took the car to the dealer where I bought it new. I found out that there was a recall on the brake stopper. The dealership never mentioned this. They said the program was over and charged me $231 for a part that was recalled. Are they allowed to not inform us of recalls? Please advise. The dealership is Keith Hawthorne Hyundai in Gastonia NC. 704-824-6010

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #111

Jan 252023

Sonata

  • miles
While driving the car when slowing for a stop, or just closing down in traffic the car/engine at times will jerk and lurch while braking. If I am not a safe distance from a car in front of me I could cause and accident and hit a car, so I try to keep a good distance when in traffic and refuse to drive the car on long distances on the highway. I can't predict when it will happen and when it does the slippery when wet signal comes on even though it is not wet or slippery condiitons. I don't trust the car while driving, and have no faith in it's safety. I haven't scheduled an appointment for repair because the last time I did they kept the car for over 20 days due to what they said was a system, sensor failure and charges me $3100, when I got the car back I noticed liquid leaking from the car and then the above started happening. The car is available for inspection on request. Car has not been inspected yet, not sure if I can reproduce every time. But it happen almost every day I drive the car to work within 20 miles of my home. The dealership the last time would not give me a loaner car and I need the car to travel back and forth to work since I live in a place without access to public transportation.

- Bethany, CT, USA

problem #110

May 102023

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving and the brake light came on and I lost the brackes

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #109

May 142022

Sonata

  • miles
I bought my car used from a private party in March of 2022 with around 132,000miles. In a year's time I have replaced the rear passenger side tail light bulbs 3 to 4 times, the whole light assembly, and the wiring harness twice due to the bulb getting to hot and the plastic caught on fire the first time and melting the second. Noticed the smoke when I pulled into a gas station that day and opened the trunk quickly and beat the small flame with a small blanket I had in the trunk. My kids sit in the back seat. So I'm constantly worrying while driving when they are in the back. The headlight bulbs go out quicker in this vehicle as well. I've had to replace the headlight bulbs 3 times already. This is also too close to the fuel pump for this sort of thing to happen in my opinion. This needs to be resolved A. S. A. P.

- Erwin, NC, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »