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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,613 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #37

Nov 102025

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

See attached document for complaint.

- Hayneville, AL, USA

problem #36

Dec 052025

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would not be serviced under the recall. The contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle and was also offered a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #35

Oct 282025

Sonata

  • 95,000 miles
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.

- Pascagoula, MS, USA

problem #34

Sep 292025

Sonata

  • 128,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #33

Aug 152018

Sonata

  • 50,000 miles
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.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #32

Apr 012025

Sonata

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shut off with an audible warning chime and several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle soon after failure. The contact stated that on another occasion, while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle, and the engine shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there was only an anti-theft recall on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #31

Mar 062025

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Gig Harbor, WA, USA

problem #30

Mar 012025

Sonata

  • 83,000 miles
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.

- Madisonville, TN, USA

problem #29

Feb 212025

Sonata

  • 169,000 miles
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.

- Irmo, SC, USA

problem #28

Jan 262025

Sonata

  • 125,000 miles
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.

- Highland, UT, USA

problem #27

Dec 142024

Sonata

  • 126,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle regained power, and the contact was able to continue driving at slower speeds. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode before regaining power approximately 3 to 4 times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact had spoken with another dealer, Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf (2910 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601) and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 126,000.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #26

Jun 232022

Sonata

  • miles
See attached document for complaint.

- Hinsdale, IL, USA

problem #25

Jun 022024

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 63,547 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact arrived at the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, however, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,547.

- Stoneham, MA, USA

problem #24

Jan 242023

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while an acquaintance was driving the vehicle at an unknown speed, the vehicle made an abnormal banging sound and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine seizure caused by rod bearing wear. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated upon checking the engine oil level more than a year later, she noticed that there was fuel intrusion into the engine oil. The contact stated that an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was significant fuel intrusion in the oil, and the dealer determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Vista, CA, USA

problem #23

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 #22

Nov 112023

Sonata

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while the wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, an abnormal engine noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. After parking on the side of the road and exiting the vehicle, moments later flames and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment and the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was deemed destroyed and towed away. A police report and fire report were taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 125,000.

- Clinton, UT, USA

problem #21

Mar 172023

Sonata

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the brakes and power steering were still operable. The contact was able to coast off the highway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact had been advised by the mechanic that the engine failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V617000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA

problem #20

Jul 012022

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and the vehicle would no longer properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine oil needed to be flushed, and an unknown sensor light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #19

Dec 202022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light then became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and case was filed; however, the mechanic declined to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 96,000.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #18

Nov 232022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 162,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who indicated that the engine had failed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 162,000.

- Union, NJ, USA

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