Owners have filed 172 complaints
about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 56
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
149.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1610.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
106.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3221.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2617.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1711.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3120.8%
150,000+ miles
32.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2013peak 15Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
PE19003Opened 29 Mar 2019Closed 22 Dec 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Rec...
DP18003Opened 21 Aug 2018Closed 10 May 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 87,000 milesWinston-Salem, NCFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact heard an audible beeping sound continuously and saw a "W" in yellow on the driver’s side instrument panel. Additionally, on the passenger’s side the "Do Not Drive" warning was illuminated, and both warning lights were blinking. The contact pulled off the roadway safely into a parking lot. The contact turned off the vehicle and exited and observed that gray smoke was coming from under the engine compartment of the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called out and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a FIRE report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11463388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMerrillville, INFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while her son was driving 30 mph, smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle from the floorboard. The contact stated the "Do not drive vehicle" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact parked on the side of the road for 30 minutes before continuing the drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11419983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,369 milesDothan, ALCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 24, 2018. AS THE RESULT OF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP MULTIPLE TIMES ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE TURN SHE WAS LOOKING FOR. IT WAS A UNIT IN BETWEEN US ALLOWING ME TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT HITTING HER. IN THE PROCESS OF ME HITTING BREAKS MY ENGINE REVED REALLY HIGH CAUSING MY CAR TO SPEED UP INSTEAD OF STOP. THE BACK TIRED WERE EVEN SPINNING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAKS. AS A RESULT MY CAR SLAMMED INTO HER REAR END WITHOUT ME HAVING ANY CONTROL PERIOD. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE OTHER THAN A SCRATCH FROM THE IMPACT OF MY CAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WAS TOTALED COMPLETELY OUT. I'M FAULTED FOR THE ACCIDENT BC I'M SUPPOSE TO HAVE CONTROL OVER MY OWN CAR. IN THIS CASE I DID NOT. I WAS TOLD BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES CAUSING MY ACCIDENT, AND SURE ENOUGH THERE IS 2 RECALLS I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT. THE ONLY ONE I KNEW ABOUT WAS THE SEATBELT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALSHIP FOR THAT AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I NEED TO KNOW SINCE THESE RECALLS PLAY A PART IN MY ACCIDENT HOW I CAN BE COMPENSATED. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THE CAR HAD MANUFACTURE ISSUES I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. IT'S HAD THIS ISSUE FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT I WAS TOLD IT'S BC IT'S A HYBRID ME KNOWING IT WAS SOMETHING NOT SAFE ABOUT IT. I WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET GETTING READY TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE ONCE THE LADY TURNED TO TAKE MY SON TO SCHOOL. SHE ALMOST MISSED HER TURN AND HIT HER BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ME HITTING MY BRAKES IT JUST KEPT GOING. #162
NHTSA complaint #11123576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,369 milesDothan, ALCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 24, 2018. AS THE RESULT OF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP MULTIPLE TIMES ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE TURN SHE WAS LOOKING FOR. IT WAS A UNIT IN BETWEEN US ALLOWING ME TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT HITTING HER. IN THE PROCESS OF ME HITTING BREAKS MY ENGINE REVED REALLY HIGH CAUSING MY CAR TO SPEED UP INSTEAD OF STOP. THE BACK TIRED WERE EVEN SPINNING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAKS. AS A RESULT MY CAR SLAMMED INTO HER REAR END WITHOUT ME HAVING ANY CONTROL PERIOD. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE OTHER THAN A SCRATCH FROM THE IMPACT OF MY CAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WAS TOTALED COMPLETELY OUT. I'M FAULTED FOR THE ACCIDENT BC I'M SUPPOSE TO HAVE CONTROL OVER MY OWN CAR. IN THIS CASE I DID NOT. I WAS TOLD BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES CAUSING MY ACCIDENT, AND SURE ENOUGH THERE IS 2 RECALLS I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT. THE ONLY ONE I KNEW ABOUT WAS THE SEATBELT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALSHIP FOR THAT AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I NEED TO KNOW SINCE THESE RECALLS PLAY A PART IN MY ACCIDENT HOW I CAN BE COMPENSATED. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THE CAR HAD MANUFACTURE ISSUES I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. IT'S HAD THIS ISSUE FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT I WAS TOLD IT'S BC IT'S A HYBRID ME KNOWING IT WAS SOMETHING NOT SAFE ABOUT IT. I WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET GETTING READY TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE ONCE THE LADY TURNED TO TAKE MY SON TO SCHOOL. SHE ALMOST MISSED HER TURN AND HIT HER BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ME HITTING MY BRAKES IT JUST KEPT GOING. #162
NHTSA complaint #11123576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,369 milesDothan, ALCrash1 injured
ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 24, 2018. AS THE RESULT OF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP MULTIPLE TIMES ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE TURN SHE WAS LOOKING FOR. IT WAS A UNIT IN BETWEEN US ALLOWING ME TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT HITTING HER. IN THE PROCESS OF ME HITTING BREAKS MY ENGINE REVED REALLY HIGH CAUSING MY CAR TO SPEED UP INSTEAD OF STOP. THE BACK TIRED WERE EVEN SPINNING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAKS. AS A RESULT MY CAR SLAMMED INTO HER REAR END WITHOUT ME HAVING ANY CONTROL PERIOD. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE OTHER THAN A SCRATCH FROM THE IMPACT OF MY CAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WAS TOTALED COMPLETELY OUT. I'M FAULTED FOR THE ACCIDENT BC I'M SUPPOSE TO HAVE CONTROL OVER MY OWN CAR. IN THIS CASE I DID NOT. I WAS TOLD BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES CAUSING MY ACCIDENT, AND SURE ENOUGH THERE IS 2 RECALLS I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT. THE ONLY ONE I KNEW ABOUT WAS THE SEATBELT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALSHIP FOR THAT AND IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I NEED TO KNOW SINCE THESE RECALLS PLAY A PART IN MY ACCIDENT HOW I CAN BE COMPENSATED. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THE CAR HAD MANUFACTURE ISSUES I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. IT'S HAD THIS ISSUE FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT I WAS TOLD IT'S BC IT'S A HYBRID ME KNOWING IT WAS SOMETHING NOT SAFE ABOUT IT. I WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET GETTING READY TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE ONCE THE LADY TURNED TO TAKE MY SON TO SCHOOL. SHE ALMOST MISSED HER TURN AND HIT HER BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO ME HITTING MY BRAKES IT JUST KEPT GOING. #162
NHTSA complaint #11123576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesEdgewater, MDFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 81 SOUTH NEAR WOODSTOCK, VA ON SUNDAY MORNING, JUNE 24, 2018. THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND, THEN WE LOST POWER. BY THE TIME WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER, THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE CAR ENDED UP BURNING. THE VA STATE POLICE, VDOT, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND I-81 SOUTH WAS SHUT DOWN FOR A TIME. I PURCHASED MY CAR NEW AND DID ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE PER FACTORY RECOMMENDATION INCLUDING OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS, ETC. BY THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN BOWIE, MD. I HAVE COPIES OF ALL MY RECEIPTS FROM THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE THE RECORDS ON THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM. MY CAR HAD 91,000 MILES ON IT. WE CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #11104473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mccutchenville, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While getting my car serviced, the mechanic told me that there was a leak in the coolant system. They could not detect/see any leaks anywhere and that the leaking was probably going into the engine or fuel.
NHTSA complaint #11758433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesCanoga Park, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the malfunction indicator and coolant temperature warning lights illuminated, and the engine overheated and shuddered abnormally. There was smoke and an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesCanoga Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the malfunction indicator and coolant temperature warning lights illuminated, and the engine overheated and shuddered abnormally. There was smoke and an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle’s ABS system is engaging autonomously, causing the car to brake without any driver input. The dealer stated it was: BRAKE ACTUATION UNIT AND HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT BLEEDING AND PROGRAMING
NHTSA complaint #11744888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle’s ABS system is engaging autonomously, causing the car to brake without any driver input. The dealer stated it was: BRAKE ACTUATION UNIT AND HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT BLEEDING AND PROGRAMING
NHTSA complaint #11744888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle’s ABS system is engaging autonomously, causing the car to brake without any driver input. The dealer stated it was: BRAKE ACTUATION UNIT AND HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT BLEEDING AND PROGRAMING
NHTSA complaint #11744888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFarmington, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11600544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFarmington, MN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11600544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesHockessin, DE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11580453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11568966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasanton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11564170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frankford, DE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11559676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain Home, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11558576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAventura, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic power unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11555085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,661 milesHemet, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for the engine to be inspected. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with bearing wear in the engine. The dealer informed the contact that repairs would be covered under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,661.
NHTSA complaint #11544703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesSaint Cloud, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced an undisclosed code indicating that the HECU was faulty. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was then determined that the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesCape May Court House, NJ
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle drove over a minor bump in the roadway and the steering wheel made an abnormally loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the steering wheel was shaking and making abnormal rattling sounds continuous while turning the steering wheel or driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown plastic part that maintains the steering wheel in position was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWilton, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated she had to add one quart of oil for every 200 miles driven. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to coast into the local dealer before the vehicle stalled. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Folsom Lake Hyundai (12530 Auto Mall Cir, Folsom, CA 95630: (916) 293-4760) where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesHomer City, PA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Hybrid System warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, no error codes were retrieved. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the oil pump. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMaricopa, AZ
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled inadvertently in the middle of the road. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified that the vehicle had been repaired prior to the safety recall. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a claim for reimbursement. The contact filed a claim; however, the manufacturer declined the claim and informed the contact that they could not assist as the failure was caused by the head gasket failure instead of the engine. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11469006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesWinston-Salem, NCFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact heard an audible beeping sound continuously and saw a "W" in yellow on the driver’s side instrument panel. Additionally, on the passenger’s side the "Do Not Drive" warning was illuminated, and both warning lights were blinking. The contact pulled off the roadway safely into a parking lot. The contact turned off the vehicle and exited and observed that gray smoke was coming from under the engine compartment of the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called out and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a FIRE report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11463388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSioux City, IA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the warning message "Pull Over and Stop" illuminated and the vehicle began to stall. The contact veered to the side of the road in the intersection and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was shuddering increasingly, and white smoke was coming out of the exhaust while driving. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact received a recall notification of an unknown recall and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who updated the electronic control module to improve the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) logic. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the failure increased significantly. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who completed an oil change but had not diagnosed the vehicle. The dealer stated that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11447499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,198 milesZachary, LA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, she noticed the temperature gauge rising rapidly and started to smell antifreeze. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the “DO NOT DRIVE” warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to a family member’s residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer for the fourth time where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was unable to reach a representative from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 134,198.
NHTSA complaint #11428391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Libertyville, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an air bag recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11423798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMerrillville, INFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while her son was driving 30 mph, smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle from the floorboard. The contact stated the "Do not drive vehicle" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact parked on the side of the road for 30 minutes before continuing the drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11419983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.