102 of the
2,651 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata are about the
airbag system — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
86,900 miles.
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX]) suffered a driver's airbag clock spring failure, completely disabling the primary restraint safety system. ABS light was on, the horn and all other electronics on the steering wheel were not functioning. All symptoms indicated in the recall This vehicle is explicitly covered under Hyundai Extended Warranty Campaign TXXA/TXXJ for 15 years/unlimited miles. However, Hyundai's validation systems are actively rejecting my VIN and blocking my federal right to a cost-free safety remedy or repair reimbursement. I replaced clock-spring and mechanic suggested i check into the recall. I attached receipt for repairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMyrtle Beach, SC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated, and the horn failed to engage as intended. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the clock spring. The contact related the failure to a clock spring warranty extension TSB; however, the VIN was excluded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLexington, SC1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while occupying the front driver's seat of the parked vehicle, the air bag suddenly deployed without impact. The contact stated that the air bag warning light might have been illuminated. The air bag hit the contact's face. The contact sustained a stinging sensation from the right side of the face and forehead, headaches and moderate neck pain. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the driver's air bag, the air bag module and clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
National City, CA
AIR BAGS
I went shopping notice needed gasoline filled the tank 3/4 the next day I smell gasoline on My2013 Sonata Hybrid VIN [XXX] inside the car and I did not notice any light alerts etc., just the smell of gasoline inside the car. I ask for a ride I was scare to drive to the dealer on Monday 5/6/26 around 12:30 pm I called the dealer I was gonna dropped the car they told me diagnostic would take 3 days , I was afraid to cut on fire since my gas left a big stain and was wet gasoline in the parking lot at work., I called Hyundai USA mentioned the problem i notice there is a recall for gas pump leaking and causes gas tank to crack Recall for 17V-226 for fuel pump leaking 0n Hyundai sonatas hybrid 2011-2016 my car is in the Hyundai Dealership [XXX] [XXX] They called me telling me my gas tank is cracked cost of repair labor 2800.00 and 280.00 diagnostic charge and is ready for pick in 30 min No recalls I must pay for this service INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
AIR BAGS
Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX] ) has experienced several cracks in the dashboard area of the vehicle. We know this is a reported common problem with this vehicle and some information says its related to both heat and sun exposure. However, my wife has always used sunshades everywhere she travels and the car has been parked in the garage when its not in operation. We are also concerned that this could be a safety issue if the air bag ever deployed in an accident. The dealership where we purchased and Hyundai Corporate have denied our claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11710482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
AIR BAGS
My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfere with the airbag as it inflates creating additional safety hazards. Cracks may expose sharp edges or materials under the dashboard which could harm occupants during a collision, especially in areas where passengers may come into contact with the dashboard. A cracked dashboard could also cause a compromised electrical system dashboards house numerous electrical systems, sensors, and controls cracks could indicate underlying damage to these components. In a collision, these systems may fail or behave unpredictably which could further reduce safety features. Cracked dashboards present a significant risk during a collision and should be addressed by the manufacturer promptly to ensure its customer safety.
NHTSA complaint #11705142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #11692725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11690182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Mirage, CA
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light on the dash is illuminated. Diagnostic code B1481 Driver airbag resistance too high.
NHTSA complaint #11687698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Micanopy, FL
AIR BAGS
Srs light on. Problem code indicates high resistance on driver's side air bag. Dealer said it was the airbag control module, but refused to give me the actual estimate or anything in writing other than problem description. There was a recall for other 2013 sonata airbag control modules, mine was not included apparently, but it has the same issue as the recalled ones. Dealer wants $3000 to replace the module.
NHTSA complaint #11677403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAurora, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The air bag warning light illuminated prior to the incident. The contact then crashed into the rear of a utility trailer, where it came to a stop. The contact broke a tooth. The paramedics were called and performed a check; however, the contact did not go to the hospital or urgent care. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The insurance company was contacted and declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11649300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottage Hills|Il, IL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11645643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Mesa, CA
AIR BAGS
The dashboard is cracking I have been online and I've seen other Hyundai owners experiencing the same thing. Multiple concerns 1. cracks in the dashboard effecting defroster for windshield and not being to see already having issues 2. airbags no deploying correctly for driver or passenger in the front seats. 3. I've owned several cars, including two (2) KIA's and NEVER had this happen (1989 Ford, Festiva aka KIA in other parts of the world, and a 2000 Kia Sephia, both vehicles had over 200k in mileage and dashboard NEVER cracked the split like this.
NHTSA complaint #11601242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAntioch, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and passing through an intersection, another vehicle involved in a high-speed chase failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result, the contact's vehicle was stuck on the front passenger side door, sending the vehicle careening to the shoulder of the roadway and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a parked vehicle. All air bags were deployed, excluding the driver's and passenger's side curtain air bags, which could have possibly prevented and/or lessened the severity of the injuries the contact sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it remained until the contact regained possession. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital, where he received emergency surgery to repair three fractured vertebrates in his neck as well as contusions to his face, which required an extensive hospital stay. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was inspected; however, it was determined that no malfunction had occurred. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petaluma, CA
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was left in care of dealership service department after critical failure of engine. Determined that recall 162 was responsible and Hyundai would afford the repair. Vehicle at dealership for 5 months until repair could be scheduled. Repair complete, dealership advised us that the airbag light was illuminated. Technician performed "courtesy" diagnostic to read codes. Codes B1329 and B1331; front impact sensor and passenger communication error. Neither code is historic for the vehicle and only displayed after service from dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11578134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesDeerfield Beach, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a software update, the dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that the clockspring had failed and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11574409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seffner, FL
AIR BAGS
Seatbelt retention sensor not working. Not covered for seatbelt repair.
NHTSA complaint #11569567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homolulu, HICrash
AIR BAGS
My airbag light came on mechanic said it's rc174 and tsb [XXX] is the # want to know if it's covered or if there's a recall on it would love a respond asap taking it to dealer in Honolulu on the 12 Dec. appt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and then flashed off and on. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the next available appointment was February 2024. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that she had to adjust the seat to remove the steering wheel lock, which might have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11543425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
AIR BAGS
The engine knocking plus seat belt doesn’t work
NHTSA complaint #11537735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odum, GACrash
AIR BAGS
Something with the motor
NHTSA complaint #11522529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,714 milesRichmond, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she had initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that one year after the recall repair was performed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact linked the failure to the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not related to recall and that the at vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,714.
NHTSA complaint #11522049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, AL
AIR BAGS
The air bag light is on. None of the functions/buttons on the right side of my steering wheel are working. It has not been inspected by anyone.
NHTSA complaint #11502594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesRusk, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a deer. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a head contusion, headache, and torso discomfort. The vehicle was later towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 240,000.
NHTSA complaint #11494385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Forest, IL
AIR BAGS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING WHILE IF AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING IS DEFECTIVE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY HYUNDAI WITHIN OTHER SONATA MODELS BUT NOT MY SONATA Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WHICH DISABLES THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #11477323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBrunswick, GACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at the traffic light with a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and soreness on the neck, shoulder, and back. The other passenger sustained soreness all over the body. The contact and the other passenger later sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence though the bumper had detached and the vehicle was shuddering while driving. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop for repair. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown local Hyundai dealer where the tires and frame were inspected. The dealer was notified of the air bags failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags), which she associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11472872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
AIR BAGS
I have reported several times to hyundai that the dashboard has several cracks on the area of the airbag on the passenger side and driver side. I was instructed to take it to dealer which I did and I was informed that it is considered a cosmetic issue. I do not have a custom made dashboard and my concern is that those cracks will be continue to get bigger to the point it will cause the airbag to deploy at any time.
NHTSA complaint #11469291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,876 milesPalmdale, CACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into the (R) reverse position; the vehicle independently accelerated backward into her neighbor's driveway and hit two parked vehicles. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into the second vehicle and that second parked vehicle was deemed destroyed. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back across the street and parked the vehicle on the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that since her vehicle was involved in an assurance claim, they could not render any assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that an investigation could not be performed unless she signed a waiver. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the contact. The failure mileage was 76,876.
NHTSA complaint #11445602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashua, NH
AIR BAGS
I have reported issues to local Hyundai and they refuse to look and correct recalls do to mileage. I need recalls repaired immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11441617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.