2013 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata on February 26, 2026. The vehicle was purchased as a dealer sale. The contact stated at the time of purchase, the odometer was recorded at 149,945. The contact later purchased a Carfax report, which recorded the odometer on November 10, 2025, at 279,966. In addition, the vehicle was advertised as a 2014 Hyundai Sonata; however, Carfax recorded the vehicle as a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.

NHTSA complaint #11743583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 230,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a well-known and widely reported issue: 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid car, which has recently experienced the following dashboard alert: "Hybrid system warning! Safely stop and do not drive." When the car is pulled over and shut down and sits for roughly 10 minutes, it starts up just fine and runs again for an undetermined amount of time, and then the alert will go off unexpectedly. This has happened twice, once the car was driven about 4 miles, and the alert came on, and the second time the alert came on as the car was started for the first time of the day. The car repair shop indicates that there are no codes saved when this happens. This is apparently a documented issue, where the codes are not saved, and difficult to diagnose by repair shops and dealers. It could lead to the vehicle completely shutting down while driving at highway speeds within traffic, which could cause a serious accident involving multiple vehicles and people. Why is this not recalled by the dealer and fixed? This has been reviewed by the dealer and by an independent repair shop. Is the NHTSA waiting for the death count to require the manufacturer to address the issue?

NHTSA complaint #11738768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, vehicle slowed down abruptly and stopped. It was flashing “vehicle not safe to drive”. This happened before hen I got a new engine 2 years ago. Even with a new engine now it is happening again. I took it to Nissan Moreno Valley and paid $240 for diagnostic only to find out there a software update they had to do with a tablet. No work needed to be one just a software update hooked up to their system. Hyundai cooperate would not assist to over this fee. I like have crashed with this happening. The car just stops with no warning and it’s extremely dangerous how it cuts off while driving. Luckily I was on the streets not freeway.

NHTSA complaint #11710970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Wiring for headlights, and break lights has been malfunctioning. It is not a fuse and i have tried changing them to the point i keep extra in my trunk and still won't work. yes, available for inspection, I have been pulled over multiple times and was written a citation yesterday.

NHTSA complaint #11709768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear View camera stopped working about 6 weeks ago. Mechanic says need new camera which would cost about $500 labor and parts. Contacted dealer and Hyundai corporate to report and complain. Many other Hyundai vehicles have same problem with rear view camera but they are included in a recall campaign. Mine is not. Mechanic said the repair requires new camera and wireing harness. Hyundai case number is 41861577.

NHTSA complaint #11702301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the starter. The mechanic informed the contact about an engine recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The starter was replaced. While leaving the dealer lot, the vehicle shut off. The dealer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed about a monetary compensation, a starter, or a repurchase of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

NHTSA complaint #11694048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH with three passengers inside the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated or messages displayed prior to the failure and the vehicle shutting off. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was coasted off the exit to safety and then towed to the residence. The contact’s neighbor and son inspected the battery but found no fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11687587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have tried to have my Sonata 2013 gone over gor the previous ownership never gave me any RO in this bias was stared. This previous wherebpurchased and worked , was not on The the up and up. vwhere ,Steele hyundaibwhen owned know keating group purchased. I'm asking ngo iver the safety i the setvice ussues t hat hyundai is awarevand have all thr campsign numbers looked up I do not believe since ive oened the car ,sonata anythingbwas donen,agein nothing evervstated and knly oil changes done without any given paper wirk given on recalls except oil changes. ssues and . So wanting, asking that no chargeb,go iver make sure for the situation posted and Hyundai posts in 6bareas yes , go over for the brake system is causing the hybird tobshit down and the car with squiggly line know comes on Fuses and the the brake power booster sensor is the problem gor I had the sonatanon computer that came up also shavings in the engine campaign 162,994 251 to go iver no charge to make sure it was done and whatever faulty be replaced no charge . Charge to Hyundai for the problems if safety and service are on line stating should be taken care if no charge to consumer. Nothing is happening, just the insanity definition, to resolve. I ask forba new case manager I'm entitled to, can't turn down ,but is and lies about contact. Once, returned call no return call. Hope in the next 24 hours this be resolved so I can have this situation at no charge,don't believe ever done,no paper work in my possession, never had oil changes. Never told ,never anything from Hyundai. Almost got reat ended will send bill any to Hyundai tontalje carebofbas well something know NHTSa isn't helping After many complaints as this. Hyundai admits no charge for t his situation ,insanity and no cooperation just arrogance and belligerence . Mileage has nothing to do with. Engine should be looked at for whatnot NHTSA rant about engine in my sonata hybird and engine,problem still exists at

NHTSA complaint #11684287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This has been going on nothing resolved and no cooperation. Im going yo locate an Attorney that really don't want to. Requesting this be ,the situation be loojedvatb,at no chargevand replace whatbwasvsuppisedly replaced by Steele South Loop Hyundai ,Houston Texas ,sold to Keating groupbbased out if Texas. What I'm asking isn't make sure itvwas done ,and whatever replaced ,inexpensive to do to.repkace the parts , And computerbprograned to make current no chsrgebto ne for hyundaibsta t es in line and would not be getting emails from NHtsa as i do . Hope finally 24 hours resolve, cooperation and done finally.

NHTSA complaint #11684290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am driving and all of a sudden the brakevsystem lighthouse on bthe hybird system begins to fail and ge car loses power i almost got hit 4 times already, from this . The system starts to ding ,shut down and states to bring to a certified mechanic ir dealership. Hyundai has on line tgeybarevaware and this problem for this model and should be taken care if no charge for bis a problem for this year model and hybird model 3 diff we rent areas on lounge through Hyundai it states this a known issue. The part to replace and had a certified ASE mechanic on computer look and went through the computer system and stated it is a power booster brake sensor. This is starednin 3 different areas bon Hyundai websitebfornthe model and year. Suppised the recall in the nowhere done Oct 8 2024 but never had any letter of recall nor the dealership contact me anmboutbthis ,but had an oil change done at or about the supposed nrevapl been done. I have no documentation of this nor any given so inwantb,asking give me type kit needed, to take care nofbthis. .no documentation ofbanybkjnd given exceptb,no invoice given done, so I would like tge kit for fuses do go bad. Anything can be put in computer stating what is supposed done but not. Im not asking except to rake carebof this no charge for Hyundai it's free in 3 different areas should be done non published recall . For this year. All online. I asked for cooperation in this matterband the dealership that purchased has been sold to anormther and banner dealership stated in line ,not responsible for previous dealerships problems etc,take it up warmth them the Steele group out if canada,that sold to ge jeating group that know owns this dealership .. I asked for a newbcasemmanager ,drniedband I have a rightbtocaskband should be changed for her arrogance, belligerence in nmattrr should not be. I purchasednthe brake booster sensorbforbwhat Fred bactyally a little less with labor, beingshipped from Hyundai . Dot

NHTSA complaint #11682560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 4 door sedan. I am unable to open the driver's left hand door to exit the car after turning off my vehicle. Only way I can open door to exit is to lower the window while motor still running, reach outside and grasp door handle from outside to open and Push/pull handle which doesn't allow me control over the door. Then I have to raise window with door standing open before I am able to turn off the ignition and exit my car. In Case of an emergency this is unsafe for driver and passengers. In this instance, I was trapped inside a hot car in Texas summer heat. In another instance, I could have had an accident and would have been unable to exit to safety. I searched for recall to this model which is covered for Hyundai Sonata manufactured in other years but my vehicle 2013 make is not included in same recall for exact same issue. There was no warning lamp, messages prior to failure. I have googled this "condition" and learned that this is a common problem for Hyundai Sonatas.

NHTSA complaint #11667463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Halogen headlight bubls H7 melting the casing socket. Making my headlight assembly smoke.

NHTSA complaint #11665753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car starts making noise then i pull over. my car completely shuts off and i tried to restart it, didn’t start. My engine i think is ruined

NHTSA complaint #11660542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaired by the dealership before. My brakes always smell like burning rubber after driving having me to believe that the lubricant for the brake pads aren't working. 2.The dashboard lights also periodically blinks out without warning. After a few moments it will illuminate again. 3. My seatbelts sometimes doesn't tighten up. I have to pull them several times for them to catch and return after the seatbelt isn't in use.

NHTSA complaint #11660077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my car broke down and now the car does not pick up speed and rattles when i press the gas pedal.

NHTSA complaint #11634254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After starting, got a warning stating check hybrid braking, do not drive. When going forward, brake pedal went to floor, heard heavy grinding noise and vehicle stopped accelerating. Had to use the emergency brakes to avoid an accident. Hyundai says they can’t find a problem. Now I can’t even drive it back to the dealer! Did an internet search and many other hybrid owners have reported the same issue. I just want to have Hyundai buy the car back at this point. It only has a little over 50,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11629416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car loss power turned off on turnpike while driving 45k miles per hour and HYBRID battery system lights alarms turned on at 94k had car towed to dealership. I was told that it was the HYBRID battery and that it was changed. I am now having same problem again after taking car in for recall updated. Attempted to pick car up twice couldn't get a mile away from the dealership both times the car was jerking lost power and car turned off abruptly. Again HYBRID system failure lights alarms. I initially told it was the HYBRID battery, now finding out the battery was never changed, after being told it was the battery for 3 months now being told it is the HPCU a HYBRID battery component. Part 36600-3D003

NHTSA complaint #11621039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My headlights and break lights are constantly going out. My back taillights light connected is constantly burned up which is a huge safety concern because I can’t see. My car has multiple recalls for engine problems which fit my car problems such as premature bearing wear but it won’t be covered because my vin number isn’t associated with that recall

NHTSA complaint #11609284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical has been an issue for this vehicle. The head and tail lights continuously go out. Sometimes they work, and other times they do not. Since the lights have been an issue, the electrical issue is also now inside the vehicle. The radio and other controls in the vehicle do not work any longer, as well as the lights in the radio, air conditioning, and other controls inside the vehicle. The steering wheel is also loose now and jiggles when driving the vehicle. There have been no warning lamps about these issues, and I had an auto shop confirm that there are electrical and steering issues. I did receive a letter about a recall for electrical for the year, type, and model of my car, however, the dealership said that my VIN number is not associated with the recall and will not fix the issues.

NHTSA complaint #11607108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All bulbs in vehicle do not work. No matter how many times I have them replaced they continue to blow or not work. Without headlights I cannot drive, without brake lights other drivers cannot see me. This is a HUGE SAFTY ISSUE. I cannot drive my vehicle because lights are malfunctioning.

NHTSA complaint #11598618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All 4 of my door lock actuators have failed since, 1 year in to owning the vehicle. There is a safety concern in not being able to get into or out of the vehicle due to the locks failing. As well as, making me a target for theft. Sometimes the locks will lock, other times they will not. I once put my dogs in the car and the locks would not open back up, it was terrifying. The component has not been checked yet, but I see there was a recall but my Vin was not included for some reason. This happens without warning.

NHTSA complaint #11598040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11596317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.

NHTSA complaint #11590805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.