2013 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

ENGINE

MY ENGINE WAS DECREASING IN SPEED AND SHUTTING OFF IF I BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN ON MAJOR EXRESSWAYS AND LOCAL ROADS. I WAS ADVISE BY MY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SHOP THAT MY ENGINE HAD A RECALL AND NEED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI SERVICE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE . MY ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD HAD A CONSTANT BLINKING LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED CAMELBACK HYUNDAI AND A NEW ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP IS HOLDING MY VEHICLE HOSTAGE DEMANDING I PAY 2500.00 FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE THAT WAS A RECALL. THEY ARE THREATENING TO PLACE AN ABANDONMENT CHARGE AGAINST ME

NHTSA complaint #11756752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Excessive oil consumption. I lose 3 qt of oil every 1200 miles. I have had the required maintenance on the car and still having excessive oil consumption.

NHTSA complaint #11756370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle is subject to a known Theta II connecting rod bearing defect (Recall 162 / KSDS) and a related class action settlement. On October 2, 2025, the vehicle stalled while entering the highway. It was taken to Ken Garff Hyundai Surprise, and the following day, October 3, 2025, it entered engine protection mode (limp mode) during the dealership's own test drive, the exact behavior the Knock Sensor Detection System is designed to trigger for connecting rod bearing wear. The dealership's own service advisor documented in writing, as early as December 27, 2025, that he did not like how the vehicle ran and drove and wanted to resubmit a warranty claim. Despite this documented concern, on May 5, 2026, the dealership's service manager told Hyundai corporate that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and that it could be picked up. Hyundai corporate maintained that the engine had passed bearing clearance testing on two occasions, October 3, 2025 and May 23, 2026. I was told the vehicle was safe and retrieved it on June 29, 2026, out of necessity after my family's other vehicle was totaled in an accident. Approximately ten days later, the engine failed completely while I was driving with my family in the vehicle. Hyundai's own repair order documented the crankshaft as seized at over 95 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai subsequently approved and completed a full engine replacement. I am filing this report because a vehicle with a documented, known defect and a documented internal safety concern was represented to me as safe to drive, and it failed catastrophically with my family inside it within days of that representation

NHTSA complaint #11754108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bought car from a used car dealership, car fax report filed 3 other owners, with a well maintenance report on file with oil change done atleast every 5K miles. Bought car in January 2026, maintenance had been done before car was taken off the lot. At 3k miles since hsving the ca on 05/15/26 I got my oil changed and cabin filters replaced. It’s only been less than 1500 miles and car engine had reportedly seized.

NHTSA complaint #11750382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Driving my car, oil light comes on. I take to a local mechanic who said he sees this often, my engine is going to seize up and confirmed via VIN my car is affected by the Sonata Engine Recall campaign XXX. Vanessa At Hyundai said to take it to a dealership immediately for further inspection as it may not be safe to drive. Took to dealership on XXX. While at the dealership, service manager said on XXX “my car was perfect, didn’t know why it was even there and trying to find something wrong with it was like chasing unicorns.” I said please look again and on XXX the engine seized up as it was taken on a drive by said advisor. Via dealership, they took pictures of manifold, but Hyundai denied my replacing my engine per the recall. I called Hyundai to request an appeal and received a case number/case manager ( Madge case # XXX) on XXX. I then submitted maintenance records which showed at least one oil change at each requested interval and still denied on XXX. I continued to call both parties: dealership & case manager but got no reply. I received my case manager’s direct line at Hyundai on XXX via [XXX] who said no notes were on file and case manager would return call in 1-3 days and he has never returned my calls, nor has the service manager who said my car was in perfect driving condition. Today is July 8 and I am still waiting for a written letter or phone call explaining the reason for my denial. Napelton Hyundai is also charging me $215.00 for the engine inspection when my paperwork shows a NO CHARGE to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine developed a loud rod-bearing knock at approx. 107,771 miles, consistent with the Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by NHTSA Recall 17V-226 (Hyundai Recall 162). The vehicle was taken out of service and delivered to Webb Hyundai, Highland, IN, on 06/13/2026, where it remains. Hyundai's own campaign records confirm Recall 162 (GDI engine inspection/replacement) was completed on this VIN on 10/02/2017 and the KSDS engine-monitoring software (Service Campaign 953) was installed 08/09/2019 - yet the engine has now failed in exactly the manner the recall was meant to remedy, indicating the recall remedy was ineffective for this vehicle. Hyundai Motor America (case #42847594) has refused repair, citing a "branded title"; the only brand on the title is a "Not Actual Mileage" odometer disclosure, not a salvage or rebuilt brand. NHTSA guidance is that title branding is not a valid basis for denying a recall remedy. The defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and stalling while driving. No crash, fire, or injury. Requesting NHTSA review of recall remedy effectiveness and of Hyundai's denial.

NHTSA complaint #11748947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring engine replacement. The excessive oil consumption continued. On June 6, 2026, the engine developed severe metal knocking, misfires, and became unsafe to operate. I was concerned the engine could fail completely or lose power while driving, creating a safety hazard for myself and others. The vehicle had to be towed to a Hyundai dealership on June 7, 2026. Hyundai of Kennesaw inspected the vehicle and verbally advised that the engine failure was caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Although the dealership identified connecting rod bearing failure, Hyundai Motor America declined to replace the engine and instead advised that it would not proceed with repairs because of the settlement provisions related to the vehicle's age and mileage. As a result, the vehicle remains inoperable. I am submitting this report because I believe this engine failure presents a significant safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. I am also concerned that I reported symptoms years before the failure, yet the engine ultimately failed from the same type of defect associated with many Hyundai Theta II engines.

NHTSA complaint #11747939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was a victim of odometer fraud I bought a car in February of this year and on my odometer it has like 144,000 miles but in my carfax it states the car has about 300,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11745721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing about my 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX]. On [XXX] my vehicle experienced a knocking noise from the engine and the Illumination of the check engine light. The car lost power and I was unable to drive it home. I had to call a tow service to have the car towed to Alan Turner Hyundai, 6501 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505. I spoke to a service writer at Alan Turner Hyundai. He told us that they could not help us and to contact Hyundai corporate office for help. We purchased this car brand new from Alan Turner Hyundai. We visited your web site and put in our VIN and the system stated that our vehicle was affected by the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall Campaign. We are an [XXX] with one car, and that car has stopped working. We need help in getting this car repaired under warranty via the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall Campaign. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11745808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Excessive oil burning

NHTSA complaint #11742847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the braking system. I have had the brakes replaced and serviced multiple times, yet the brakes begin grinding again within a very short period, including an instance where the grinding returned approximately one month after replacement. Despite spending money on repairs, the problem continues to reoccur. I am concerned that there may be an underlying defect affecting the braking system that is not being properly identified or corrected through normal maintenance. In addition, the vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent monitoring and replacement between oil changes. I am concerned that this issue could potentially lead to engine failure or other dangerous mechanical problems while the vehicle is being operated. As a single mother, I rely on this vehicle daily for transportation to and from work and for caring for my family. I have experienced significant financial hardship attempting to keep the vehicle operational and safe. Despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle, these issues continue to occur. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this complaint and determine whether these issues may be related to known defects, recalls, investigations, or patterns reported by other owners of 2013 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. I am willing to provide maintenance records, repair invoices, mileage information, and any additional documentation that may assist in evaluating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this complaint and for your commitment to vehicle safety.

NHTSA complaint #11742339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly locked up. The engine was previously replaced in March at an undisclosed location. The engine light was illuminated. While using the code reader, he received the P0711 code related to the temperature sensor in the transmission. The contact indicated the failure was due to the temperature wiring harness. The vehicle was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB 19-AT-015H. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11737624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am the original owner of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata (under 90K miles). In April 2026 the engine suddenly locked up without warning. The vehicle was towed to Massey Hyundai (Hagerstown, MD) and a claim was submitted to Hyundai Motor America for an engine replacement under Hyundai’s lifetime engine warranty program for affected 2.4L and 2.0L Theta II engines. I provided records I could obtain. Some oil changes were performed at home by my stepfather & several were performed by a local independent garage that has since gone out of business those records are unobtainable. I explained this & submitted all existing documentation. They denied my claim twice and closed both cases. I requested the official written denial, the date it was issued, the specific reasons for the denial, and the name and department of the individual who made the decision. Hyundai refused to provide any of that information, stating they “cannot disclose the information or documentation” and that the denial is “final.” Hyundai has not identified any specific maintenance item I allegedly neglected, nor provided any evidence supporting their claim of “exceptional maintenance neglect.” I have completed all Hyundai recalls and maintained the vehicle responsibly. Hyundai refuses to provide transparency or to reconsider the claim despite my documentation and original-owner status, I am requesting the Bureau of Consumer Protection investigate Hyundai Motor America for possible unfair or deceptive practices related to warranty denial & lack of disclosure. I ask that your office ask Hyundai to reopen & reevaluate my warranty claim for the Theta II engine defect based on the documentation I provided & my maintenance history as the original owner Provide the written denial, the date it was issued, the specific reasons for denial & the name title & department of the decision-maker Produce any evidence Hyundai relied on to conclude there was “exceptional maintenance neglect Hyundai can't substantiate its denial

NHTSA complaint #11737141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

ENGINE

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11735498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While accelerating to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly lost power and died completely. I lost power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. There was no warning light or unusual noise prior to the stall. The vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles. This stall occurred in live traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision.

NHTSA complaint #11734749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine experienced a sudden connecting rod bearing failure while driving on the expressway in Florida. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 153,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminated and the vehicle entered limp mode, causing significant loss of power while in motion at highway speeds. The engine and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request. Diagnostic scan confirmed P1326 — the exact code the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) is designed to trigger upon detecting connecting rod bearing wear or failure. Prior to this incident, no warning lamps or symptoms were present; the failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven normally. The KSDS software update was previously completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes and complete maintenance records are available. No engine sludge was found upon inspection at the dealership. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed connecting rod bearing failure consistent with the known Theta II GDI engine defect covered under the class action settlement lifetime warranty. Despite meeting all eligibility requirements — KSDS update completed, P1326 confirmed, full maintenance records, no evidence of neglect — Hyundai Motor America denied the warranty repair citing vehicle age and mileage exceeding 150,000 miles and 8 years. This mileage and age limitation does not apply to Theta II GDI engines under the lifetime warranty class action settlement. This failure represents a serious safety risk as the engine lost power while the vehicle was in motion on the expressway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other road users. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance, but is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11734203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine died because oil wasn't changed, even though the car wasn't due for an oil change and no indicator flashed on the dashboard warning us that maintenance was needed.

NHTSA complaint #11728025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

No warning whatsoever. Car drove like a dream. All maintenance up to date. Oil changes done exactly on time. All recalls completed. Then all of a sudden while on the interstate, car started knocking extremely hard, lights on dash came on and car died. Almost caused several wrecks as I was going 70mph. This happened March 2026. Vehicle is a 2013 with 105,000 miles on it. 1-owner vehicle with clean title.

NHTSA complaint #11726324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving in highway and just engine lockout and vehicle shutdown

NHTSA complaint #11724155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

3rd time in the last 6000 miles the knock sensor came on and the dealer clears it, charges me repairs and sends me home with the code cleared car. All 3 times the car imeditently kicked into limp mode while I was on the highway at high speeds, suddently being slowed without warning. When checked with a local scanner it showed P1326 code and dealers all confirmed it. First incident happened in Utah in 2023 (108949miles) and the last 2 happened in michigan in 2025(114850 miles) and now 2026 (115890 miles).

NHTSA complaint #11723478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata has a replacement 2.0T Theta II engine. Recently, it developed a fuel leak that identically matches the description of Hyundai recall Recall 22-01-047H (NHTSA #22V-312). I have attached a description of my fuel leak as assesed by a Hyundai dealership alongside a .pdf of the NHTSA safety recall report to demonstrate that the issue is identical. Hyundai corporate is refusing to acknowledge that this is an identical issue and that my exact VIN group for 2013 Sonatas should be included in this recall. This issue represents a serious risk to life and property that Hyundai is refusing to officially address. They have refused to cover repairs for this issue. Additional info: my car has 124,047 miles on the odometer, but this replacement engine only has about 26,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11721724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Hi, I recently bought my car with a savage title, the inside of the engine in my 2013 Hyundai sonata is making a knocking noise, it has the engine light on and when I scanned it, it shows code P1326, I did some research and found out that Hyundai issued a safety recall 162 back in 2017. In the Hyundai recall webpage records it shows the recall as complete on 8/7/2020. However the engine is making the knocking noise. I took the car to the dealer (Oxmoor Hyundai in Louisville) to have it checked for that safety recall on 2/2/2026 and it was not checked until 2/12/2026 and they told me that they applied for an engine replacement that day, then on 2/18/2026 dealer reached out to me saying that my engine replacement was approved and that they were waiting for the engine to be delivered between 5 to 7 business days. Then on 2/19/2026 I received a call from the dealer and they told me that the engine replacement was not approved due to the title being savage, I asked why was that if it was a safety recall and she responded back saying that it was not a safety recall, it was just an extended warranty, I asked for more explanations on why if it was already approved why did it change the next day and they told me that I had to call the Hyundai customer service. I called the Hyundai customer service line on 2/20/2026 and they told me that they were going to reach out to the dealer about this issue. I haven't had any updates after that.

NHTSA complaint #11720520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. A mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. The contact stated that the failure persisted. When the RPM was high, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer charged for the diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay. The contact stated that the testing should be covered by the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer charged the contact a storage fee, and a lien was placed on the vehicle, and the vehicle might be sold to pay for the storage fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the diagnostic fee would be paid by the manufacturer, and the warranty was extended. The manufacturer informed the contact that a supervisor would reach out; however, the contact was still waiting to hear from the supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA complaint #11719930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Recall 162 engine died no reason Hyundai refused to replace engine 2nd submission

NHTSA complaint #11719723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.