The worst Sonata year
The 2013 Sonata has the highest complaint rate of any year and more than 100 fire reports. Stalling and engine failure dominate.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,025 owner complaints and 11 recalls
994 2.2x the Sonata average
11 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sonata year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Sonata
Top problems and what they cost
Engine stalling and failure
The car stalls and will not accelerate; the engine can seize.
Fix: Free under recall or warranty extension if eligible
Engine
Loose steering
Steering rattles and clicks over bumps.
Fix: Coupler $200 to $400
Steering
Brake light socket
Brake lights do not work with parking lights on.
Fix: Socket $50 to $150
Electrical
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of inj...
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event ...
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexp...
Show all 11 recalls
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle.
If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Hyundai Sonata
- Confirm recalls 17V226, 18V934 and 20V121 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Sonata has 11 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for knocking.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 413 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2013 Sonata, one of the worst years for it.
- Drive over bumps and listen for steering rattle.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 413 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2013 Sonata, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
The worst Sonata year. The 2013 Sonata has the highest complaint rate of any year and more than 100 fire reports. Stalling and engine failure dominate.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata have?
11 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Engine stalling and failure; Loose steering; Brake light socket.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.