What 1,892 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

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 ODI 11747939

. The horn on steering wheel only works when steering wheel is turned completely right, and it is available for inspection upon request. . My safety and others put at risk, when needing to use horn to warn pedestrian or another driver of near miss incidents. . Problem been reproduced and confirmed by independent service center. . Component been inspected by authorized mechanic shop. . There are no warning lames, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure in this vehicle, and problem started on 6/02/2026 on my way home from work when I tried to use horn to warn another vehicle and it didn't work.

NHTSA ODI 11745672

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 ODI 11745721

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 ODI 11745808

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 ODI 11743583

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 ODI 11742892

Excessive oil burning

NHTSA ODI 11742847

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 ODI 11742339

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 ODI 11741223

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 ODI 11738768

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 ODI 11737624

Engine was replaced in 2023. In March 2026 there was a fuel line leak to include fuel misting near heat components. The vehicle was in a fender bender but Hyundai determined this did not cause the leak which eludes to this being a faulty installation of the engine replacement associated with the recall. I’ve reviewed my 2023 engine replacement invoice. I see the Service Kits were used to transfer parts from my old engine, but the High-Pressure Fuel Pipe (35340-2G710) is not listed. Per Hyundai's GDI service protocols and Recall 180, that pipe is a one-time-use safety component that should not be reused during an engine swap due to fire risk. Since it is leaking now, it’s clear the old pipe was reused and has failed. I'm asked for a goodwill replacement because this was a procedural error during the 2023 warranty work and was denied. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11737231

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 ODI 11737141

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 ODI 11736459

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11735498

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 ODI 11734749

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 ODI 11734203

Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.

NHTSA ODI 11734019

NHTSA Recall Number22V312000 I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ), which is subject to a manufacturer recall #189 due to a fuel line defect posing a fire risk and potential severe injury. Today, I visited Wallace Hyundai in Fort Pierce, Florida, and the service manager Mr. Louis LaRussa and associate employed what I can only describe as a warranty circumvention tactic. They repeatedly delayed my recall repair by claiming I must first complete other optional recalls, unrelated to the fuel issue. They stated that they would not be paid by the manufacturer unless all recalls were done together. This is not only unprofessional but also a disregard for the serious safety hazard posed by this fuel line defect,they prioritize dealership financial interests over customer safety and contradicts the purpose of a safety recall. Furthermore, I was told I would need to leave my car for days or even weeks because parts supposedly must be ordered. As this is a nationwide recall, I expect a swift, ready-to-implement solution. I demand immediate action from Hyundai to honor the recall and ensure my safety is prioritized. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11733349

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. A nearby Samaritan attempted to jump-start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that 15 minutes later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The O'Rileys, where it was diagnosed with a failed battery. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to crank. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact and the contact's son exited the vehicle. The contact stated that fire came from under the hood, and the vehicle was consumed in the fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that it was a scary event. In addition, the contact stated that her minor son was traumatized by the event. No medical treatment was reported. The Fire Department Inspector informed the contact that the source of the fire was not confirmed. The insurance company had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733006

Engine was replaced couple of months ago due to a recall and today 3/30/2026 I'm pulling up to my driveway getting home from work in my car starts smoking it catches on fire

NHTSA ODI 11728167

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 ODI 11728025

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 ODI 11726324

I was driving in the evening on 2/7/26. The red brake light came on in the dash and seconds later the car went into limp mode. An alarm went off indicating that the hybrid system was not functioning. The braking performance decreased significantly. The car slowed down immediately and could not exceed 15 mph. My safety was extremely compromised. Luckily i was not on a high speed road or interstate and was able to pull off onto a side road. If i had been on a busier road, I believe that i would have been in an accident. This could have seriously injured myself or others. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The braking pump was replaced and that rectified the problem so far. The old part has been disposed of. The problem was reproduced by the repair facility.

NHTSA ODI 11726063

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact’s wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the high-pressure fuel pipe was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the high-pressure fuel pipe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725335