CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Hyundai›
  4. Sonata›
  5. 2013›
  6. Complaints

2013 Hyundai Sonata Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202611 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2013 Hyundai Sonata Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 2,574 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and steering.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

2.1/ 10

Based on 2,574 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

694 27%

STEERING

337 13.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

247 9.6%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

176 6.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

172 6.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 27% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 72 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 2,574 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 27% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata are ENGINE (694), STEERING (337), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (247).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 1826 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Sonata complaints2014 Sonata complaints2011 Sonata complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 39 of 39 systems

STEERING

79 Reports32% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STEERING FEEL IS EXTREMELY LIGHT/LOOSE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE WANDERS ENOUGH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TO REQUIRE CONSTANT CORRECTION TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OVER CENTER LINE OR OFF SIDE OF ROAD. IF I ADJUST STEERING TO LEFT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEFT REQUIRING AN IMMEDIATE ADJUSTMENT TO RIGHT WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO RIGHT AND THEN TO LEFT AND THEN RIGHT...I AM CONSTANTLY FIGHTING WITH THE STEERING TO STAY IN MY LANE. CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TT

6/22/2012

I PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED IN AUGUST'12. AFTER BUYING WHEN I WAS RIDING BACK HOME ON FREEWAY(APPROX SPEED 60 MPH) THE CAR TENDS TO DRIFT IN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AND KEEP ON WANDERING IN THE LANE. IT IS PRETTY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. THERE ARE ALMOST TWO INCIDENTS WHERE I JUST ESCAPED THE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY TOLD THAT IT IS BECAUSE OF BANKING ON THE ROADS BUT I TESTED THE SAME ROAD AND ROUTE WITH OTHER VEHICLE WHICH PERFORMED AS IT SHOULD BE, NO DRIFT OR ANYTHING. EVEN THE TIRE PRESSURE AND WHEEL BALANCING IS FINE SO THIS IS DEFINITELY A ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING AND STABILITY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS IT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING AND MOST OF THE CONSUMERS ARE FACING IT WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE COMPANY. THANKS. *TR

9/10/2012

77 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

20 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING IN CRUISE MODE AT A SET POSITION AT 55 MPH, HE FELT A MILD ACCELERATION AND NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED FROM 55 MPH TO 58 MPH. ON OCTOBER 20, 2012, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE MODE AT 48 MPH, THE CONSUMER SAFELY STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WITH THE VEHICLE STILL IN CRUISE MODE, BUT NOT SET, HE TURNED LEFT AND SLOWLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. SUDDENLY, HE FELT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE; AS HE LOOKED AT THE SPEEDOMETER, IT MOVED RAPIDLY FROM 45 MPH TO 55 MPH BEFORE HE HIT THE PARK BRAKE. ON OCTOBER 31 ,2012 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION FOR THE THIRD TIME.

11/13/2012

TL* HE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE ACCELERATING, AS IF THE CONTACT WAS STILL DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT DUE TO THE FAILURE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,950.

12/18/2012

18 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

18 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

A LADY WITH A BRAND NEW 2013 SONATA TURNED OFF HER CAR IN A PARKING LOT WITHOUT PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. WHILE SHE WAS NOT LOOKING AND DOING SOMETHING ELSE, THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD AND EVENTUALLY CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF MY BRAND NEW CAR. THERE WAS NO ELECTRONIC WARNING THAT SHE NEEDED TO SHIFT INTO PARK! *TR

8/7/2012

PURCHASED 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS AT STREETBORO OHIO HYUNDAI DEALER NEW IN MID JUNE 2012. VEHICLE SEEMED OK BUT AT ABOUT 1500 MILES IDLE BECAME ROUGH PARTICULARLY AT IDLE IN DRIVE AT LIGHTS AND STOPS. TOOK IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD AFTER 4 DAYS IN SHOP THAT PROBLEM WAS FAMILIAR TO THE DEALER AND AN ENGINEER WAS BEING CALLED IN TO FIGURE OUT THE SOLUTION AS NO CODES WERE STORED IN COMPUTER.I LEFT THE DEALER AFTER BEING TOLD CAR IS WITHIN HYUNDAI SPECS BUT WAS RUNNING STRANGE. THE DEALER SEEMS TO BE AVOIDING DOING ANYTHING TO ADMIT THERE IS A ISSUE AND REFUSED TO ALLOW A SERVICE TECH TO RIDE ALONG WITH ME TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO LET MY SALESMAN GO IN A NEWER MODEL WITH ME TO SEE IF ANY OTHER VEHICLES HAD SAME ISSUES.I WROTE TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE AND WAS GIVEN A LIST OF OTHER DEALERS TO GO TO.AS THE PROBLEM HAS BEGUN TO GET WORSE THE IDLE WILL NOW REV AND THEN DECELERATE THE VEHICLE WHEN COASTING AND I CAN IMAGINE WHAT THIS BRAKING ACTION WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DO AS THE WEATHER BECOMES WORSE AND SNOW APPEARS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A GROWING PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI MODELS FROM THE RECENT HYUNDAI FORUMS POSTS. *TR

8/29/2012

16 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS AT STREETBORO OHIO HYUNDAI DEALER NEW IN MID JUNE 2012. VEHICLE SEEMED OK BUT AT ABOUT 1500 MILES IDLE BECAME ROUGH PARTICULARLY AT IDLE IN DRIVE AT LIGHTS AND STOPS. TOOK IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD AFTER 4 DAYS IN SHOP THAT PROBLEM WAS FAMILIAR TO THE DEALER AND AN ENGINEER WAS BEING CALLED IN TO FIGURE OUT THE SOLUTION AS NO CODES WERE STORED IN COMPUTER.I LEFT THE DEALER AFTER BEING TOLD CAR IS WITHIN HYUNDAI SPECS BUT WAS RUNNING STRANGE. THE DEALER SEEMS TO BE AVOIDING DOING ANYTHING TO ADMIT THERE IS A ISSUE AND REFUSED TO ALLOW A SERVICE TECH TO RIDE ALONG WITH ME TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO LET MY SALESMAN GO IN A NEWER MODEL WITH ME TO SEE IF ANY OTHER VEHICLES HAD SAME ISSUES.I WROTE TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE AND WAS GIVEN A LIST OF OTHER DEALERS TO GO TO.AS THE PROBLEM HAS BEGUN TO GET WORSE THE IDLE WILL NOW REV AND THEN DECELERATE THE VEHICLE WHEN COASTING AND I CAN IMAGINE WHAT THIS BRAKING ACTION WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DO AS THE WEATHER BECOMES WORSE AND SNOW APPEARS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A GROWING PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI MODELS FROM THE RECENT HYUNDAI FORUMS POSTS. *TR

8/29/2012

I WAS DRIVING A NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA IN A PARKING AREA, APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE FOR A STRAIGHT-IN PARKING FACING A BUILDING. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 10MPH. I BRAKE CONTINUOUSLY TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE PARKING SPACE AND CRASHED INTO THE BRICK WALL FACADE OF THE BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRICK WALL WAS NOT DAMAGED. I HAD ABOUT 5 MINOR BRUISES ON MY RIGHT LEG, AND TWO BELOW UMBILICUS (SEAT BELT AREA). I ALSO SUFFERED FROM FRIGHT AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN WAS CUT ON THE ANKLE BY CRASH DEBRIS THAT PROJECTED OUT SIDEWAYS FROM THE IMPACT. THE DEBRIS ALSO SCRATCHED A CAR IN THE ADJACENT PARKING SPACE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTOR SAID THAT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS FROM THE DAMAGE. *TR

4/24/2013

15 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

15 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR DRIFTS TO LEFT AND RIGHT. FIGHT TO KEEP ON ROAD. HYUNDAI SAYS GET USED TO IT. GOV.'T NEEDS TO STEP IN AND FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!!! *TR

10/16/2012

I JUST PURCHASED A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CAR TENDS TO WANDER ON THE HIGHWAY MOSTLY LEFT BUT SOMETIMES RIGHT. IT WILL NOT STAY STRAIGHT. I HAVE ALREADY BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS WITHIN SPEC. AT FIRST THEY TRIED TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS NOT USED TO ELECTRIC STEERING. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. I HAVE TEST DRIVEN OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE OF STEERING THAT DO NOT EXHIBIT WANDERING ON THE HIGHWAY. I FOUND OUT BELATEDLY THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS MUCH WORSE IN THE 2011 AND 2012 MODEL YEARS AND THAT THEY IMPLEMENTED A FIX. WELL THE FIX DOESN'T WORK. IN ADDITION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW SPEED THE CAR WILL PULL LEFT. THE DEALER HAS REFERRED ME TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE WHERE I HAVE OPENED A CASE NUMBER. THEY NOW TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THE DEALER SAYS IT IS OPERATING IN SPEC. *TR

12/29/2012

13 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

15 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND ALL ATTEMPTS TO DECELERATE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 800. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN THE CONSUMERS HANDWRITING WAS ILLEGIBLE.

2/1/2013

WE RENTED A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA FROM HERTZ ON 8 JUNE 2013. IMMEDIATELY WE NOTED THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY AND TOOK A LONG TIME TO ENGAGE, AS WELL AS THE STEERING DRIFTED RIGHT OR LEFT CONSTANTLY. WE PUT THIS DOWN TO BEING A CHARACTERISTIC OF HYUNDAI, WHICH WE HAD NEVER DRIVEN. WE EXITED THE HIGHWAY. AT THE THIRD STOP/INTERSECTION, THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE. MY FATHER KEPT TRYING THE BRAKES AND THEY FINALLY ENGAGED AFTER ABOUT 3-5 ATTEMPTS. THEN AGAIN, ABOUT TWO STOPS LATER THE BRAKES AGAIN WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO ENGAGE MULTIPLE TIMES. RATHER THAN REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US AT THE STOPLIGHT, HE MOVED INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE, WHERE A VEHICLE HIT US AND THEN SPED PAST US. WE TRIED TO COME TO A STOP BEHIND THE VEHICLE TO CALL THE POLICE AND DEAL WITH THE INCIDENT, BUT THE BRAKES STILL WOULD NOT WORK. WE HAD TO SWERVE BACK TO THE LEFT LANE TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, AND FINALLY CAME TO A ROLLING STOP SEVERAL YARDS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER DEALING WITH THE POLICE, WE TESTED THE BRAKES MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WERE ENGAGING, SO WE CONTINUED ON TO MY AUNT'S HOUSE. THE NEXT DAY WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AS WE WERE TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE 2013 HYUNDAI SONATAS? WE'RE JUST VERY THANKFUL THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY IF WE HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP, TRAVELING AT 75 MPH. *TR

6/29/2013

13 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AIR CONDITIONER BLEW HARD, INTERMITTENT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO CONTROLS. CAR DRIFTS LEFT TO RIGHT, HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. *TR

10/12/2012

I WAS DRIVING A NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA IN A PARKING AREA, APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE FOR A STRAIGHT-IN PARKING FACING A BUILDING. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 10MPH. I BRAKE CONTINUOUSLY TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE PARKING SPACE AND CRASHED INTO THE BRICK WALL FACADE OF THE BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRICK WALL WAS NOT DAMAGED. I HAD ABOUT 5 MINOR BRUISES ON MY RIGHT LEG, AND TWO BELOW UMBILICUS (SEAT BELT AREA). I ALSO SUFFERED FROM FRIGHT AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN WAS CUT ON THE ANKLE BY CRASH DEBRIS THAT PROJECTED OUT SIDEWAYS FROM THE IMPACT. THE DEBRIS ALSO SCRATCHED A CAR IN THE ADJACENT PARKING SPACE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTOR SAID THAT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS FROM THE DAMAGE. *TR

4/24/2013

8 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE SUNROOF WAS TILTED OPEN AND THE GLASS FROM THE EXPLOSION FELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED FROM THE GLASS. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE GLASS REMOVED FROM THEIR SCALP AND RIGHT EYE BROW. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF A MIXTURE OF BAD GLASS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SUNROOF GLASS ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,896 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 05/08/13*LJ UPDATED 05/21/2013 *JS

3/1/2013

I WAS DRIVING & HEARD SOMETHING FALLING DOWN ON MY BACK WINDOW - IT SOUNDED LIKE ICE FALLING DOWN FROM THE ROOF. I GET TO WORK & PARK IN A PARKING SPOT ONLY TO REALIZE THAT MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED! THE MIDDLE WAS CRACKED & STICKING UP & THE REST WAS SHATTERED IN A WEB EFFECT. WHEN I CLOSED THE DOOR THE WHOLE THING JUST FELL DOWN. LUCKILY I HAD THE INSIDE VISOR OF THE SUNROOF CLOSED SO IT DIDN'T GO INSIDE THE CAR. HOWEVER, WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF IT WAS OPEN & I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY STILL?? I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THIS CAR FOR A WHOLE YEAR YET. I BOUGHT IT ON JUNE 30, 2012, BRAND NEW. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED & CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT THE DEALER PENDING REPAIRS. *TR

3/26/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS ON THE RIGHT MOST LANE ON HIGHWAY 121 AT 70 MILES SPEED WHEN MY CAR STARTED PULLING RIGHT & LEFT AS IF IT WAS SKIDDING ON ICE. THE WEATHER WAS FINE. IT WAS VERY SCARY. I WAS HOLDING THE STEERING WITH BOTH HANDS. AFTER THAT DAY, WHENEVER I GO OVER THE SPEED OF 60, CAR STARTS PULLING LEFT & RIGHT. I HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAYS. *TR

4/9/2013

WHEN I CAME OUT TO GET IN MY CAR, AT WORK, I NOTICED THAT FRONT BUMPER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE BODY. NO SCRATCHES OR SIGNS OF IMPACT WERE VISIBLE. THE PARKING SPACE BUTTS UP TO GRASS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY GET 30 TO 40 OF THESE COMPLAINTS A YEAR. THEY SAID THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE BUMPER DO NOT HOLD UP UNDER ALL CONDITIONS. BECAUSE OF THE EXTREME LOW CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BUMPER AND THE ROAD, ALMOST ANY POTHOLE OR BUMP OR CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK COULD CAUSE THEM TO BREAK. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE CLIP ATTACHMENT OF THE BUMPER TO THE VEHICLE AND A DESIGN FLAW FOR THE CAR TO BE SO LOW TO THE GROUND. THE DEALER SAID THE REPAIR, WHICH ACTUALLY ENTAILS REPLACING, PAINTING AND ATTACHMENT, COMES TO JUST SHORT OF $900. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD THE CAR HIT A POTHOLE AND THE BUMPER FLIES OFF, OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VISION, SAFETY AND FOR THOSE BEHIND. *TR

10/8/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING A NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA IN A PARKING AREA, APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE FOR A STRAIGHT-IN PARKING FACING A BUILDING. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 10MPH. I BRAKE CONTINUOUSLY TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE PARKING SPACE AND CRASHED INTO THE BRICK WALL FACADE OF THE BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRICK WALL WAS NOT DAMAGED. I HAD ABOUT 5 MINOR BRUISES ON MY RIGHT LEG, AND TWO BELOW UMBILICUS (SEAT BELT AREA). I ALSO SUFFERED FROM FRIGHT AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN WAS CUT ON THE ANKLE BY CRASH DEBRIS THAT PROJECTED OUT SIDEWAYS FROM THE IMPACT. THE DEBRIS ALSO SCRATCHED A CAR IN THE ADJACENT PARKING SPACE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTOR SAID THAT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS FROM THE DAMAGE. *TR

4/24/2013

I TOOK THE EXIT ON 605 NORTH AND STOP AT THE LIGHT TO TURN RIGHT BECAUSE THERE IS A NO TURN ON RED SIGN. AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I START THE VEHICLE TO TURN RIGHT THEN GOT HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE UP TO THE FRONT END. THE OTHER VEHICLE RAN THE RED LIGHT AND HIS SPEED WAS ABOUT 45-50 MPH. MY CAR GOT HIT HARD AT THE FRONT AND TURNED 180 DEGREE, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WAS DEPLOYED. AS A SAFETY CONCERN, I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AS I AM GONNA HAVE A BABY SOON THIS YEAR 2014. WHAT IF THAT ANOTHER ACCIDENT OCCUR AND THE BABY OR MY SPOUSE IN THE CAR WITH ME? *TR

1/28/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED IN AUGUST'12. AFTER BUYING WHEN I WAS RIDING BACK HOME ON FREEWAY(APPROX SPEED 60 MPH) THE CAR TENDS TO DRIFT IN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AND KEEP ON WANDERING IN THE LANE. IT IS PRETTY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. THERE ARE ALMOST TWO INCIDENTS WHERE I JUST ESCAPED THE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY TOLD THAT IT IS BECAUSE OF BANKING ON THE ROADS BUT I TESTED THE SAME ROAD AND ROUTE WITH OTHER VEHICLE WHICH PERFORMED AS IT SHOULD BE, NO DRIFT OR ANYTHING. EVEN THE TIRE PRESSURE AND WHEEL BALANCING IS FINE SO THIS IS DEFINITELY A ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING AND STABILITY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS IT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING AND MOST OF THE CONSUMERS ARE FACING IT WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE COMPANY. THANKS. *TR

9/10/2012

WHILE GETTING ON THE ON-RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO USE. THE EPS LIGHT AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, AND LATER BLUELINK NOTED ERROR ALSO. *TR

9/11/2012

4 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

POOR TRACTION CONTROL IN SNOW CONDITIONS. UNABLE TO STOP CAR FOR A RED LIGHT. UNABLE TO GET UP A SMALL INCLINE WITH OUT FISHTAILING. *TR

1/4/2014

PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. CAR HAS 11,500 MILES. TIRE WEAR AS MEASURED BY THE DEALER IS 5/32 REAR AND 4 /32 FRONT. NEITHER DEALER OR TIRE MANUFACTURER KUMHO THINKS THIS IS AN ISSUE OR IS WILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. BOTH CLAIM TIRE WEAR IS NOT WARRANTIED. TIRES SHOULD NOT WEAR OUT THIS QUICKLY AND IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE TIRES ARE NOT PROPERLY SPECIFIED FOR THIS CAR, 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. *TR

7/22/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING AND THE TURNING SIGNAL CHIME WAS COMPLETELY INAUDIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN

1/11/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE TOO LOW TO REACH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REACH DOWN BELOW THE CENTER CONSOLE TO REACH THE BUCKLE, MAKING IT HARDER TO SET OR RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE BUCKLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT AN EXTENDER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COULD NOT BE RAISED ONCE IT WAS RECLINED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO SIT WITH THEIR FACE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,712. *TR

4/26/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON 6 OCCASIONS THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON, ALL AT SPEEDS 75-80, ALL AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2 HOURS. (TRIPS TO LA, TUCSON). THE TIRE PRESSURE CHECKED OUT OK WHEN I STOPPED EACH TIME. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES, BUT EACH TIME THEY COULD NOT FIND A TROUBLE CODE. THE HYUNDAI BLUELINK DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM HAS INDICATED A TROUBLE CONDITION SINCE THE BEGINNING, AND STILL INDICATES A TROUBLE CONDITION EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER HAS INDICATED IT HAS BEEN RESET ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, AND WAS RESET AGAIN BY HYUNDAI USA ON 1/2/13. THE TPMS DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THE TIRES ARE COLD, AS ONE WOULD EXPECT. THE DEALER INDICATED THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THE CAR SHOWS NO TROUBLE CODES. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA AND THEY INDICATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. BECAUSE OF ALL THE FALSE WARNINGS, I AM CONCERNED THAT I WILL NOT KNOW IF THERE IS A TRUE PROBLEM WITH MY TIRES OR JUST ANOTHER FALSE WARNING FROM THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM.

1/14/2013

THERE IS AN ONGOING STEERING PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR DRIFTS DANGEROUSLY TO THE RIGHT. I NOTICED IT WITHIN THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF THE CAR PURCHASE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD, THIS IS WITHIN "SPECS." THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO RIDE IN THE CAR WHILE I DROVE IT TO DEMONSTRATE THE ISSUE. *TR

1/25/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS COMPLAINT ON A BRAND NEW 2013 SONATA, IS ABOUT SEVERE INTERIOR WINDSHIELD DISTRACTION CAUSED BY THE REFLECTION OF THE INTERIOR DASH ONTO THE FRONT, DRIVERS WINDSHIELD. THE REFLECTION OF THE INTERIOR ON THE WINDSHIELD IS SO SEVERE THAT IT IMPAIRS SAFE DRIVING. DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING, EVERYTHING THAT IS LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE INTERIOR DASHBOARD VIVIDLY REFLECTS ONTO THE INTERIOR WINDSHIELD. DESIGN EFFECTS, SPEAKERS, STEERING WHEEL AND EVEN THE DRIVERS HANDS WITH FINGERNAILS ON THE WINDSHIELD. EVENING DRIVING THE REFLECTION IS ALSO EXTREMELY IMPAIRED VIA DISTRACTION, FOR EXAMPLE THE ODOMETER REFLECTS ABOVE THE INTERIOR DRIVERS WINDOW, ABOVE THE MIRROR AND ITS IN FULL COLOR! ON A TEST DRIVE, AFTER MY COMPLAINT, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED THAT IT MAYBE FROM CLEANING FLUID USED DURING THE DETAILING PROCESS AND HAD THE CAR RE-DETAILED, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DIRECTLY NOTIFIED HYUNDAI BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I BELIEVE THIS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THERE IS A DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GLASS IN THIS CAR.

1/15/2013

THE CHROME OFF THE INDOOR HANDLES PEELED OFF AND CAN CUT YOUR FINGERS WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOORS

7/8/2013

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FIRST OCCURRENCE I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND STARTED TO MOVE, CAR LUNGED FORWARD WITH AN UNATTENDED ACCELERATION. SECOND OCCURRENCE I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO PROCEED THROUGH, STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE. THIRD OCCURRENCE WAS IN KANSAS AND MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING. IT SURGED AGAIN AND WE BOTH NOTICED IT. FOURTH OCCURRENCE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT IN RINGGOLD GA ON 10-28-13. I WAS STARTING TO PARK IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH, THE CAR SURGED FAST AND I TRIED TO STOP IT WITH MY BRAKE, BUT IT CONTINUED INTO THE CONCRETE BUILDING RESULTING IN MY SERIOUS INJURY AND $6,000 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. WITH GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THIS CAR, I WENT TO THE DEALER AND ASKED IF THEY HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE AND THEY SAID, "NO". *TR

11/11/2013

I WAS IN LINE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT AND AS I APPROACHED THE DELIVERY WINDOW, I BRAKE THE CAR TO 3 MPH, PREPARING TO STOP BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, BUT I FELT THE BRAKE SUDDENLY GIVING WAY, HAVING A SPONGY FEEL AS IT WAS BECOMING INOPERABLE. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS PRECISE THING HAS HAPPENED. THE EARLIER INCIDENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER, 2013, AND, THANKFULLY, EACH INCIDENT DID NOT INVOLVE HITTING A PEDESTRIAN. FORTUNATELY, THE RATE OF SPEED WAS VERY LOW, AS WELL, SO DAMAGE TO VEHICLES WAS SMALL. THESE INCIDENTS ALARMED ME FOR I COULDN'T HELP BUT THINK WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN HAD I BEEN AT A RAILROAD CROSSING, APPROACHING A SCHOOL BUS DISCHARGING CHILDREN, ETC.. I TOOK THE CAR TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN PLANTATION, FLORIDA, TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THEY ALSO SAID THERE HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO RECALLS OR OTHER PROBLEMS INVOLVING BRAKES OR THROTTLE MALFUNCTIONS. SO, NOTHING WAS ACTUALLY SETTLED AS FAR AS WHATEVER THIS PROBLEM MAY BE, OR FIXING IT. *TR

3/26/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE GETTING ON THE ON-RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO USE. THE EPS LIGHT AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, AND LATER BLUELINK NOTED ERROR ALSO. *TR

9/11/2012

POOR TRACTION CONTROL IN SNOW CONDITIONS. UNABLE TO STOP CAR FOR A RED LIGHT. UNABLE TO GET UP A SMALL INCLINE WITH OUT FISHTAILING. *TR

1/4/2014

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

APPROXIMATELY 2 - 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE DISCOVERY MY PROBLEM ESC LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STAY ON. I CHECKED MY BLUELINK SYSTEM TO SEE IF I HAD AN ERROR, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOT ISSUES APPARENTLY. I DECIDED TO WAIT AS I WAS ABOUT TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR MY SECOND OIL CHANGE. ON THE DAY IN QUESTION I WAS ABOUT TO TAKE A TWO HOUR DRIVE. WHEN I GOT ON TO HWY I HEARD A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF CAR I PULLED OVER, GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT CAR COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING, GOT BACK ON HWY, NOISE BEGAN AGAIN. SEEING I WAS NOT FAR FROM A DEALERSHIP I DECIDED TO GO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I EXPLAINED ABOUT THE ESC LIGHT REMAINING ON. THEY TOOK MY CAR IN TO SHOP AND LOOKED AT IT. DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME THAT ALL MY TIRES WERE BALD. I ASKED HOW THIS WAS POSSIBLE THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW. I HAD DONE ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD DONE IT PRIOR TO IT BEING NEEDED. DEALER CHECKED RECORDS TO VERIFY THAT REQUIRED MAINTENANCE WAS DONE, WHICH THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I CALLED CORPORATE HYUNDAI WHO STATED IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE PROBLEM WHICH WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE, HOWEVER, THEY WOULD TRANSFER ME TO KUMHO THE MAKER OF MY TIRES. CORPORATE ADVISED ME THAT ONCE TIRE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED IF I STILL HAD AN ESC ISSUE THEN THEY COULD LOOK AT GETTING THAT FIXED. KUMHO WANTED ME TO GET TREAD MEASUREMENTS DONE, FORWARD INFO TO THEM AND THEN THEY WOULD MAKE A DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE GOING TO POSSIBLY HELP ME OUT ON THE COST OF NEW TIRE. REMEMBER JUST OVER 8000 MILES ON MY CAR THAT WAS BOUGHT AT THE END OF DEC 2012. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE IF I WOULD HAVE CONTINUED MY TWO HOUR DRIVE, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN MOSTLY HWY DRIVING. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING. *TR

7/18/2013

THE TIRES ON MY 2013 ARE DEAFENING. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY CARE OF MY CAR. I AM UP TO DATE ON MY SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR LEASING THE CAR. I JUST CAN'T TAKE THE TIRE NOISE ANYMORE. ON LOW SPEEDS AND HIGH SPEEDS THE TIRE NOISE IS OUT OF CONTROL. I THINK THE BRAND TIRES ON THE CAR ARE TERRIBLE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR. WHEN MY CAR'S LEASE IS UP I AM HAVING SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT LEASING ANOTHER ONE. I WOULD LOVE TO AFFORD A DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES TO SEE IF IT A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. UNFORTUNATELY, IM STUCK WITH THESE TIRES FOR ANOTHER 2 AND HALF YEARS. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS UNHAPPY OWNER OF 4 CRUMBY TIRES. *JS

9/2/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED TO 6000 AS THE CONTACT REPEATEDLY APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,600. UPDATED 3/28/14*CN UPDATED 04/22/14

2/5/2014

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AS EXPECTED. *JB

4/22/2014

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON MAR 18, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:25PM MY WIFE AND I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE, IE; EXPLOSION, THAT WE KNEW CAME FROM THE TOP OF OUR CAR. WE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT OUR SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED; OVER HALF THE GLASS WAS GONE AND STREWN ALL OVER THE ROOF AND TRUNK AREA OF OUR CAR. WE HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT AFTER IT TURNED GREEN AND WERE ACCELERATING UP TO SPEED. WE WERE TRAVELING SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 30 - 40MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE SUNROOF TO RUPTURE LIKE IT DID. THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT WE WERE HIT BY A ROCK, BUT BOTH THE WIFE AND I REFUTED THAT IDEA. WE STAND BY OUR CLAIM THAT IT BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON. EVEN IF A ROCK DID HIT US, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHOULD NOT HAVE EXPLODED/RUPTURED LIKE IT DID. WE FEEL THERE'S A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT WITH THE GLASS AND THAT THIS INCIDENT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED MORE CLOSELY. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEM. *TR

4/10/2014

ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND AROUND 540PM ON THE 10 FWY GOING EASTBOUND RIGHT BEFORE TOWNE AVE. AS THE TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY BEGAN TO SLOW I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ABOUT 5 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING I NOTICED THAT THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD. I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLOWLY ROLL. I THEN STEPPED ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP. THE CAR SLOWLY ROLLED ABOUT 8 FEET BEFORE IT STOPPED ON THE BACK OF A BIG RIG TRAILER BUMPER. I CALLED 911 AND EXPLAINED THAT I DID NOT WANT TO MOVE THE CAR AS I WAS NOT SURE IT WOULD STOP. THE CHP ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT A TOW TRUCK TO GET ME OFF THE FREEWAY. I WAS REMOVED FROM THE FREEWAY AND I HAD AAA TOW MY CAR TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER IN GLENDORA CA. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY AND SAID THEY RAN A FULL TEST ON THE CAR AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. HOWEVER THEY DID FIX THE RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE ROLLAWAY RISK AND SHIFT CABLE TO THE TRANSMISSION. I ASKED THEM DO YOU THINK THIS HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. THE DEALER INDICATED NO THAT MAYBE I WAS DRIVING FAST AND THE ABS TOOK OVER. I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD MORE THAN 8 FEET BETWEEN THE BIG RIG AND MYSELF WHEN I CAME TO A FULL STOP AND THAT I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN 15-20 MILES SINCE TRAFFIC WAS SLOW. THE DEALER SERVICE AGENT SAID NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE SCANNED TEST AND THEY DROVE IT AND IS FINE. *TR

9/23/2014

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TPMS LIGHT HAS CAME ON NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM 7 TIMES.THE TIRE SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE AND THE MODULE WAS REPLACED ON THE NEXT TO LAST TIME AT THE DEALER. AFTER THE MODULE WAS REPLACED THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON FOR 1400 MILES. THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND DECIDED TO MOVE THE MODULE TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION. EACH TIME THE DEALER CHECKED AND IT WAS REPORTED TO BE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I HAD THEM TO ROTATE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO THE RIGHT FRONT AND THE RIGHT FRONT TO THE RIGHT REAR. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND IT ALSO POINTED TO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS I WAS ALMOST HIT THE LAST TIME WHEN I WAS OFF THE ROAD AND CHECKING THE TIRES AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON. HYUNDAI TRIES TO BLAME ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE FOR THE PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED MANY OTHER MANUFACTURERS VEHICLES SINCE THE TPMS SYSTEM WAS MADE MANDATORY AND NEVER HAD A THE LIGHT TO COME ON UNLESS THE TIRE HAD LOST PRESSURE. *TR

8/29/2012

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS CAR HAS A DISTURBING REFLECTION OF THE TOP DECK OF DASHBOARD ON THE WINDSHIELD..IT INTERFERES WITH CONCENTRATION....CAR WAS PURCHASED 7/19/12 IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE WITH OTHER HYUNDAI SONATAS....... *TR

9/21/2012

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AIR CONDITIONER BLEW HARD, INTERMITTENT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO CONTROLS. CAR DRIFTS LEFT TO RIGHT, HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. *TR

10/12/2012

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE PLASTIC TABS ON THE LEFT SIDE BUMPER COVER (SO CALLED BUMPER) BROKE COMPLETELY OFF WHEN IT APPEARS THAT THE L- SHAPED LIP OF THE PLASTIC SHIELD UNDER THE CAR RUB UP AGAINST A PARKING CURVE. THE BOTTOM OF THE BUMPER OR THE SHIELD UNDERNEATH THE CAR WAS NOT SCRATCHED TO INDICATE THAT THE CAR DRAGGED ON THE CURVE. THE DEALER STATED THE L-SHAPED LIP OF THE SHIELD RUBBED UPON THE CURVE AND LIFTED THE BUMPER CAUSING THE TABS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BUMPER TO BREAK OFF. THE CAR WILL NEED A NEW PAINTED BUMPER INSTALLED TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AS THE PLASTIC TABS ARE MOLDED TO THE BUMPER COVER. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT WOULD DO ANY DAMAGE IF THE CAR SHIELD SCRAPED A PARKING CURVE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TOY BATTERY OPERATED CAR BREAK LIKE THIS IF IT HIT OR SCRAPED AN OBJECT. IT APPEARS IF I RAN OVER A BOTTLE, PIECE OF WOOD, GRAVEL, ETC.,IN THE ROAD AND IT HIT THIS SHIELD, IF COULD BREAK THIS BUMPER COVER. I DID NOT PAY OVER $30,000 FOR A TOY? THE SHIELD (SHOULD BE OTHER THAN BENDABLE PLASTIC) UNDER THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE BOLTED TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR AND NOT THE BUMPER COVER. WHEN I PUSHED THE SHIELD UNDER THE CAR, THE WHOLE BUMPER COVER LIFTS UP! THIS IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD! THIS CAR WILL NOT MEET THE 0 MILES PER HOURS TEST IN A CRASH UNDER ANY FEDERAL REGULATIONS SAFETY TESTS. HOW COULD THE MANUFACTURER BE ALLOWED TO PUT THIS CAR ON THE MARKET? I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER FURTHER AND, ALSO, WOULD LIKE FOR NHTSA TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE INSPECT THIS CAR. BECAUSE IT IS SO FRAGILE, I AM SORT OF AFRAID TO DRIVE IT!. *TR

1/10/2013

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING AND THE TURNING SIGNAL CHIME WAS COMPLETELY INAUDIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN

1/11/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING AND THE TURNING SIGNAL CHIME WAS COMPLETELY INAUDIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN

1/11/2013

VISIBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS COMPLAINT ON A BRAND NEW 2013 SONATA, IS ABOUT SEVERE INTERIOR WINDSHIELD DISTRACTION CAUSED BY THE REFLECTION OF THE INTERIOR DASH ONTO THE FRONT, DRIVERS WINDSHIELD. THE REFLECTION OF THE INTERIOR ON THE WINDSHIELD IS SO SEVERE THAT IT IMPAIRS SAFE DRIVING. DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING, EVERYTHING THAT IS LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE INTERIOR DASHBOARD VIVIDLY REFLECTS ONTO THE INTERIOR WINDSHIELD. DESIGN EFFECTS, SPEAKERS, STEERING WHEEL AND EVEN THE DRIVERS HANDS WITH FINGERNAILS ON THE WINDSHIELD. EVENING DRIVING THE REFLECTION IS ALSO EXTREMELY IMPAIRED VIA DISTRACTION, FOR EXAMPLE THE ODOMETER REFLECTS ABOVE THE INTERIOR DRIVERS WINDOW, ABOVE THE MIRROR AND ITS IN FULL COLOR! ON A TEST DRIVE, AFTER MY COMPLAINT, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED THAT IT MAYBE FROM CLEANING FLUID USED DURING THE DETAILING PROCESS AND HAD THE CAR RE-DETAILED, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DIRECTLY NOTIFIED HYUNDAI BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I BELIEVE THIS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THERE IS A DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GLASS IN THIS CAR.

1/15/2013

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SPEEDS, REQUIRING CONSTANT ATTENTION AND CORRECTION BY THE DRIVER, WHICH IS DISTRACTING AND CONTRIBUTES TO DRIVER FATIGUE. UNABLE TO TRACK SMOOTHLY AROUND CURVES. SIMILAR TO ALTERNATING CROSS WINDS, EVEN WHEN THERE ARE NONE. SITUATION VERY AGGRAVATING IN ACTUAL CROSS WINDS. ANY POLICE OFFICER WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IN ISSUING A TICKET FOR "WEAVING". DEALER TECHNICIAN DROVE THE CAR AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A NEGATIVE CHARACTERISTIC OF ELECTRICAL STEERING AND NOTHING TO BE DONE FOR IT. HE SUPPOSEDLY CHANGED SOME SETTING FROM "HARD" TO "SOFT', BUT THAT HAD NO EFFECT AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER, MAYBE EVEN BEING WORSE. I COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI ON THEIR WEBSITE, WITH NO RESPONSE TO DATE. I AM A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER (MOSTLY AVIATION) AND SUSPECT THAT SOME DAMPING NEEDS TO BE APPLIED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. AT THIS TIME, I AM NOTICING THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE 2013 SONATA COMPLAINTS CONCERN THE STEERING SYSTEM. NHTSA SHOULD TAKE ACTION BEFORE ACCIDENTS BEGIN OCCURRING DUE TO THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR UPDATED 05/23/13 UPDATED 09/10/13*LJ UPDATED 01/02/14

2/20/2013

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE TOO LOW TO REACH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REACH DOWN BELOW THE CENTER CONSOLE TO REACH THE BUCKLE, MAKING IT HARDER TO SET OR RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE BUCKLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT AN EXTENDER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COULD NOT BE RAISED ONCE IT WAS RECLINED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO SIT WITH THEIR FACE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,712. *TR

4/26/2013

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE CHROME OFF THE INDOOR HANDLES PEELED OFF AND CAN CUT YOUR FINGERS WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOORS

7/8/2013

BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA WOULD NOT DISPLAY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW ADDITIONAL VEHICLES AND/OR POSSIBLE PEDESTRIANS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. *TR

3/12/2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS PEDAL AND ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS, AFTER WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. IT WENT FROM 1000 RPM DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 500 RPM. THE SALES REP INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PEDAL WAS A NEW DESIGN. *JB

6/12/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AFTER LEAVING 2013 SONATA PARKED FOR 3 HOURS CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MILES AN HOUR. AFTER INVESTIGATION BY HYUNDAI MECHANICS THEY FOUND THAT A PORTION OF ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN CHEWED THROUGH BY SOME KIND OF CRITTER. COME TO FIND OUT THE MATERIAL USED AS WIRING INSULATION IS SOY BASED THAT ATTRACTS CRITTERS. THIS COULD BE A SEVER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, FIRES, OR WHAT EVER. *TR

7/13/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I AM SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. THE SPEEDOMETER IS 2 TO 3 MILES OFF. SERVICE SAYS NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. THAT SEEMS VERY ODD. *TR

8/26/2014

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BUMPER ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN MARCH 2014, THE BUMPER FENDER SKIRT AND INNER FENDER WELL DROPPED TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING ON A WELL MAINTAINED ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED A PLASTIC BAG MAY HAVE WRAPPED AROUND THE BUMPER, AND PULLED IT DOWN, BUT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP, WHERE THEY INFORMED HER THE DESIGN WAS NOT VERY GOOD, AS PLASTIC PARTS WERE USED. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED ON MAY 12TH. AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT END DROPPED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE AUTO BODY SHOP, WHERE THEY FIXED IT AGAIN. *JB UPDATED 09/29/14. *JB

8/28/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE HALTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,800.

9/15/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). ALSO, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. LASTLY, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATERS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

9/24/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). ALSO, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. LASTLY, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATERS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

9/24/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE SHIFT GEAR WOULD NOT MOVE FROM REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

10/16/2014

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is ENGINE, with 694 owner reports. That is about 27% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 1826 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata severe?

1826 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Sonata: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
2,574
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall report

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved