general problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

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).

Unknown.

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.

Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

Engine losing power and metal shavings in oil and engining shutting off.

It is a known issue on several makes and years on Hyundais. Excessive oil consumption. Burning a quart every 375 miles. At one point we had no oil in the car at all. Causing a potential major safety issue lubricating parts of the engine. Etc. We have contacted Hyundai several times and brought to Hyundai dealer who has confirmed issue through a test. No warning that oil was low!.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would not be serviced under the recall. The contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle and was also offered a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [xxx] mileage: [163,000] summary: theta ii 2. 4l gdi engine bearing failure (recall 953 / 20v-393) – severe knocking, risk of sudden engine seizure/fire. Dealer refuses lifetime-warranty repair and forced consumer to pay towing to avoid lien/fees. Description: this vehicle is covered by NHTSA recall 20v-393 (campaign 953) and the court-approved theta ii engine class-action settlement providing a lifetime warranty for rod-bearing failure. The engine now has loud knocking from failed rod bearings – the exact defect addressed by the recall and settlement. On 11/28/2025 I dropped the vehicle at group 1 Hyundai southwest houston (10301 southwest fwy, houston, TX 77074) for diagnosis and repair under the lifetime warranty. The dealership confirmed bearing failure but refused to repair, stating the vehicle is “not eligible” because the free campaign 953 knock-sensor software update was never performed. No owner (current or prior) ever received any recall notice or settlement notice despite Hyundai’s legal duty to notify all registered owners. On 12/04/2025, service advisor tevin told me to remove the car by Friday or face storage fees and possible lien sale. To avoid unlawful charges for a known safety defect, I paid $192. 70 out of pocket for aaa to tow the vehicle off the lot on 12/05/2025 (receipt available). Hyundai is using its own failure to provide notice as justification to deny legitimate lifetime-warranty claims and shift costs to consumers. The unrepaired vehicle remains a serious safety hazard (engine stall/fire risk) on the road. Requested action: investigate Hyundai motor America and its dealers for (1) systemic failure to notify owners of recall 953 and the theta ii settlement, (2) wrongful denial of lifetime-warranty engine repairs, and (3) imposing towing/storage fees on consumers for admitted safety defects. I have filed a claim with the settlement administrator and can provide receipts, recorded calls, and docs. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information a.

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [xxx] , 2. 4l theta ii gdi engine) is experiencing symptoms consistent with the known theta ii engine defects covered under prior NHTSA recalls (e. G. , 17v-226) and the related class action settlement for connecting rod bearing wear due to manufacturing debris restricting oil flow. The vehicle has begun exhibiting [describe your specific symptoms here, e. G. : "a loud metallic knocking/tapping noise from the engine that increases with rpm, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds; reduced engine power and hesitation; illumination of the check engine light and/or oil pressure warning light; excessive vibration; or sudden loss of power/stalling risk"]. These issues have [escalated/worsened over time or occurred suddenly while driving]. This poses a serious safety hazard because premature bearing wear can lead to complete engine seizure or stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion, potentially at highway speeds, resulting in loss of motive power, inability to maintain speed, or increased risk of collision, injury, or fatality. I have properly maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes using the recommended full synthetic oil [add if true: "and can provide service records showing no evidence of sludge or neglect"]. Despite submitting an appeal/claim under the Hyundai theta engine class action settlement (case number xxx), I received confirmation on December 30, 2025, promising a decision within 14 business days, but as of January 16, 2026, there has been no response or update despite follow-up attempts. This ongoing delay prevents me from obtaining the necessary inspection, repair, or replacement under the extended warranty/safety coverage, leaving the vehicle in a potentially unsafe condition. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as part of the pattern of theta ii engine failures in 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas, which have led to thousands of similar complaints, recalls, and investigations into untimely information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information ac.

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for a lifetime warranty engine replacement under the theta ii class action settlement. The dealership is refusing coverage unless I provide maintenance records, even though the settlement prohibits denial based solely on missing records or the presence of sludge. Hyundai must prove neglect caused the failure, which has not been demonstrated. I am requesting review by the engine settlement team and approval of my engine replacement.

See attached document for complaint.

New battery keeps dying, car not starting and when it does start it shuts off when I brake. Oil light on after I already put oil in the car.

My engine recently seized on my vehicle and Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine. Per their website my vehicles engine has a lifetime warranty. This warranty is eligible for class vehicles who have has to campaign 953 reformed on their vehicles prior to engine failure. This was performed in n my vehicle on April 16, 2019. Per Hyundai’s website. I am being offered a settlement I did not take part in instead of my engine replacement and it should be illegal for them to go against their own word.

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's daughter replaced the battery. A mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling) for which the VIN was included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

I bought the car on [xxx] used and it’s has 165000 miles drove fine for the 30 miles as I was driving at 65miles car losing power and slightly noise out the engine getting louder as I was to push the gas pedal and the engine light started flashing suddenly car has shut down as I was rolling on the road and I lost the power of breaking luckily I was going uphill on [xxx] and I parked on the side of the road. I call the Hyundai dealership of 3810 w hillsborough Ave, tampa, FL 33614 and I explained what happened he asked me have the car lost power I said yes, is the check engine light flashing I said yes. And do I hear knock engine I said yes. The dealership check the VIN number and said it’s been warranty and we will inspect if that’s the problem we will be no charge to you with the repairs if something else we will charge you $175. I haven’t hear back I text to see the status and he told me the did test on the car and failed the test because of the issues on the engine I said okay you going to replace it he said we need to inspect inside the engine and take a photo to send over and to proof of the damage if not proof I will be responsible for the inspection time charge of $375 and I ask me of the I want to door that way which I have no choice until the dealership send over and get the proof to see the photo. Now im waiting the answer tomorrow information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving at 70 mph on the highway, the engine seized without warning. The car violently shuddered and rapidly decelerated in the travel lane. A fully-loaded semi-truck was directly behind me and had to swerve violently and brake hard to avoid crushing my vehicle. This created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a catastrophic, high-speed rear-end collision. The failure is with the internal engine assembly (likely connecting rod bearings) and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the engine failure but denied the repair. This is a known defect. The "engine oil pressure" warning light flashed and a loud engine knocking began moments before the total power loss. This is a dangerous defect that causes sudden, unpredictable stalling at highway speeds.

Sir this is not first time to make complaint I brought my car to Hyundai company after I got an appointment and they called text emailed me and the know my car information on 10/1/2025 I brought my car but they mentioned wrong VIN number and after that I came back on 10/8/2025 but when I got there to finish my recall 953 they said your car rebuild title and now my car engine I think out I don’t know but they changed the engine before and I bought the car three months ago and now I can not drive it please help me with that the car just stopped when I was driving and 124369 miles and how the rebuild car not affected by recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was restarted. The check warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the recall repair was denied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the waste gasket, timing belt, and battery needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that, due to the mileage and year of the vehicle; the recall repairs could not be redeemed. The contact stated that rental reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Component/system failed - engine – connecting rod bearing wear resulting in complete engine seizure. - engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk - engine seizure occurred while my mechanic was driving, causing a complete loss of motive power. Created immediate risk of crash due to inability to accelerate or control vehicle. Hazard to driver, passengers, and others on the road. Reproduction/confirmation failure matches known defect described in recall 17v226000: premature bearing wear leading to engine seizure. Maintenance records confirm proper service; dealership denied repair citing “owner negligence,” which is inconsistent with the recall symptoms. Inspection engine has not been repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Vehicle was inspected by dealership service tech who determined failure was caused by negligence (text denial received). Spoke with customer service and they confirmed denial. Full maintenance records available for inspection. Hyundai requested service records - we were not able to find all service records, as some have closed, and some have files for 400 days only (jiffy lube). Warning lamps / symptoms no warning lamps illuminated prior to failure. Engine knocking and oil pressure loss were observed immediately before seizure. Failure was sudden and catastrophic. Additional information / assessment vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata, VIN [xxx] . Recall 17v226000 identifies bearing wear that may result in engine seizure. Failure is consistent with the recall defect, regardless of warranty expiration. Manufacturer has refused to perform required recall inspection or repair, citing improper negligence. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [xxx] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. When I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the engine and smell like fire or burn or some plastic fire. I’m a mechanic he said before I bring the mechanic I seen that the screen light it’s like a car with the key in the middle of the car. The picture is the light the car stop starting. I thought I call somebody he told me maybe the car is the program or disconnect. We need to program it or they bring the battery I bring a battery. I tried to start the car again. It’s not working the mechanic. He told me that starter. I bought the starter and I start in the car. You still not working they told me after that. They told me the battery maybe I checked the battery I took the autozone. I took the battery. It was 95%. I called the company and the company. If they check the car, they say the car they have to recall just I get appointment with them the first time on October 1, 2025, but when I take the car there the end VIN number different with an appointment not my car. I get another appointment October 8. I told the car over there. Dixie highway highway louisville kentucky. When I arrive to the car dealership in dixie highway, louisville, ky they told me your car is rebuilt title. I told them what they mean. He said we can’t do nothing with it because it’s built. I told them why they didn’t tell me before I wouldn’t give the car here. They told me to bring the car appointment before you get appointment. You have to check the car as if you can see it’s built you are a company even that time I don’t know what’s rebuilt car mean , idk if Hyundai worry just about people they have clean title? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was in dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 a express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced it the same problem they said the key I changed the battery program the key same problem they told me battery I checked the battery 95 % another mechcheck by computer said the engine and he said most of these car has manufacturers problems the engine replaced recall 162 before bought the car what my solutions and I know ther is extended warranty.

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

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