general problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

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.

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.

This has been going on nothing resolved and no cooperation. Im going yo locate an attorney that really don't want to. Requesting this be ,the situation be loojedvatb,at no chargevand replace whatbwasvsuppisedly replaced by steele south loop Hyundai ,houston texas ,sold to keating groupbbased out if texas. What I'm asking isn't make sure itvwas done ,and whatever replaced ,inexpensive to do to. Repkace the parts , and computerbprograned to make current no chsrgebto ne for Hyundaibsta t ES in line and would not be getting emails from NHTSA as I do . Hope finally 24 hours resolve, cooperation and done finally.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the starter. The mechanic informed the contact about an engine recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The starter was replaced. While leaving the dealer lot, the vehicle shut off. The dealer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed about a monetary compensation, a starter, or a repurchase of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2013 Hyundai Sonata in connection with a known recall related to connecting rod bearing wear (I believe this is recall 198). My vehicle is experiencing issues consistent with this defect, but Hyundai has denied my warranty/recall claim. Hyundai’s denial was based on an allegation of “engine neglect,” which is not accurate. I have maintained my vehicle with regular oil changes since purchase, and I have records to support this. I work from home and therefore do not drive as frequently as the average commuter, but I have always performed at least the standard minimum maintenance required. The car has never shown signs of engine neglect or had prior engine issues until now. The failure occurred while I was driving on the highway, when the engine suddenly stopped running. This placed me in a very dangerous situation, as the car stalled in active traffic and posed a risk to myself and other drivers. This highlights the serious safety hazard associated with the known rod bearing defect. Since the failure, I have been left without reliable transportation, and it has been extremely difficult to get to and from work. The problem was reported to my Hyundai dealership, but they are refusing to cover the repair and appear to be attempting to avoid responsibility for this recall. Even if the specific recall campaign is now listed as closed, this is a well-documented defect, and Hyundai should remain obligated to fix it when it occurs. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in ensuring Hyundai is held accountable for honoring their obligations under the recall. Consumers should not be penalized thousands of dollars for a safety defect that is the manufacturer’s responsibility.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Despite the odor, the contact's sister resumed normal driving operation and later refueled the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle, the fuel odor was stronger, and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact's sister pulled over to inspect the vehicle, but found no failure. The next day, upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic immediately smelled a fuel odor and later discovered a fuel leak while inspecting the vehicle. The mechanic showed the contact the fuel leak and diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel system. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The failure mileage was 192,000.

The car was being driven from virginia to austin, texas. In tennessee within 10 miles of jackson, TN, on [xxx] the car suddenly lost power and the engine light started flashing and could not be driven above 60 mph (the speed limit there was 75 and the car was being driven at the speed limit until this occurred). Even though the car lost power, the temperature remained steady and was driven to a car repair place and the next day it was towed to a nearby Hyundai dealership in jackson, TN where they declared the engine needed to be replaced. This was also confirmed by our insurance company, progressive. Ran the VIN and the car is an affected vehicle under service campaign 953 and engine should qualify for lifetime warranty but Hyundai is trying to deny the claim due to bogus claim of "exceptional maintenance neglect" which is not even close to true. The car had an oil and filter change a few days prior to the start of the trip and had been well maintained prior to that as well. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled fuel and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had caught on fire. The contact stopped the vehicle, and the contact and the two passengers quickly jumped out of the vehicle. The contact stated one of the passengers sustained a minor leg injury, and medical attention was provided. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The origin of the fire was not yet determined. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

My Hyundai vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure due to a known defect in Hyundai’s gasoline direct injection (gdi) engine. This engine issue is part of a widely documented safety concern that causes rod bearing wear, leading to stalling or catastrophic failure while driving. Despite the dealership confirming it’s consistent with the known defect, Hyundai denied assistance solely because my title is branded, even though the engine failure is unrelated to any crash or damage. Hyundai has replaced engines for others with branded titles, proving the inconsistency in their handling of a serious safety problem. This defect poses a risk of stalling in traffic, engine fires, and potential accidents. The vehicle shut down completely, and I believe this violates federal safety standards.

While driving on the highway the engine caught fire.

On freeway accelerated and it stalled the attempted to push button start all dash light were on and then it completely started smoking and that was from the starter getting to hot and died and nothing engine won't turn over so vehicle has no to started since.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, which grew louder. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a branded title. The contact was informed that the title was branded because the previous owner had not provided the requested maintenance documents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with failure of the rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the title was branded in the manufacturer’s database. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

My car starts making noise then I pull over. My car completely shuts off and I tried to restart it, didn’t start. My engine I think is ruined.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown, caught fire. ??.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shut off with an audible warning chime and several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle soon after failure. The contact stated that on another occasion, while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle, and the engine shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there was only an anti-theft recall on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling) and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

So my car started to stall when I started it an when I started goin down the road like it wanted to die. Then I started to smell gas very strong so had a code tester put to my car an I have 6 permanent codes. An not only that im smelling oil strong an noticing big oil spots under my car. So I look under the hood an behind the turbo I see oil behind an underneath the turbo. I definitely didnt feel safe driving but now its not even drivable. I purchased it couple months ago from an individual an I cant belive the amount of problems this car has. Im a single mom an trying to support my family an its hard to now with a non running car. I've put quite a few parts hoping it would fix some of the problems an nothing has. I absolutely love the car an very beautiful but unfortunately to many problems with it. Eninge, gas leaks, timing.

I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata in 2022. I never had any problems or warning signs of vehicle until late Feb 2025. The engine begin to making a knocking sound and stalling almost causing my son to have an accident. After researching the issue I found that there had been a law suit filed against this company for the engines in those vehicles and that they had placed a limited lifetime warranty on the engine in my vehicle. I reached out to Hyundai and they assured me that my vehicle was covered under the txxi warranty due to the class action suit filed against them. Next they set up an appointment for me to take the vehicle to the local Hyundai dealership which was bentley Hyundai in huntsville, alabama. I had the vehicle towed there in March 2025 and was immediately met with unprofessional dialogue on my arrival. I explained that an agent from Hyundai corporate had set and appointment for that day but was told that they had no knowledge of it. They received the car and stated that diagnostics had to run on it and that they had to send the paperwork back to corporate for approval to replace/repair the engine. About a week later after unsuccessful attempts to contact the dealership, I was informed that my claim was denied due to maintenance neglect. Once I asked for further clarification the associate told me that it “looked like the oil had never been changed in the vehicle”. I assured him that it had been maintained properly since the date I purchased it. They pulled the carfax and was able to verify all of my maintenance records and that the vehicle never went over 5000 miles before oil changes. I then asked to speak to a supervisor as the rep began to be very disrespectful in his tone and language (which was always by text and not phone). The service manager that I spoke to after this helped escalate the situation to the appeals department. This was a known issue for these motors and the fact that they would put my family’s lives in jeopardy is upsurd.

The car engine was sputtering and the check engine light came on. I was notified by a repair shop that the problem may relate to an engine recall. I called Hyundai about the recall and they advised me to take the vehicle to cardinale Hyundai in corona. I did take it there. Testing showed that the issue was, in fact, the same issue that was part of the recall (I believe it is called the internal engine bearing failure). However, the Hyundai dealer then advised that, due to owner neglect, the problem will not be fixed by Hyundai. I firmly dispute Hyundai's contention!.

On [xxx], in washington, d. C. , my 2013 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden engine failure, leaving the vehicle inoperable. My goodwill repair request was denied within 30 minutes, without a proper inspection of the rod bearings (a known failure point covered under the txxi extended warranty) or the fuel pipe recall—a known issue that could pose a fire hazard. Hyundai cited suspected maintenance neglect, but I have documentation of regular synthetic oil changes. Despite having over 200,000 miles, a firestone inspection from September 2024 confirmed the vehicle was in good condition prior to the failure. Additionally, Hyundai theta ii engines are widely known to suffer from excessive oil consumption, a defect that can lead to premature engine failure even in well-maintained vehicles. Hyundai has replaced engines in vehicles with similar mileage under the same extended warranty, yet in this case, no proper inspection was conducted before denial. Safety concerns: the fuel pipe recall was not inspected, raising concerns about whether unresolved recall defects are leading to engine failures or fire risks. The airbag clock spring, covered under Hyundai’s txxa extended warranty, was not inspected, despite the airbag light being illuminated, potentially affecting airbag deployment in a crash. The vehicle failed without warning lights or error messages, creating an unsafe situation. Hyundai’s failure to inspect recall-related issues before denying repairs could impact other affected vehicles on the road. I request that the NHTSA: ensure Hyundai properly inspects recall-related components before denying repairs. Investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty and recall-related repairs, even in cases where similar vehicles have received replacements. Determine if the unresolved fuel pipe recall and airbag clock spring defect pose broader safety risks. This issue has been reported to Hyundai corporate, but no proper inspection has been performed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated, the vehicle had been in for service just days prior to the warning light being illuminated. After a visual inspection of the oil dipstick, the contact observed that the oil level was abnormally low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while reaching over the passenger seat, the gear shifter was knocked into a lower gear and would not switch back into the drive gear. In addition, the contact stated she managed to pull over the shoulder of the road before going over a curb and crashing into a grass field which brought the vehicle to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. A police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain or seek medical attention for any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was left for diagnoses and repairs. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

I had an issue on my car where engine oil level is getting low day by day, then I have visited service center to solve they have said to change spark plug, pcv value and also done fuel induction service , said me to come after 1000 miles then after I had a another problem where my car rpm is increasing and speed is getting low. I have visited the service center again saying catalytic converter issue and asked me to pay 3000$ to do repair before that I have paid 700$ but mentioning you one thing till now I have spend 2000$ for the same issue what was happen. Today as now my car is issue to move in toll road it is very hard to move. And also Hyundai is denying my request and saying me I am out of warranty. My car has 94000 miles as for today. Please help me out from this I am struggling with the issue.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had received an undisclosed NHTSA recall campaign, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated since the vehicle was picked up from the dealer after the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not been driven since. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted right into the neighborhood and stopped in front of the neighbor's home. The vehicle remained parked. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to lock in the latch intermittently. The contact spoke with the dealer, before the failure, who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling); because the vehicle was previously inspected under the recall and it was deemed that the engine did not need to be replaced, and that the recall was closed. The dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired for the engine or seat belt failures. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.

While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, the vehicle lost power. Eps, and oil lights came on engine completely shut off. I changed belt, alternator and starter. It rolled over 3 times and seized. There doesnt appear to be a rod slung, or cracks in the block, but ive spent almost 2000 dollars trying to get it running and have another 1300 in parts waiting to rebuild the motor. I know there is a recall on the motors, but never received mail or any attempt at engine replacement.

Burns excessive oil/excessive oil consumption.

I have a recall for the rod bearing , I drop off my car at autonation Hyundai north richland hills . Before 3 days to replace the engine because last time I changed the oil on firestone the technician show me a metal on the oil and that coming from the rod bearing wear also when I cold start the vehicle I listen a rod bearing noise coming from the engine for a while , autonation Hyundai north richland hills called me today and say that the engine pass the rod bearing test and that is not right maybe it’s now but will not last like that , also I don’t want to drive the vehicle with this safety recall and get crashed when the bearing fail . I just need a help to replace this engine due to this recall I didn’t pickup the vehicle from the dealer location till I got a response from you .