The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the malfunction indicator and coolant temperature warning lights illuminated, and the engine overheated and shuddered abnormally. There was smoke and an abnormal ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems
41 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 91,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 41
- of this car's complaints
- 38%
- typical mileage
- 91,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 13Check engine light 9Knocking 9Won't start 7Engine failure 6Loss of power 6
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Recall number 20V746000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V‑568, 17V‑226, 20V‑746, and 21V‑727; and Kia recalls 17V‑224, 19V‑120, 20V‑750, and 21V‑844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V‑877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA21003
What 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for the engine to be inspected. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with bearing wear in the engine. The dealer informed the contact that repairs would be covered under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,661.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated she had to add one quart of oil for every 200 miles driven. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to coast into the local dealer before the vehicle stalled. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Folsom Lake Hyundai (12530 Auto Mall Cir, Folsom, CA 95630: (916) 293-4760) where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled inadvertently in the middle of the road. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified that the vehicle had been repaired prior to the safety recall. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a claim for reimbursement. The contact filed a claim; however, the manufacturer declined the claim and informed the contact that they could not assist as the failure was caused by the head gasket failure instead of the engine. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact heard an audible beeping sound continuously and saw a "W" in yellow on the driver’s side instrument panel. Additionally, on the passenger’s side the "Do Not Drive" warning was illuminated, and both warning lights were blinking. The contact pulled off the roadway safely into a parking lot. The contact turned off the vehicle and exited and observed that gray smoke was coming from under the engine compartment of the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called out and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a FIRE report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact recently received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the warning message "Pull Over and Stop" illuminated and the vehicle began to stall. The contact veered to the side of the road in the intersection and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was shuddering increasingly, and white smoke was coming out of the exhaust while driving. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact received a recall notification of an unknown recall and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who updated the electronic control module to improve the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) logic. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the failure increased significantly. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who completed an oil change but had not diagnosed the vehicle. The dealer stated that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, she noticed the temperature gauge rising rapidly and started to smell antifreeze. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the “DO NOT DRIVE” warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to a family member’s residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer for the fourth time where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was unable to reach a representative from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 134,198.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while her son was driving 30 mph, smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle from the floorboard. The contact stated the "Do not drive vehicle" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact parked on the side of the road for 30 minutes before continuing the drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to crain hyundai of fayetteville (1919 foxglove dr, fayetteville, ar 72704, (479) 439-9878) where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine
Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have engine problems?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 91,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V746000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have bad engine?
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (76 complaints), 2012 (71 complaints) and 2017 (50 complaints).
Other 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Brakes 26Electrical 24Fuel system 14Transmission 14Steering 11Acceleration 7Airbags 4Body 4Driver assistance 4Lights 2Visibility 2Wheels 2Locks 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1Tires 1
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