2013 Hyundai Sonata: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Body · SC

About a year ago, I went out one morning, and the Rear Passenger Door would not engage or open. I tried using the key fob, as well as manual lock, trying to lock and unlock, and it still would not open. No one can get into the car from the outside. No one can get out of the car from the inside. This especially is very dangerous. Nothing has changed. I would like Hyundai to repair my door, since it is inoperable. In case of accident, fire, or other reason, someone would be locked in to their detriment.

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Body · TX

The right-rear passenger door will not open from either the inside or outside of the car. This happened suddenly with no warning. It was instantaneous. I went to go pick my toddler from daycare and when we were returning to the car, the right-rear passenger door will not open after unlocking the car with my key fob. All the other doors (3) could be opened with the key fob or without the key fob from inside the car. I tried to open the right-rear paasenger door from the inside and it still will not open. Additionally, you can hear the locking system on the door moving when locking and unlocking the car with the key fob but the door simply won't open. This is a safety issue because it hinders my ability to quickly get to my toddler in case of an emergency.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Engine · WI

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

Filed May 28, 2025 · Body · NM

The left rear door won't open from the inside or from outside. The door just suddenly stopped working without any warning or without any damage to the door, or to the key FOB. I use it to transport an elderly person or sometimes my grand kids, it is dangerous especially if someone has to exit the car immediately.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Engine · TX

While driving out of town 2 hours away from home on major highway car suddenly stopped. Had my 3 children in the back and had to get in the middle lane and turn my hazards on and call a town truck. I had to pay 300 dollars to get the car towed home. While searching online I saw a engine recall and several other recalls for the 2013 hyundai sonata. I called the hyundai recall line and they set up an appointment to have the car checked out. I called hyundai and asked if they had any tow services that they provided, they stated that I would have to pay for tow services so I then payed 60 dollars to have the car towed to hyundai by aaa which hyundai advices. Hyundai called and informed me the next day that they put it on the machine and that it was the engine that failed and they would have to order an engine from hyundai they also informed me that I would be charged 150 dollars for them to get the key fob to work to the car. After hyundai received the new engine they called and informed me that they are unable to pull the engine in and out of the car due to from end damage which included the radiator, motor blower, and head gasket and that I would have to agree to pay 2895 dollars for them to even put the engine in the car. He asked me if the dealership I bought the car from had reported any wrecks where the front end could be damaged. I then explained to the manager of hyundai mechanics that I have a clear blue title and in order for there to be a wreck that caused front end damage I would by law have to have a savage title.I was sold the car as is from car lot but was informed there were no accident and had been certified tested. Looking online and speaking with another mechanic I was informed that radiator motor blower and head gasket are are causes due to an car running hot from engine failure.speaking with corporate they made false promises and then declined.

Filed Aug 3, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 104,513 miles · NC

Purchased used 2013 hyundai sonata hybrid on 1/18/2019. On 5/22/19 had oil changed & requested diagnostic due to accelerator issues and hitting high speed bump. Same issue occurred along with car not starting on 5/28 and brought car to dealer on 5/29/19. Dealer could not repeat issue but replaced batteries in both key fobs. Drove car to ct (from nc) on 7/12/19. Car was fine except the A/C was not cooling well. Turned car off & let sit for 10 mins. It was better. On 7/18/19 my 17 yo was in motion on busy interstate 91 south in ct. Car decelerated & alarms rang out. A warning advised "hybrid battery failure" & "safely pull over". She was able to drive to the side. Highway safety patrol came & advised her to start car again. Lights came on but engine would not. Had car towed to lia hyundai in enfield, ct. Called 7/19, left message rtc. I asked for manager who advised the same & said he would have to run a diagnostic to see what was wrong. I called hyundai motor america & got a ticket number. Was told that if it was the battery they "may be willing to pay and may be willing to tow car back to nc once completed" again if approved. Need tech to submit a work order req and special tow request if prior authorization was approved. On 7/22 a diagnostic was ran & sent to hma showing hybrid battery needs to be replaced. I called hma & was given a national team ticket. Service manager rich called on 7/29 advising hyundai is requiring more tests & wants pictures. He called back to advise that hyundai is now telling him to just replace the safety plug & relay switch. Advised hyundai would pay 60% and we would need to pay 40%. Cost was $1000 but part needed to be ordered. Can't guarantee that it will work. I spoke to nicolette on 7/29. Was told they would only pay the 60% as a good will gesture. Car purchased in january 2019 at 96610 miles & only drove till 104513.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 42,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle would not identify the key fob, which prevented the vehicle from starting. The contact mentioned that when the battery cable was reset, the vehicle started. Also, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle uncontrollably steered to the left and right. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was taken to sussman hyundai & genesis (1645 easton rd, willow grove, pa 19090, (215) 392-9020) where it was diagnosed that the brake sensor needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2018 · Engine · 63,700 miles · GA

While driving on the highway, all lights on the dashboard flashed on, then engine turned off. Pulled off to the side of the road. Smoke came from the engine for a moment. Tried to restart the car, but it won't start. All lights and electronics work in car. No codes being thrown by car. Immobilizer indicator is on and car won't detect keyfob when inside of vehicle or when placed in keyfob slot in center console.

Filed Mar 1, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 67,672 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata. When the contact attempted to use the key fob, it failed to open any of the doors on the vehicle. Also, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 67,672.

Filed Jul 11, 2017 · Engine · 72,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata. While the vehicle was stationary, it would not start when prompted. The vehicle was towed to rick case car inc (located at 3190 satellite blvd in duluth, georgia, 30096), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer informed the contact to change the battery in the key fob, but the push-to-start remote fobik malfunctioned. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2017 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · FL

Vehicle does not recognize either key fob and will not start just goes into accessory mode. When placing foot on brake pad it is extremely hard. Yet every time we let vehicle drift down our driveway and get level it starts no problem. We are worried when our daughter is driving the vehicle it won't recognize the key fob and shut down. It has happened at least 5 times

Filed May 16, 2013 · Transmission · 27,750 miles · MO · crash · 1 injury

I pulled into a parking space and shut off the engine with my push button start, without putting the shifter into the park position. The vehicle allowed me to exit and the car started rolling backwards. I tried to re-enter the vehicle to engage the brake and was knocked onto the pavement by the driver door. I was forced between the bottom of the door and the pavement as the vehicle rolled past me and entered traffic, crossed to lanes and was stopped by a curb and a speed limit sign. Vehicle bumper was dented. I suffered several bruises, a sprain, a large abrasion, and pulled back muscles. Went to the er and missed a couple days of work. Injuries do not appear to be serious at this time.