2013 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Car stalls when I’m at a red light, very dangerous

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring engine replacement. The excessive oil consumption continued. On June 6, 2026, the engine developed severe metal knocking, misfires, and became unsafe to operate. I was concerned the engine could fail completely or lose power while driving, creating a safety hazard for myself and others. The vehicle had to be towed to a Hyundai dealership on June 7, 2026. Hyundai of Kennesaw inspected the vehicle and verbally advised that the engine failure was caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Although the dealership identified connecting rod bearing failure, Hyundai Motor America declined to replace the engine and instead advised that it would not proceed with repairs because of the settlement provisions related to the vehicle's age and mileage. As a result, the vehicle remains inoperable. I am submitting this report because I believe this engine failure presents a significant safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. I am also concerned that I reported symptoms years before the failure, yet the engine ultimately failed from the same type of defect associated with many Hyundai Theta II engines.

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · RI

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the braking system. I have had the brakes replaced and serviced multiple times, yet the brakes begin grinding again within a very short period, including an instance where the grinding returned approximately one month after replacement. Despite spending money on repairs, the problem continues to reoccur. I am concerned that there may be an underlying defect affecting the braking system that is not being properly identified or corrected through normal maintenance. In addition, the vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent monitoring and replacement between oil changes. I am concerned that this issue could potentially lead to engine failure or other dangerous mechanical problems while the vehicle is being operated. As a single mother, I rely on this vehicle daily for transportation to and from work and for caring for my family. I have experienced significant financial hardship attempting to keep the vehicle operational and safe. Despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle, these issues continue to occur. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this complaint and determine whether these issues may be related to known defects, recalls, investigations, or patterns reported by other owners of 2013 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. I am willing to provide maintenance records, repair invoices, mileage information, and any additional documentation that may assist in evaluating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this complaint and for your commitment to vehicle safety.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 82,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly locked up. The engine was previously replaced in March at an undisclosed location. The engine light was illuminated. While using the code reader, he received the P0711 code related to the temperature sensor in the transmission. The contact indicated the failure was due to the temperature wiring harness. The vehicle was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB 19-AT-015H. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Transmission · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact called to report a technical issue with a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin and the software that the manufacturer was reprograming for the Hyundai transmissions; TSB Number: 13-AT017. The contact, a certified mechanic, purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata from a customer due to the transmission failure. The contact attempted to order a new transmission from the manufacturer, but no transmission was available. The contact ordered a compatible transmission from Kia. The contact successfully installed the transmission. The installation instructions which stated that the motor control unit and transmission control unit software needed to be reprogramed. The contact was able to successfully road test the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact stated that after the software was reprogramed, while attempting to road test the vehicle, immediately there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact checked online and determined that the TSB issued by Hyundai for the software reprograming outlined temperature values that were not the values show on the testing equipment. The contact called the dealer and was informed that using the Kia transmission in a Hyundai vehicle, there was no assistance to be offered. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Hyundai software was incorrect and wanted to notify the federal safety agency of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was not provided.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

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

Filed May 15, 2025 · Transmission · TX

Car is in park, refuses to shut off due to car saying car is not in park

Filed May 12, 2025 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · FL

The contact owns 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the gear indicator on instrument panel independently shifted. Despite the failure, the contact stated that the transmission continued to operate normally. The contact stated that several days later while at a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal and the engine revved to a high RPM. The contact called and informed the dealer of the failure. The contact was made aware that the failure was a common failure for the make and model of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V434000 (Power Train); which the contact linked to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Electrical, Seat belts · PA

1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaired by the dealership before. My brakes always smell like burning rubber after driving having me to believe that the lubricant for the brake pads aren't working. 2.The dashboard lights also periodically blinks out without warning. After a few moments it will illuminate again. 3. My seatbelts sometimes doesn't tighten up. I have to pull them several times for them to catch and return after the seatbelt isn't in use.

Filed Mar 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

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.