2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 107 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (29% of complaints); the 2014 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While getting my car serviced, the mechanic told me that there was a leak in the coolant system. They could not detect/see any leaks anywhere and that the leaking was probably going into the engine or fuel.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2026
“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 NHTSA 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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2026
“The vehicle's ABS system is engaging autonomously, causing the car to brake without any driver input. The dealer stated it was: BRAKE ACTUATION UNIT AND HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT BLEEDING AND PROGRAMING”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic power unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced an undisclosed code indicating that the HECU was faulty. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was then determined that the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Sonata Hybrid years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Sonata Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The most complained-about area is engine (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,667 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.