NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 108 owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (40) and electrical system (24). The EPA rates it 37 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sonata Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 96 |
| 2012 | 155 |
| 2013 | 108 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“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, 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 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”
“ON 05/10/2018, I NOTICED SEVERE VIBRATION AND CLUNKING IN STEERING WHEEL. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO WEAR. ON 08/08/2018, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES AS I EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT LOUD SQUEAKING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ON 09/25/2018, I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION AND WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND A WARNING CAME ON THE DASH ADVISING ME THAT THE BRAKES HAD FAILED AND I NEEDED TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART. UPON RESTART THE WARNING CONDITION DID NOT REOCCUR. VEHICLE TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE ISSUE SEEMS TO HAVE CORRECTED ITSELF AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM SIMPLY NEEDED TO BE RECALIBRATED.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 38 | 37 | $1,600 | 242 |
| Sonata Hybrid Limited Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 38 | 37 | $1,600 | 245 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (40), electrical system (24), service brakes (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at 37 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.