2013 Hyundai Sonata Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 261about this part
- Share
- 14%of 1,917 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 261 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 14% of the 1,917 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 25 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Drive side brake light continues to go out no matter how many times the bulb is replaced. I've been stopped by other motorists and police officers advising that my light is out. This has been an on going issue apparently since I've gotten the vehicle and Hyundai needs to correct it. There should be no reason why I should have to fear for my safety”
NHTSA complaint #11265304, filed 2019-10, 97,000 miles“I had to replace the cv joint on one side of the car and then months later the other side. I was told by my body shop that this was happening with alot of the Hyundai sonatas. Also, I have replaced light bulbs blowing monthly in my car and one ha actually burned. I have also found out that several people have had problems with this as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11176313, filed 2019-02, 40,000 miles“Sonata recall: well for starters I almost got hit by a 18 wheeler because the car shut off on the interstate while I was driving. Lucky I was to get the car to the side of the road but it hit the side rail because I couldnt get it to stop.now the car will not start at all. All of the lights came on at once and it scared me to death because my kids were in the car with me.”
NHTSA complaint #11164682, filed 2019-01, 89,000 miles“My engine was recently replaced due to a settlement agreement due to faulty engine which died, this occurred in october 2020 and I received my vehicle back two weeks ago with a new engine. Last night on 11/19/2020 the engine in my vehicle burst into flames while I was parked in a restaurant parking lot. The engine caught fire with no notice and I had to contact the fire department to put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #11375573, filed 2020-11, 156,000 miles“Both taillights failed. The brake light bulbs melted and fused the bulb to the socket housing for both tailights. The other bulbs also show signs of extreme heat damage as the light bulbs are burned black and the plastic near the light bulb is all black. I was informed my taillights were out while driving at night.”
NHTSA complaint #11083913, filed 2018-04, 91,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251276Feb 1, 2024This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 19 | 40% |
| 2023 | 12 | 14% |
| 2022 | 17 | 18% |
| 2021 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 40 | 22% |
| 2019 | 12 | 7% |
| 2018 | 60 | 16% |
| 2017 | 65 | 8% |
| 2016 | 89 | 12% |
| 2015 | 167 | 14% |
| 2014 | 135 | 18% |
| 2013 | 261 | 14% |
| 2012 | 235 | 15% |
| 2011 | 444 | 13% |
| 2010 | 16 | 5% |
| 2009 | 61 | 13% |
| 2008 | 32 | 8% |
| 2007 | 51 | 7% |
| 2006 | 86 | 8% |
| 2005 | 19 | 12% |
| 2004 | 17 | 8% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 37 | 13% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 22% |
| 1995 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 7 | 27% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 3 | 19% |
| 1989 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
739 complaintsSteering
342 complaintsFuel system
211 complaintsExterior lighting
197 complaintsOther or unknown
181 complaintsBrakes
149 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
94 complaintsVehicle speed control
86 complaintsSeat belts
62 complaintsBody and structure
50 complaintsSuspension
48 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology