Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
Brake complaints in other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 24% of the model year's 108 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-651 (control unit/module, Sep 22, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.