Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into the (R) reverse position; the vehicle independently accelerated backward into her neighbor's driveway and hit two parked vehicles. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into the second vehicle and that second parked vehicle was deemed destroyed. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back across the street and parked the vehicle on the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that since her vehicle was involved in an assurance claim, they could not render any assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that an investigation could not be performed unless she signed a waiver. …
Ref: NHTA Recall Number: 20V-746 Hyundai REcall Number:198 (2nd recall fix ) After the above recall fix we had informed the Hyundai about engine heating up, we were told this is false alarm and car has monitoring system recall issue, Recall would would be mailed. I have all the dealer bill to prove the engine was heating up, they replaced certain part at our expense ( bill attached ) After above recall Fix by Hyundai Dealer in San Leandro, CA. we had engine overheating and car started engine started vibrating & I could see smoke from the exhaust. it ceased in the middle of the highway. Please note: Our Car has been services by Hyundai dealer. Note: if you look at the second safety recall notice, It does state in safety notice about engine compartments fire while driving for many reason and depending on the severity of the fire. the identification of the cause can be untraceable.. …
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 NHTSA 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.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a greasy taillight bulb, and then later diagnosed with starter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that four years earlier the engine was replaced due to metal shavings being found in the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
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.
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. …
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. …
Car has been knocking for a couple of months now, check engine started flashing and it lost acceleration. Towed to shop and code for knock sensor was reading bad. Shop replaced knock sensor, I picked car up and drove away and it happened again. Engine light flashing and lost acceleration, took back to shop and the next day which would be today they said take to the dealer cause it's still reading for knock sensor. My 2013 hyundai sonata 2.0 is now at the dealership in line with the rest of the seized engines. So I have spent $800 ($613 for shop and $200 rental car) and my car is still not drivable. Now I'm back in a rental at$300 a week until hyundai diagnose, test, and approve the process of fixing the issue with my 2013 hyundai sonata 2.0, it has a life time warranty! This will be the second 2013 hyundai sonata I have owned with the engine seizing up! Back in Nov. …
We were part of the Hyundai Theta claim group. Our car did stop in traffic, luckily my husband was alone, and no one was hurt. It was towed to the dealer. This was October2023. Dealer gave a list of fixes & stated it had nothing to do with theta. We had all recommended maintenance done; as we always do. Roughly 2 months later, Dec., with a full car, it did it again, at a stoplight. We are lucky to be alive. We had it towed to our mechanic. I contacted the Theta claims line. Our mechanic stated oil was still in the filter, but the pistons had blown clear through the engine, which he still has. Hyundai contacted him. He sent pictures. Hyundai denied my claim for timely filing. I have called weekly, followed every instruction. Now they want me to mail a letter. I am a disabled veteran. Look how many recalls they have. They don't mind recalling. They will just deny people. Please help.
1. Car was parked at a rest stop, on a hot day, and idling in "PARK" with air conditioner on. One passenger was in the car in the front passenger seat. No one was in the drivers seat. The driver of the car was about 20 feet away and making a phone call to make hotel reservations. After about 10 minutes, the car suddenly started moving in reverse, while the passenger was sitting in the passenger seat. The passenger was alarmed by this movement and tried to get out of the car on the passenger side and opened the car door. The passenger then fell to the ground and avoided the door opening, but the front wheel of the car ran over her lower right arm , breaking the large bone in the arm and causing multiple lacerations. The car proceeded in reverse, finally coming to a stop against a small hill about 100 feet away. The passenger was rushed to a hospital and received emergency care.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014.
Transmission complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the model year's 1,916 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › column shift (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-434 (automatic transmission, Jul 18, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.