Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 glass on the top of the car (sunroof) spontaneously exploded on the interstate at a speed of 70 mph. The hole on top of the car was about 16-20 inches in diameter and the entire sheet of glass on the sunroof was cracked. As the driver, the spontaneous shattering of the roof could have caused serious bodily harm because the glass would have quickly flown into the vehicle due to high speeds and the high volume of glass. I did not open the sunroof to inspect it; thankfully, the sunroof was closed at the time of the spontaneous shattering. I did exit the vehicle after pulling over to inspect and get photo evidence of the damage to the vehicle. The exterior temperature was 74 degrees with minimal airflow inside the vehicle (the interior temperature was 70-73 degrees). There was no rain, hail, or other weather incidents. Few vehicles were around and none had debris coming out. …
Tl* the contact's husband owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her grand daughter was driving, the rear passenger side brake light failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side brake light tail assembly needed to be replaced. The rear passenger side bulb was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that the vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the mechanic stated that the tail assembly socket was melting and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to ourisman Hyundai ([phone] located on 3516 fort meade rd, laurel, md 20724) where it was confirmed that no recalls were associated and there would be a charge. The vehicle was not repaired. …
On 2/19/2018 while driving on the highway my sunroof spontaneously exploded. There were no prior indications of problems and no warning. It was not below freezing, it was raining(I wasn't using it), and there was no falling debris of any kind. It sounded like a gunshot went off by my face. Had this happened to an inexperienced or insecure driver it could not only cause a highway collision but fatalities. I believe there is something wrong with the structural integrity or possibly the chemical makeup of the glass used which makes it susceptible somehow(the entire sunroof was gone, 90%+) however the cause is unknown at this time. I pulled over immediately to think and make sure I was unharmed, then called my Hyundai dealership and drove straight there. The dealership put in a repair order which at first was denied by Hyundai. …
I have a problem with my exterior lights constantly burning out. Brake light was out, I was notified when I was pulled over for a traffic stop. I changed the light bulb that same day, and two days later the bulb was burnt out again. I changed the bulb thinking it was a bad bulb, and the same thing happened about a week later. I was told at Hyundai service department that it was a wiring issue, and they fixed it. However, a month later, my bulb is out again, plus my two license plate bulbs, and a taillight. I again fixed all lights, and to no surprise, passenger side brake light is out once again. Also, my headlights were just replaced the same time because they seemed dim. Brand new, supposedly brighter bulbs, look exactly the same as the old dim lights. I cannot see at night unless I use my high beams. This is a very big safety issue. …
Both headlights and break lights continue going out. First time I replaced the break lights, they had melted to the unit. I have had both headlights go out at the same time on two separate occasions. I have replaced the alternator twice now and it is looking like I will have to replace it again soon, headlights are getting dull (it's hard to see, and my brights won't click on (it is not the blinker column)), the battery has been replaced when the alternator was replaced as well. This is getting expensive. The dealership told me it was the blinker column when it was actually the alternator. Replacing the lights have been happening for years, the alternator problem started last year, so within 2 months of replacing it the first time, it went out again, and now 5 months later, it is needing to the be replaced again. …
I was on my way into work driving down the highway and out of no where a hear this very loud explosion like a gun going off and thought someone had shot me. I then felt things falling on my head and lap, so I pulled over to the shoulder of the highway and turned the inside light on and saw shattered glass and then looked up and my sunroof was gone. I drove to the dealership and got out of my car and I could see with the glass remaining on the back part of the sunroof that the piece of glass was going outward, just like if something blew up. This could have caused me to be injured or have a accident. Please look into this matter before someone really gets hurt.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. When the contact attempted to use the key fob, it failed to open any of the doors on the vehicle. Also, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V226000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 67,672.
I have had both my back light harnesses where a bulb has blown and it was so hot it melted the bulb ends into the socket and I had to replace the whole harness for one side and might have to replace it for the other side as well. The vehicle inside dash lights would also start flickering off and on as well as the outside lights while the vehicle is in motion. This is concerning to me and I know they have had numerous complaints on this and it is a safety issue, but yet they have not done any recalls. Why please advise.
Driving southbound at 70 MPH on a straight section of a major interstate in my city at approximately 1:25 pm, the sunroof glass shattered for no apparent reason with a sound similar to a shotgun. Almost lost control of the vehicle due to the sound. Did not see any road hazards flying through the air. Shade was closed so all glass stayed above myself and other occupants. Outside air temperature was 94f and sunny. Photo taken to document as soon as it was safe to pull over.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the sun roof exploded and caused glass to enter the vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 1% of the model year's 1,916 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Sonata window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.