Hyundai as a brand has been catering majorly to the budget segment buyers and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is one of the most affordable midsize hybrid sedans. The segment does have some strong players like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Honda Accord Hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid is a car that’s sold in high volumes and the fact that people prefer this model justifies how reliable the car is. With a total of just 92 complaints and 3 recalls, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid doesn’t seem to be unreliable. The major issue with the car has been an engine failure, which was soon identified and addressed by the brand. However, there have also been other complaints, and let’s analyze them to really find if this is the hybrid to be picked.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
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Speedometer – The drivers felt that they were moving at a faster pace than what was displayed on the speedo meter. This was reconfirmed with the use of external speed radars and there was a discrepancy of 5 MPH in the car’s speedometer. Dealers noticed some trouble codes that directed the cause towards faulty input and output speed sensors located inside the automatic transmission. Replacing these sensors fixed the issue.
Mechanical Problems
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HSG belt – The drivers complained that the car would stall abruptly and the car would not turn back on. This was said to happen as the HSG belts on the hybrid vehicle broke. The users also stated that the belts have a claimed life of 30,000 miles but they never sustained the foresaid mileage.
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Engine – The car started making a knocking sound while driving and it gradually got louder over time. The users suspected a major engine issue and got the car to the dealers. The issue was diagnosed and it was found that one of the pistons had failed and caused damage to the other internal components. This was said to happen due to a faulty connecting rod and the entire engine needed to be replaced.
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Engine cooling – The car was said to lose power all of a sudden and enter limp mode. The car was towed to the dealership and it was found that the water pump to cool the hybrid system had failed and needed a replacement.
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Brakes – The users complained that the brakes were not effective and the pedal went all the way to the floor. This led the car to crash onto the side walls in order to avoid injuries to other drivers. The car was towed to the dealers where it was found that the master cylinder had failed and needed a replacement.
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Steering – Users found the car to sway from one side to another and it was hard to keep the car in a straight line. There was also a clicking noise coming from the steering wheel and it was said that the steering column had a defect right from the factory and needed to be replaced.
Safety Problems
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Airbag – The front passenger airbag warning was always on no matter if the seat was occupied by an adult. The car was taken to the dealers where the airbag control module was found to be faulty and needed to be replaced.
External Problems
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Tail light assembly – The users found water pooling inside the taillights and this also damaged the bulbs and cause the lights to become inoperative. There also happens to be a high voltage lithium battery within the trunk space and the water coming in contact with the battery may cause an electrical short.
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
1st December 2020 |
20V746000 |
Engine damage may cause stall or fire. |
The connecting rod in the engine may wear prematurely and can gradually damage the engine. |
If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. The dealers will also update the software containing a knock sensor detection. |
|
2. |
4th October 2017 |
17V617000 |
Seatbelt linkage detaches from pretensioners. |
A detached seatbelt linkage will not be able to restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The seatbelt linkage and pretensioners will be inspected and a warning label will be installed to avoid future detachments. |
|
3. |
8th March 2017 |
17V152000 |
Seatbelt linkages may detach. |
The affected vehicles may detach the seatbelt anchors from the pretensioners in case of a crash. |
The seatbelt anchor and pretensioners linkage will e repaired. |
Should you buy the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
There really aren’t any red flags that the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid holds and even though the users have reported an engine failure, Hyundai has been able to rectify the issue through a recall. The car seems to hold good value for the money it asks for and with a very limited set of complaints, the Sonata Hybrid poses to be one of the best options in its segment. A key aspect to look for is the HSG belt that this car comes with and Hyundai suggests a replacement every 30,000 miles, however, there could be early damage, and keeping a check could help save you some money. Besides that, this is our pick in the hybrid sedan segment and is one of the easiest cars to live with due to its economical maintenance.
