Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2013 Sonata Hybrid burned up due to faulty engine
Barbara, Annapolis, MD, 07/02/2018
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
All Sonata's manufactured between 2011-2014 manufactured at the Alabama plant have faulty Theta II engines. The engines will thump, lose power then catch on fire. The regular Sonata's were recalled for engine repair only after a major class action lawsuit stating that Hyundai knew about the problem, was won. Hyundai, however, did not recall the Sonata Hybrid which uses the exact same … Theta II engine also manufactured in Alabama. The hybrids fail at about 90,000 miles, which is on the higher end of the 50-90,000 mile Sonata engine failure, probably due to the hybrid battery assist on the engine. According to the Center for Automobile Safety, other Sonata Hybrids are experiencing engine failure at around 90,000 miles and burning up. Don't buy a used Sonata Hybrid if it was manufactured in Alabama (look inside the driver door jam for where it was manufactured) until Hyundai recalls the hybrids and fixes the engines. It's a death trap.
Am I driving a death trap?
Elaine Woodson, San Diego, CA, 02/27/2021
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Like many other 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, I received a notice that my beloved vehicle is subject to suddenly bursting into flames and, because of a KNOWN problem, it may be recalled. We called a dealer to inquire if it has yet been recalled and we're told that they haven't figured out a solution for the problem, so they aren't activating a recall yet. Our daughter and her new husband … asked me what year my car was. I told them it was a 2013 and they told me why they were asking. To this point I wasn't overly concerned, figuring the recall was not global and probably wouldn't affect me. My son-in-law said his sister, driving her 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, started having some strange things happening to the car while driving on the freeway. When the engine made a strange noise and started losing power she pulled off the freeway, grabbed her baby and purse and within a minute the car burst into flames. This problem came to roost right in our family.
The response from the dealership about not having a "solution" yet, so the car hasn't been recalled yet, makes this a travesty.
First, the problem is only in vehicle built in the Alabama plant. Obviously, ones built in other plants don't have the problem. Therefore, recall the cars and replace the faulty parts with new ones based on the successes of other plants.
Second, personally I don't give a hoot whether they currently have a solution. If my car bursts into flames it's well past the problem stage. Call my car back and give me a loaner car until mine is safe to drive.
Third, if a dealership is so blasé about the safety of my car and thinks it 'safe' to drive until an issue arises, or a solution magically occurs, then I suggest that the owner of that dealership drive my car until it's fixed or it bursts into flames. Hyundai is playing with MY life and the lives of my family. If they want to play this game I'll trade vehicles with them. I don't have choices. It's my only transportation and I don't want it to be my coffin.
I also noted that they are keeping a close eye on the guarantees on 90000 miles. When I sold my Honda hatchback it had logged over 300,000 miles on it's 2nd odometer. I expect the Sonata, by it's reputation, to last at least longer than the 90,000 miles...by a LOT. I don't want to have Hyundai tell me that their problem is mine when I exceed 90,000 miles. This Alabama plant problem is their problem and sliding it over to my side of the table doesn't work for me.
I guess you can tell I'm not happy with Hyundai (Alabama plant) and the Hyundai approach to the solution (or lack thereof). Get these cars fixed and safely back in action OR give me a trade-in.
Runs fine but the driver's door panel is annoying,
Benny Razak, San Diego, CA, 09/24/2021
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
There a recall on the engine, but it has great gas mileage. The door panel has the cup holder that hits on my leg..very annoying.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Comfortable and handsome cabin with simple controls
- Pro:solid acceleration for a hybrid sedan
- Pro:lengthy warranty.
- Con:Odd braking response
- Con:real-world mpg historically falls short of EPA estimates
- Con:tight rear-seat headroom.
Full Edmunds Review: 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in Ohio is:
not availableLegal