55 complaints reported

2013 Hyundai Sonata Brakes

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
55
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

Braking system failed on my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013. I was driving on the highway and suddenly the vehicle started a constant beeping noise and the dashboard illuminated with a message that read "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" as I driving 70 MPH on the highway, causing me to have to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid being rear-ended by vehicles traveling behind, this is a very dangerous issue, and Hyundai is placing safety of others on the lower rung of their priority list. I had the vehicle taken to the shop where I was initially told that the issue is contaminated braking fluid, the need to replace brakes and the brake master cylinder. Shortly after being notified of the issues that technician diagnosed I agreed to have these items replaced. However, when I went to pickup my car after being notified that services were "completed" the vehicle continued to have the same issues, the vehicle never made it off of the Hyundai car lot. The vehicle has been with Hyundai for over 2 months and suddenly I am being told that there is an ABS issue and that it will cost over 5,000 dollars to complete repairs. I scoured the internet and noticed that there are many other complaints similar to mine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 2025

Sudden brake failure while driving at speeds around 40 mph, where both the accelerator and brakes became unresponsive, forcing me to coast before regaining limited braking ability after repeated pumping or having to "restart" the car completely. During these events, loud grinding or dragging noises and vibrations were present. Despite adequate brake fluid levels and pad condition, the brake pedal went to the floor. Could be a potential hydraulic or booster failure. It is available for inspection upon request. I was in the car with a significant other at the time of the incident, this happened around 9 times on a very busy highway during a rush. I have been able to reproduce the problem on my own but has now been inspected by a dealer or independent service center. Online resources indicate others with the same symptoms under same conditions have. The component has not been manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. But I have very recently (around 4 months ago) passed a vehicle inspection. There were no warnings or other symptoms prior to failure, it's very sudden and having no idea when and where it would happen makes the car inoperable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Nov 2024

The fix for campaign 251 recall is taking too long.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2023
Sep 2024

after 5 months Hyundai does not have a remedy for NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 which is an acknowledged fire hazard. What is NHTSA doing ro encourage Hyundai to move more quickly?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2024
Apr 2024

I was pulled over by law enforcement due to both brake lights being out. Further investigation while changing the bulbs for the 3rd time in 1 year found the housing was deformed and plastic around the bulb housing was melted. The left light bulb was completely black and was difficult to replace the plug back into the plastic housing. The right light bulb metal piece melted into the socket and the glass part of the bulb fell off the metal piece and would not come out of the brake light assembly as if it was now to big to fit throught the hole. This bulb broke off the metal piece and fell into the brake light assembly. After using pliers to remover the broken metal piece from the bulb socket. The new bulb was placed and still could not fit in the hole it is designed to fit. Further inspection reveals the plastic housing the bulb should fit has melted and can no longer accept the new bulb or removal of the previous bulb. This is a safety hazard as the bulb and wiring gets too hot and could heat up the plastic to the point of burning the inside of the trunk. As well as continuing replacement for the bulb of which now cannot be replaced. Potenial safety risk for an accident if the brake lights cannot be replaced due to warping or melted housing. There was no warning or safety notice provided. Until I researched and found the problem has been reported by many owners of this make and model and there is even a recall that went out in January 2024 for the exact issue. I reported this to the dealer who informed me my vehicle is not apart of the recall even though my vehicle meets all requirements of the recall and extended warranty for the recall. Year, make, model, within mileage requirements and the safety issue being present. They want to charge me just to confirm the issue and possible charge for the repair.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Jan 2024

On [XXX], my brakes failed on my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on a busy interstate in Atlanta, GA. I had it towed to Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smyrna, GA and after "looking at it" they were not able to diagnose the issue. I informed them my brakes went out, they ran a diagnostic test and found where the message came across the dash, but stated it was fine and to bring it back if it happened again. On [XXX], it happened again. My brakes failed and the same alert was sounding off in my vehicle. I took it to Ed Voyles again and they were finally able to determine it was the ABS module on my vehicle. This was due to an electrical short in the brake system. I found out it is the same part as the recall. I emailed the service manager and he agreed. However, Hyundai Motor America will not allow them to remedy the issue because they haven't "come up with a remedy". The recall is listed as severe! Not only will it catch on fire, but the brakes also fail! There is a burning smell that comes from under my car and I am not sure how there is no remedy for a recall that could cost HMA way more than to replace some ABS modules. I don't feel safe driving my vehicle and I am not sure how to get more attention to this matter. It is immensely unsafe to allow millions of people to drive in a potential failing brake fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2023
Jan 2024

Hyundai is taking too long to fix the Campaign 251 recall for the fire hazard associated with the ABS system. What can you do to speed up the solution and repairs?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

Around mid-April of 2023, I was driving and i attempted to LIGHTLY apply my brakes and an alarm starts going off. Then the brakes VIOLENTLY start grinding. I went from 50mph to an immediate 10mph. The dealership said they replaced the fuse that SHOULD solve the problem. It did not. My car has been sitting at the dealership for a whole year now. They have not been able to update me on when it will be fixed. They have made ZERO attempts to provide me with a reasonable accommodation for my ONLY form of transportation being their lawn ornament for a year. I lost my job. I lost my place to live. And they are doing nothing. Now they say they're going to be replacing fuses to fix the issue but they already tried that and it did nothing. Every time I call to ask about an update, they put me on hold for over 10 minutes and then say there's nothing they can do at this time. The only thing they have tried to do is attempt to get me to buy a whole new car, which is out of the question because mine is completely paid off. This has seriously affected mine and my child's life. I don't even have a vehicle to go grocery shopping or make it to dr appointments or shoot functions because I have no way to get there.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2023
Oct 2023

The left front brake caliper fell off and rubbed on the wheel’s rim. When I drove in reverse and hit the brakes the wheel would lock up and I couldn’t move. The dealer replaced the caliper. I had the brakes inspected by the local tire and brake specialists, Les Schwab. They wrote the inspection as the brakes locking bolt(the bolt that holds the caliper in place) was missing and the caliper was rubbing against the wheel. There wasn’t a warning. But, I did hear a loud clunk right before the brakes failed then the brakes made a rumbling sound as if I had a rock stuck in the brake pad. I asked the dealer to save the broken unit so I could document it but the service department manager for Korum Hyundai of Puyallup tried to pass off a different unit. I took pictures of both my unit (on the car) and the unit the manager was trying to pass off.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

When driving with foot on gas car starts to decrease in speed and pedal goes to floor but I lift foot off gas then put back on gas speed increases back to normal

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Aug 2023

Tail light on but brake lights not illuminating due to bulb melting on the bulb socket. Happened to a lot of vehicle owners online and now happening to me. But no recalls are posted. Was pulled over by police. I checked once I got home and saw that socket is burnt and melted.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2023
May 2023

I was driving and the brake light came on and I lost the brackes

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2023
Aug 2022

ON AUGUST THE 15TH MY CAR WAS GOING DOWN SHARPE RD IN BURLINGTON NC AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH GOING TOWARDS ROSS ST. I TRIED TO STOP ON MY BRAKES AND MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP.. AS I TRIED STOP IT I FELT MY BRAKE PEDDLE GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY CAR OFF THE ROAD AND SIT UNTIL I HAD A TOW TRUCK COME TOW IT HOME. I HAVE MY CAR AT CHRENSHAW HYUNDIA. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TRYING TO GET MY CAR SERVISED THROUGH THEM AND THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN BOOKED U. THAT CAUSES A LOT OF CAR issues when you have to wait on an appointment. I really need my car fixed and I do not have the kind if funds that they are asking.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America Type: Equipment, Vehicle: 9999 HYUNDAI EXPRESSWAY 996, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2022
Jul 2022

hybrid brake warning bells went off and lost brakes. had vehicle taken to dealership and they cant duplicate problem. very scared to drive vehicle. Don't want to be a statistic on the road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2022
Jun 2022

The brake lights stay on even with the engine off. Happened multiple time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2022
Feb 2022

My ABS light is continually on and smells like my brakes are burning. And my traction control light is on at all times also. No inspection. available for inspection upon request.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2021
Aug 2021

my brakes stop working . The dealership advised that the HECU needed to be replaced. There are several incidents showing online with the same dangerous problem. at home going into my apartment garage the car just started rolling back onto on coming traffic. the brakes just stopped working, I swerved to avoid being hit. The car is at the dealership. There was not any working for this ever expensive problem,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2021
Jan 2021

BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND FROM ALL THE WHEELS. CHIMING. HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2020
Nov 2020

BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON, EVEN AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED, DRAINING THE BATTERY. BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON THROUGHOUT NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE AND ONLY EXTINGUISH WHEN THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL IS REMOVED FROM BATTERY. WHEN POWER IS RE-APPLIED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE LIT- EVEN WITH NO KEY ON THE IGNITION. HYUNDAI BELIEVES THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD MATERIAL CAN DETERIORATE, WHICH ALLOWS THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH PLUNGER TO REMAIN EXTENDED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED BY THE DRIVER. THEY RECALLED MODEL YEARS 2011-2012, BUT THE DEFECT PERSISTS IN MODEL YEARS FAR BEYOND THIS- PAST THE 2014 MODEL SONATA THAT I HAVE DISCOVERED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2020
Nov 2020

I AM GETTING A ERROR - FLASHING BLUE LIGHTS SAYING ' HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING DO NOT DRIVE ' CHECK BRAKES. THE CAR WILL NOT DRIVE, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2020
Oct 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND INSPECTED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 20,000 MILES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANTWERPEN HYUNDAI COLUMBIA (12440 AUTO DRIVE, CLARKSVILLE, MD 21029) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2020
Sep 2020

PERIODICALLY LOSING BRAKE PRESSURE CAUSING THE BREAK PEDAL TO GO DOWN THE FLOOR WITH NO BREAKING ACTION. NEED TO PUMP THE BREAK IN ORDER TO STOP. PLENTY OF BRAKE FLUID.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2020
Aug 2020

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH IN THE FAST LANE I RECEIVED LOUD ALARM "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE. ALSO ON THE DASH BOARD WAS A YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH AN ASTERISK. IN ADDITION THE RED BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR ACCELERATOR NO LONGER RESPONDED BUT LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. IF TRAFFIC WERE HEAVIER (WHICH IT NORMALLY IS IN MY AREA) I COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A HIGH-SPEED COLLISION. ONCE I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PRESSED THE BRAKES, THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION FELT IN THE SEATS AND BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED, I TURNED IT OFF, CHECKED THE BRAKES FOR LEAKS. I ALSO CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, NOT ALARM. EVERYTHING CLEARED UP. THIS IS DANGEROUS. I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. FOR NOW THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY DRIVE-WAY. WE DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT AND FROM WHAT I READ THE FIX IS EXPENSIVE. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE DASHBOARD DURING THE MALFUNCTION IF NEEDED. THANK YOU.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2020
Jul 2020 Crash Injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN BUT DID NOT STOP. DURING THE CRASH THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY WHICH LATER REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,400. *BF *AS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2017
Jul 2020

RECOMMENDED SERVICES BY KEYES MOTORS IN VAN NUYS IS TO REPLACE THE RIGHT AND LEFT TAILLIGHT LENS ASSEMBLIES BECAUSE. ON INSPECTION,THEY WERE FOUND TO BE BROKEN AT THE COST OF $1183.03. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY IMPACT TO THESE LIGHTS. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS EVEN AFTER MY COMPLAINT. ON INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE HAVE BEEN FOUND WITH OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM ON HYUNDAI SONATAS IN THE PAST DATING BACK BEFORE 2013 AND SOME 2014. SOME HAVING THE PROBLEM REPEATED AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 55 Brakes complaints on file. 4 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.