PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated August 2026
1,903
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2011–2016
Model years affected
$5,000 – $7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →"Violent shudder and rapid deceleration" at highway speed
Check engine light: On
~45% of all complaints for this vehicle concern the Theta II GDI engine. One account describes the engine seizing with a 'violent shudder and rapid deceleration,' creating a near-collision risk. Affects both the 2.4L and 2.0T engine variants.
One owner reports burning a quart every 375 miles
Check engine light: On
A severe, silent oil-loss pattern with no driver-facing alert, directly implicated in the connecting-rod-bearing engine failures above — one owner reports 'burning a quart every 375 miles.'
Injured the occupant's face
Check engine light: On
One severe case: unexpected airbag deployment in a parked vehicle with no collision, causing a facial injury.
Described as "identical" to a recalled defect
Check engine light: On
Owners describe a high-pressure fuel leak 'identical' to a recalled defect, but the manufacturer is reported as actively denying the connection and coverage rather than silently declining.
Some occurring after a recall repair had already been performed
Check engine light: On
8 documented fires for a single sampled model year, mostly engine-related; one vehicle caught fire during a jump-start attempt following an initial failure-to-start. Some fires occurred after a recall repair had already been performed.
Specific to the Sonata Hybrid variant, at highway speeds
Check engine light: On
A safety-relevant brake problem specific to the Sonata Hybrid: sudden brake warnings and loss of braking power at highway speeds.
The parking lights do not turn off
Check engine light: Off
The parking lights do not turn off. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 315 owner reports on file.
Improved timing chain tensioners correct noise on startup
Check engine light: Off
Improved timing chain tensioners correct noise on startup. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 213 owner reports on file.
The transmission will not shift and/or the check engine light comes on due to failed speed sensors in the transmission
Check engine light: On
The transmission will not shift and/or the check engine light comes on due to failed speed sensors in the transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 213 owner reports on file.
A rough idle is caused by a faulty EGR switching valve
Check engine light: Off
A rough idle is caused by a faulty EGR switching valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 159 owner reports on file.
Widespread paint peeling and rust affect the hood, roof, and trunk
Check engine light: Off
Widespread paint peeling and rust affect the hood, roof, and trunk. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 158 owner reports on file.
The check engine light comes on due to a faulty accelerator pedal position switch
Check engine light: On
The check engine light comes on due to a faulty accelerator pedal position switch. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 154 owner reports on file.
No sound comes from the speakers
Check engine light: Off
No sound comes from the speakers. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
The crankshaft sensor is damaged by a broken timing belt
Check engine light: Off
The crankshaft sensor is damaged by a broken timing belt. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.
NHTSA has raised a concern about rust forming at the front suspension mounting points, frame, or sub-frame
Check engine light: Off
NHTSA has raised a concern about rust forming at the front suspension mounting points, frame, or sub-frame. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
The temperature gauge reads erratically and does not reflect the actual engine temperature
Check engine light: Off
The temperature gauge reads erratically and does not reflect the actual engine temperature. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
A high-pressure fuel leak reportedly 'identical' to a recalled defect has coverage denied by the manufacturer, and owners report systematic warranty denial for engine replacements citing documentation technicalities despite qualifying recalls. This generation's Theta II GDI engine defect is one of the most widely publicized engine reliability problems in the industry. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
IMPORTANT — THIS GENERATION'S ENGINE DEFECT IS EXTENSIVELY DOCUMENTED. ~45% of all complaints for this vehicle concern the Theta II GDI engine — connecting rod bearing failure causing sudden engine seizure at highway speeds, described in one account as a 'violent shudder and rapid deceleration.' Excessive oil consumption with no dashboard warning is directly implicated in these failures. This summary is based on a sample of NHTSA complaints and owner-reported repairs, and is not a complete account of the public record on this defect.