The oil filter location and part number for your 2013 Sonata

The oil filter on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata sits on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold. You'll find it mounted vertically on the engine block itself — not on top, not on the side facing the wheel well, but tucked underneath where the engine meets the frame. This location means you'll need to get under the car or use a ramp to reach it comfortably.

The factory part number is 26300-35503, which is a Hyundai OEM filter. Aftermarket filters that fit the 2013 Sonata include Fram PH3593A, Mobil 1 M1-110, and Bosch 3323. All three are widely available at auto parts stores and online retailers. The filter itself is a spin-on type, meaning you unscrew it by hand rather than replacing a cartridge inside a housing.

Before you buy, confirm your engine size — the 2013 Sonata came with either a 2.0-liter turbo, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or a 2.0-liter hybrid engine. All three use the same filter, so you don't need to worry about matching the wrong part, but it's worth double-checking your receipt or owner's manual to be certain.

Key Takeaways

  • The oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine below the intake manifold, requiring you to get under the car to reach it.
  • The OEM part number is 26300-35503, and common aftermarket replacements include Fram PH3593A, Mobil 1 M1-110, and Bosch 3323.
  • All 2013 Sonata engines — the 2.0 turbo, 2.4 four-cylinder, and 2.0 hybrid — use the same filter size and type.
  • You will need a filter wrench, a drain pan, and new oil to complete the job, plus jack stands if you're raising the car yourself.

What you need before you start

Gather your tools and materials before you get under the car. You'll need a filter wrench (a cup-style wrench works best for this filter), a drain pan to catch old oil, a rag or paper towels, and the new filter itself. If you're also changing the oil — which you should, since the filter job is already half the work — you'll need the correct oil type and amount for your Sonata.

The 2013 Sonata holds between 3.7 and 4.2 quarts of oil depending on whether you're also replacing the filter, so check your owner's manual for the exact capacity. Most owners use either 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic or conventional oil. You'll also want jack stands if you're raising the car yourself, and a jack to lift it safely.

If you don't own a filter wrench, you can rent one from most auto parts stores for a few dollars, or borrow one from a friend. Trying to remove the filter by hand or with an improvised tool often strips the filter housing, which creates a much bigger problem.

Step-by-step removal and installation

Start by warming up the engine for a minute or two — warm oil flows more easily — then turn it off and let it sit for a few minutes. Raise the car on jack stands if needed to give yourself room to work underneath. Locate the filter on the driver's side below the intake manifold and position your drain pan underneath it.

Use your filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise until it breaks free, then unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. Oil will drip out, so keep the pan in place. Once the old filter is off, wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a rag — any old rubber or debris left behind can cause leaks.

Before installing the new filter, explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on top of the filter. This helps create a proper seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct, and over-tightening damages the gasket.

Lower the car back down, start the engine, and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath for leaks around the filter. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine, let it cool for a minute, and tighten the filter slightly more. Once you're confident there are no leaks, check your oil level with the dipstick and top it off if needed.

Common mistakes that cause leaks or damage

The most frequent error is over-tightening the filter with a wrench. The rubber gasket on top of the filter is designed to compress just enough to seal at hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn. Cranking it down with a wrench crushes the gasket, which then leaks or fails to seal at all. If you've already over-tightened, you may need to replace the filter again.

Another common mistake is forgetting to oil the gasket on the new filter before installation. A dry gasket doesn't seal properly and can leak when ready or fail during the next oil change when you try to remove it. This takes five seconds and prevents both problems.

A third mistake is not cleaning the mounting surface. Old rubber or debris left on the engine block prevents the new gasket from seating flush, which causes slow leaks that show up a few days after the job. Wipe it clean every time.

When to replace the filter and what interval to follow

Hyundai recommends replacing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2013 Sonata with conventional oil, that's typically every 5,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. If you use synthetic oil, the interval extends to 10,000 miles or six months. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your car, as it may vary slightly depending on driving conditions.

If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, dusty environments, or extreme temperatures — follow the conventional oil interval even if you use synthetic oil. The filter collects contaminants faster under these conditions, so changing it more often protects your engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can change just the filter. However, since you're already underneath the car and the job is half done, most owners change both at the same time. The filter is inexpensive compared to the labor, and fresh oil and a fresh filter work together to keep your engine clean.

What should I do with the old oil and filter?

Take the old oil and filter to an auto parts store, a quick-lube shop, or a municipal hazardous waste facility. Most auto parts stores accept used oil and filters for free, even if you didn't buy your new oil from them. Never pour old oil down the drain or throw the filter in the trash.

Is the filter location the same on all 2013 Sonatas?

Yes. All 2013 Sonatas — regardless of engine size or trim level — have the filter in the same location on the driver's side below the intake manifold. The filter size and type are also identical across all three engine options.

Do I need to reset anything after changing the filter?

No. Unlike some maintenance items, changing the oil filter does not trigger a warning light or require any computer reset on the 2013 Sonata. Your car will not know the filter was changed unless you manually reset the maintenance reminder through the instrument cluster menu if your Sonata has one.

Can I use a different filter size if I can't find the right one?

No. Using a filter that doesn't match your engine's specifications can cause leaks, improper oil flow, or engine damage. If you can't find the correct filter locally, order it online — it's inexpensive and will arrive within a few days. Never substitute a different size.