2013 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 1,330 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 95 involved a crash and 31 involved a fire. 68 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Campaign 17V769000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchAug 2, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.
Campaign 16V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
237 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2023
I have replaced the lights and battery many times and something keeps draining it. The outside brake lights sometimes stay on. So does the front running lights. The car sometimes wants to stall and when I press on the gas pedal it finally catches but still seems like it is going to shut down. The steering column has a really bad clicking in it and doesn’t seem to be tight anymore.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the while driving at various speeds, while slowing down, the vehicle consistently lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter sensor needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 145,000.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
Vehicle randomly stalls without warning due to a manufacturer defect commonly known as Hyundai piston slap. The car stalled on me on the expressway 4 times on a single trip causing a potentially very dangerous situation. No engine warning lights before or after the stall. The vehicle was inspected by my local Hyundai service shop and the fix is to replace the small block. Hyundai is well aware of this issue with these vehicles.
Engine, Jan 30, 2023
Engine failure diagnosed on 2013 Elantra GT at 47,000 miles. No warning light only a ticking sound and in the original lawsuit however my state does not qualify in Nevada for a replacement. Thousands have failed per the lawsuit yet Hyundai appears to be denying claims left and right and many other types, years and models were excluded based on where you live. The lawsuit was a mere band aid with many loopholes that all Hyundai to deny claims and have customers driving in a vehicle that can stall any minute and cause bodily harm or death. Hyundai is keenly aware and I was told by dealership to have my towed in, but no way they will approve it. I am out of pocket $10,000 cash for a car that likely ends up being sold for scrap. Why on earth is your agency allowing this madness to continue? Every single Hyundai that an engine fails in involved in this lawsuit should be replaced or eligible for a buy back but that is not what is happening.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
First engine replaced at ~ 60,000 miles under warranty by Hyundai due to bad bearings. My current engine, now at ~ 118,000 miles is exhibiting the same symptoms as the first engine, i.e., knocking and a burnt oil smell. Hyundai tested the engine and once again, determined via testing the bearings are bad again but now claiming they are not responsible for replacing the second engine under warranty. I've seen many reports and have spoken with personal contacts about Hyundai/Kia engines suffering catastrophic damage sometimes resulting in fires. I have three kids who regularly ride in this vehicle and so as a parent, I am concerned for their safety but also that Hyundai seems to be evading their responsibilities as it relates to the product warranty and the safety requirements of the NHTSA. No warning lamps or other vehicle indicators directed me towards this problem. Instead, I can hear the issue which prompted me to perform an independent oil analysis followed by a visit to the Hyundai dealership for an inspection. Now, it appears that I will be stuck with a defective, fire prone engine, that I may incorrectly become my financially responsibility to amend. If so, why should I expect this third engine, or the fourth, or the tenth to be any different or more safe. Thank you from a very concerned father and husband with extremely high mechanical aptitude.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2022
My car tends to shut off on its own while driving. I’ve fixed the fuel pump thinking that can be the issue due to the car passing “green” on the machine stating everything is good. No lights on my dashboard, engine tends to shake. RPM arrow is all over the place. The car is well taken care of. I’m spending a lot of money on mechanics fixing things that clearly aren’t the issue with the vehicle.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Oct 20, 2022
Well not even at 100,000 miles yet suspension noise all four engine not good as its not work well with the way they have set up with no dip stick suspension clink clack crazy not even at 100.00
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
I started my car and the engine took a moment to turn on, then when I was at a stop light the car started to shake and then turned off. I then turner the car back on and the engine light came on, the car continued to shake and I tried accelerating. When I did I had to push the gas all the way down to go fast, the car slowly got up to a speed of 40 mph and that was all. I made it to a body shop and they told me it was a crankshaft sensor issue. The safety of myself was in question since I needed to accelerate and intermittent stalling of the car was happening. I was shaking hoping I would get to my destination.
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
This is about the 3rd time I had to change my battery sensor since I brought the car. The battery leaks erosion and messes up the sensor. The car won’t start, lock and anything. I’m consistently replacing the battery and sensor.
Engine, Aug 3, 2022
All warning lights will come on the car usually when car is stopped at a stopped sign or light. Car will not be able to move but air is still on and radio is still on. If car is then turned off and then turned back on, no lights will appear and car will drive normally. Car also will start gliding like it has lost power. Usually putting the car in park and then in drive will correct the issue but not warning lights will come on.
Engine, Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the vehicle emitted abnormal loud clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to her destination and parked the vehicle. However, while restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started after the second attempt. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a claim to the manufacturer for assistance with repairing the vehicle but the claim was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided the same diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 29, 2022
In March of 2022 I took my car to have its regularly scheduled oil change at Mellow Motors and while I was there the service technician recommended I make a follow up appointment with the Hyundai dealership due to irregularities he noticed in the engine. I took my car to the dealership and dropped it off hoping this would be a minor concern that would be resolved quickly. When Hyundai initially contacted me that they would need to do a more thorough evaluation/diagnosis, I was surprised and concerned that something more significant may be wrong with the engine as the car was relatively new (previously garaged and serviced every 6 months), had low miles (54,000 miles), and had been taken care of extremely well since it was purchased new off the lot by my grandparents. When I started gresearching engine concerns in Hyundai Elantra’s 2013, I was even more surprised to find that engine issues were actually not uncommon in this year of Hyundai Elantras, and the issue known as "piston slap" not only lead to total engine failure, but could develop for no discernible reason, and was so common Hyudai had settled a class action lawsuit related to the matter instead of facing a recall on these vehicles. I found out I missed the date to file a claim by 8 months. Despite learning this, given the circumstances of the engine diagnosis (“Started vehicle found piston slap noise. Found scuffing on all four cylinder walls. As per TSN replacement of block assembly and necessary component required”) and learning that my car was included in the settlement, I figured Hyundai would offer to fix my engine under the settlements extended warranty clause to ensure their cars to ensure safety, or at the very least, offer to partially pay for the engine replacement, but I have been denied coverage for this engine concern. I think this is a very significant safety concern and that this year of Hyundai Elantra's should be recalled and replaced.
Air bags, Engine, Jun 23, 2022
My air bags never work and my engine is starting to become a problem.
Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, May 30, 2022
I noticed a loud ticking noise from my engine 6 months ago and took it to my mechanic assuming it needed an oil change sooner. However the noise became much worse the past month and a half and again took it to my mechanic which found it is an issue inside the motor itself and they could not figure it out except many 2013 Hyundai Elantra's have in fact had engine failure and recommended I take it to a dealer. I instead took it today to NTB assuming it was another issue with tires and unable to accelerate which almost caused me an accident on the interstate. NTB found that this is a serious issue with the engine and confirmed Hyundai is aware of the issue but will not issue any recalls due to this. My car is only 9 years old and when I bought it brand new there were already many recalls that was repaired. When I called the Hyundai dealership near me, I was told no recalls were issued but they are aware of the problem and just for me to bring it in it will be extremely costly just to look at it, and around $5,000/$7,000 to replace the engine if this is the issue which was confirmed by 2 auto shops. I have found many reports and documentation of engine failure with not being able to accelerate and my car has done this 3xs on an extremely busy interstate in which I was almost rear ended and would have been killed. I will once again contact the Hyundai Dealership near me with hopes of receiving a free inspection of the engine. I will also be sending information to our West Virginia Attorney General and close friend Patrick Morrisey along with documentation of recent and previous repairs of Brakes and countless purchasing of tires as well as having to replace tie rods numerous times. This also includes my cruise control will accelerate which I have received a ticket even when I told the officer my cruise control was stuck and no matter what I tried it would not shut off including when I stopped and put my car in park. My ultimate concern is the engine. The contact has stated that as of December 2022 the issue with the vehicle still occurs even after having the engine replaced. After driving home, the vehicle would not shift into park or reverse after several minutes of trying. At that time, no warning lights occurred and there was a loud noise coming from under the hood. HMA agreed to settle the claim with an offer of $708.12. The contact countered HMA's offer as follows: To release HMA from past and present issues with the contact's 2013 Hyundai Elantra; not join any recent or present consumer's including future class actions including seeking legal representation against HMA “IF” HMA agrees to replace my 2013 Hyundai Elantra with a newer model at which time if this is agreed upon, contact will waive all liability regarding my 2013 Hyundai Elantra. If HMA is not in agreement with the counteroffer, contact will continue to have NHTSA inspector Bill Collins follow through with inspecting contact's 2013 Hyundai Elantra including but not limited to pursuing all/any future legal actions against HMA due to driving a vehicle that HMA failed to conform to warranty in connection with your concerns and the vehicle’s repair history to date. HMA has referred contact's counteroffer to another HMA department and should respond within 48 hours. Contact forwarded HMA's response to NHTSA and WV Attorney General. The contact is waiting for response from HMA case managers. 03/24/2023 the contact received email from NHTSA ODI regarding an investigation of the defects of contact's vehicle. As of 04/17/2023 Contact provided additional recent repair receipts.
Engine, May 23, 2022
I was on a 7 hour drive from a weekend trip back home and about 2 and a half hours in, my car started having issues accelerating up an incline and my check engine light came on. I stopped and took the car to a mechanic. The vehicle wasn’t throwing any codes to indicate a problem and all the other components were just fine. When the mechanic took it for a test drive, it blew white smoke out the back and he said my engine was done and that I needed a new one. This car is not new but it’s not that old either. It’s at about 109,000 miles, so it should still have life in it. I was left stranded on a long drive because of premature engine failure.
Engine, May 3, 2022
While I was driving my car, my engine completely died. No check engine light had come on at all prior to the engine dying. There was a clicking sound the motor had been making for about a month but car was running completely fine and normal all the way up until the engine dying. Upon googling 2013 Hyundai Elantra engine issues, I found that many 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners had experienced the exact same problem that I had. I even found out that this model had been recalled in Canada for this exact same problem but for some reason, there was never a recall in the US. There was also a lawsuit in the US in 2021 addressing these issues with this faulty engine. This is a clear safety hazard as my car could have died on a highway or at a busy intersection (which I was very close to). A mechanic diagnosed the issue with a worn out timing chain (which is exactly what I had found online in the complaints made by other owners). Here are the notes from the mechanic: VERIFIED CONCERN. FOUND TIMING CHAIN VERY WORN OUT AND HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF SLOP IN CHAI. ALSO FOUND ALOT OF LIFTERS NOT FILLING WITH OIL AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO CAMS. TECH RECOMMENDS TIMING CHAIN KIT CAM PHAZERS ALSO BOTH CAMS ALL LIFTERS AND ROCKERS. ALSO VALVE COVER DUE TO PCV VALVE SYSTEM FAILURE. My car was sent to the dealership by recommendation of the mechanics to see if they would replace the engine since this is a well known issue but Hyundai refused to replace the engine.
Engine, Apr 1, 2022
Our 2013Hyundai Elantra Gt started making a ticking noise in the engine and now sounds like a lawn mower. Our car has been inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership and we were told it needs a new engine or our current engine will seize on us while driving. This is a huge safety issue for us while driving and could be a safety issue for others around us. This is a known issue for hyundai elantra 2011-2016 and Hyundai is refusing to help us or replace the engine.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
Car suffered a catastrophic engine failure with no warning signs, Know issue with Hyundai engines, beings I'm the second owner, hyundai would not warranty engine repairs. ( 114,600 miles) Hyundai car dealership said they replaced 38 engines in the last two weeks. Car dealership also indicated Hyundai was originally replacing engines with long blocks, and ran out so now replacing with short blocks ... (engine blocks only). Everyone is aware of the issues with this engine why is there no forced recall? Hyundai took 4 weeks to decide to deny warranty
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
Recently my car has had trouble starting, and the engine has sounded weak while running. While out my engine light came on the dash. I took my car to the parts store and they put the computer on to read the engine light. It stated that there are misfires in the coils. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. This put people inside the car at a risk as a engine failure couldve happened at full speed. No this has vehicle has not been inspected. My dash had zero lights on, until the engine light came on. This is my daily driver and can not afford this vehicle to be down.
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
I own a 2013 elantra and was sent in the mail in the spring a class action lawsuit from Hyundai stating there was an engine piston knock which could lead to engine failure. There was a timeframe to submit the claim to coorprate so I brough the vehical in to be diagnosed with the engine issue. Sport Hyundai had the car for months stating they were waiting for the tool. First the wrong size was ordered then the tool broke. The dealership had our car for about four months and still didn't have the correct tool. So I had the car moved to Millville dealership which finally after six months of having the car was diagnosed and by that time cooperate office said we missed the deadline. I was back and forth with the dealership and cooperate stating the issues. No one helped us I have documentation that when we brought the vehicle in to be diagnosed when it was moved to another dealership. No one has helped I reached out to cooperate multiple times and they stated there was nothing they can do. The car we now have back still with the engine knock that could lead to engine failure or catching on fire while driving.
Engine, Nov 24, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking noise would emit from the engine without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the clicking noise was a knocking noise that could potentially lead to engine failure. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that metal shavings had entered the engine which caused the knocking noise. He was then informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure. An email was sent to the manufacturer to reconsider placing the vehicle under warranty however, the contact had not received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
At approximately 35,000 to 45,000 miles my car started stopping violently on its own. It would jerk violently,make loud grinding and squealing noises and stop randomly on its own free will. This started happening repeatedly. Then after it would happen the car would not go when pressing the gas pedal. It would take quite a while before the car would get momentum back. This became very dangerous to myself and my kids. I purchased this car brand new. I got rid of it by trading it in at 78,000 miles. I contacted Hyundai and tried to resolve the issue and they were no help whatsoever.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2021
The car experienced (1) poor acceleration, (2) check engine light come on, (3) engine stalling, (4) Tachometer drops to zero. It was first found the MAP sensor was faulty. After the sensor was replaced, the car ran but stalled again intermittently. It was found the problem was caused by crank shaft position sensor (fault code P0335). After the senor was replaced about three weeks ago, the car has been running fine.
Engine, May 7, 2021
MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR IT WOULDN'T START, BUT IT BEGAN MAKING THIS KNOCKING NOISE. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THIS, BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING AND THE ONLY THING I COULD THINK OF WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. AND THAT'S WHEN I HEARD THE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 15, 2021
WE BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN, UNDER WARRANTY, FOR ENGINE NOISES AND STALLING. WE WERE TOLD THE PREVIOUS OWNER COULD HAVE NEGLECTED MAINTENANCE AND WE SHOULD DO MORE FREQUENT OIL CHANGES TO SOLVE THE ISSUE(OIL SLUDGE). THIS WENT ON FOR MONTHS AND THE ISSUE ONLY GOT WORSE. BY THE TIME THE ISSUE WAS DIAGNOSED(PISTONS), WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOONE WOULD HELP US. WE LATER FOUND OUT THEY COVERED SOME BEARING ISSUES, BUT NOT PISTON ISSUES. WE DID EVERYTHING RECOMMENDED. THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME DOCUMENTS, I HAVE ASKED MANY TIMES FOR THEM(MCGRATH HYUNDAI OF CEDAR RAPIDS). THIS WAS 2 YEARS AGO. WE ENTERED A CLASS ACTION SUIT THINKING WE WOULD GET THE HELP WE DESERVED. WE AREN'T GETTING HELP FROM THE SETTLEMENT AND THEY ARE NOW SAYING WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. IF WE HAD THE MONEY TO REPLACE WE WOULD BE GETTING FULL REIMBURSEMENT, BUT WE GET NOTHING SINCE WE WERE FINANCIALLY UNABLE. THE PEOPLE THAT DID GET THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THIS ENGINE TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE AND NOT THE DRIVER/PURCHASERS FAULT.