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: steering
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 16, 2021
The steering system is clunking both at rest and while in motion. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the steering coupler. This part is the subject of a recall in other similar models but for some reason the GT model is excluded, even though it is an identical part. The problem is getting progressively worse while Hyundai is refusing to help. The dealer service writer was at a loss to explain why my car is not included in the recall. First reported to Hyundai in January 2021 at about 90,000 miles.
Steering, Jul 29, 2021
El auto comienza a tambalearse cuando va a velocidad y pasa por una carretera inestable. El guía tiembla como si el auto se fuera a salir de la carretera.
Steering, May 24, 2021
MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A CLANKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN IT AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR GO DOWN A MOUNTAIN IT DOES IT LOUDER. IM JUST SCARED IT WILL BREAK AND THEN WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN
Steering, May 16, 2021
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAR STEERING BECAME HARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN. DUE TO STEERING ISSUE I COULDNT KEEP CAR IN MY LANE AND I WAS ABOUT TO CRASH INTO OTHER CARS. AFTER PULLING CAR ON THE SIDE WITH EXTREME FORCE ON STEERING. AND CHECKING TIRES PRESSURE, IT WAS NORMAL. UNDER THE HOOD ALL FLUIDS AND OIL WERE NORMAL. COULDNT FIND POWER STEERING FLUID TANK. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE FOUND OUT IT ONLY HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SO NO STEERING FLUID AND MANY HYUNDAI CAR HAS/HAD SAME ISSUE. IN FACT HYUNDAI HAS RECALLED CARS UPTO 2011 FOR THIS ISSUE. EVEN HIGHWAY PETROL SERVICE OFFICER SAID HIS 2012 ELANTRA HAD SAME ISSUE. FYI EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, IT WAS PURCHASED AROUND APR 2012, SO IT IS EARLY 2012 BUILT WITH POSSIBLY 2011 COMPONENTS.
Steering, Apr 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A BANGING AND RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WERNER HYUNDAI (252 CAPITAL CIR SW, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Steering, Apr 3, 2021
CLIPPING/POPPING WHILE TURNING STEERING COLUMN. FIX NOT COVERED BY DEALER AND IS KNOWN PROBLEM. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS CARS WITH THIS ISSUE BACK TO AT LEAST 2015. TO REPAIR AT MECHANIC/DEALER IS APPROX $400. WITH IT FIX CONCERNED ABOUT WEAR AND DECREASE IN STEERING ABILITY.
Steering, Mar 16, 2021
STEERING BUSHING UNDER DASH, CAUSING STEERING ISSUES.
Steering, Seats, Feb 5, 2021
1. THE FABRIC ON THE SEATS IS NOT COLORFAST. ANY DROP OF CLEAN WATER LOOKS LIKE A STAIN WHEN IT DRIES. 2. MY STEERING WHEEL KNOCKS WHEN TURNED LEFT AND RIGHT, WHEN IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. IT IS THE U-JOINT BEHIND THE BREAK PEDDLE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MAKING A KNOCKING/CLUNKING NOISE.
Steering, Dec 21, 2020
STEERING "KNOCKS" WHILE TURNING WHEEL; BOTH STANDING AND WITH VEHICLE MOVING ALONG CITY STREETS. LOOKED UP SYMPTOM ONLINE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN AS A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE STEERING COUPLER. MAYBE THE COUPLER SHOULD BE METAL & NOT PLASTIC. STEERING ALSO SHAKES AT 45MPH & ALSO WHEN YOU BRAKE.
Steering, Dec 16, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COUPE GS, AND I HAVE HAD THE STEERING COUPLER ISSUE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF ISSUE, AS WELL AS THE COMPUTER SENDING THE WRONG SIGNALS AND WREAKING HAVOC CAUSING ME TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, SPARK PLUGS, AND COILS ONLY TO FIND OUT A WEEK LATER THAT MY CAR DID IN FACT FALL UNDER TWO OF THE SPECIFIC RECALL NOTICES (BRAKE LIGHTS AND COMPUTER) AFTER HYUNDAI SAID IT DIDNT!. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AGAIN IN REGARDS TO ALL OF IT IN MAY OR JUNE 2020, THEIR EXACT WORDS TO ME WERE "WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO DO ABOUT IT?" AND NOW, AFTER FINALLY GETTING THE COUPLER ISSUE RESOLVED IN NOVEMBER, MY EPS JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT WORKING WITH NO WARNING. I WAS DRIVING AND OUT OF NOWHERE, THE WHEEL VIOLENTLY TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND LOCKED. NO EPS LIGHT, NO WARNING, NO NOTHING! THIS LUCKILY IN MY CASE DID NOT CAUSE ME TO WRECK, BUT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES HAD THERE BEEN ANOTHER CAR NEAR ME WHEN IT HAPPENED! IT ALSO DID IT SEVERAL TIMES SITTING STATIONARY WHEN BEING LOOKED AT IN THE SHOP!
Steering, Nov 28, 2020
STEERING IS MAKING A 'CLUNKING ' NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT HAS PLAY BEFORE IT ENGAGES. THE NOISE AND PLAY ARE PRESENT WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. ISSUE IS THE SAME AS WHAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE STEERING WILL NOT RESPOND PROPERLY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, Nov 11, 2020
THERE IS A CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND FROM MY STEERING WHEEL. WHILE I AM DRIVING IT WILL SNAP MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE MIDDLE WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE AS THIS COULD CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO MOVE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. THE DIAGNOSIS IS THE POWER STEERING COUPLER BUT SINCE I'M AT 101,000 MILES (ONLY 1,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIP WON'T COVER IT.
Steering, Sep 28, 2020
STEERING WHEEL PLAY WITH CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURN ~5 DEGREES RIGHT AND LEFT. NOTICED PROBLEM 200 MILES AGO AND PROBLEM GETTING WORST FAST. CAR HAS ~80K MILES.
Steering, Sep 21, 2020
THERE IS A KNOCKING WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING, PARKED, AND WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS BOTH ON STREETS, AND HIGHWAY AT ANY SPEED. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE
Steering, Sep 14, 2020
AFTER GETTING THE RECALL FOR BRAKES DONE , TWO MONTHS LATER MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED DOING A CLUCK SOUND WHENEVER I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT DOES IT WHEN DRIVING, PARKED , ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE CITY STREET.
Steering, Air bags, Sep 13, 2020
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND EVERY TIME IT IS MOVED AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF.
Steering, Sep 6, 2020
STEERING COUPLER WHEN YOU MOVE THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IT CLICKS MAKES NOISE WHEN HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT!
Steering, Aug 2, 2020
STEERING "KNOCKS" WHILE TURNING WHEEL. "BOTH STANDING AND WITH VEHICLE MOVING ALONG CITY STREETS" LOOKED UP SYMPTOM ONLINE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM KNOW AS A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE STEERING COUPLER. THE COUPLER COSTS ABOUT $5.00 US DOLLARS BUT COSTS $410.00 TO REPLACE.
Steering, Jul 30, 2020
FLEXIBLE STEERING COUPLE FALLS APART CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO.BECOME LOOSE AND MAKE LOUD METALLIC CLANKING NOISE. UNABLE TO PROVIDE PICTURES DUE TO ME NOT KNOWING HOW TO DISASSEMBLE STEERING COLUMN. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REPORTED ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI FORUMS
Steering, Jul 30, 2020
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED WITH MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND NOW THE STEERING IS PULLING AND QUITE FRANKLY I AM AFRAID THAT MY CAR STEERING COLUMN WILL COME UNDONE AND I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ISSUES.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Jul 16, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BACK IN JANUARY OF 2019 & WHEN I PURCHASED IT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND. I MENTIONED IT TO THE CAR DEALER & WAS ASSURED IT WAS NOTHING. AFTER HAVING MY OIL CHANGED I WAS TOLD MY STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS QUITE DISHEARTENING AS I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR JUST ONE YEAR & A HALF AT THIS POINT. I WAS TOLD TO RESEARCH FOR RECALLS IN RELATION TO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUES AS IT HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL & YEAR. I AM AFRAID MY CAR STEERING WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Jun 22, 2020
THE STEERING KNUCKLE (COUPLER) IS BAD. *TR
Steering, Jun 11, 2020
CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 TIMES FOR SAME ISSUE. CAR PULLS DANGEROUSLY TO THE LEFT. I'VE NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT NOT RECALL OR FIX AVAILABLE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT YOU HAVE TO OVER COMPENSATE STEERING. THIS WILL HAPPEN ON ANY ROAD OR HIGHWAY. EVEN WORSE IF ROADS ARE BAD, THE WILL OVER COMPENSATE ITSELF. SCARY TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, May 17, 2020
THERE IS AN EXISTING SAFETY ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI ELECTRIC STEERING. THE RUBBER STEERING COUPLING IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY HAVE ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SEDANS BUT NOT THE GT MODELS. HOWEVER, THEY BOTH USE THE SAME ELECTRIC MOTOR. MY CAR EXHIBITS THE "CLUNKING NOISE" WHICH IS A SYMPTOM OF THE WORN PART. MY HYUNDAI DEALER CHECKED IT AND IMMEDIATELY SAID THAT IT WAS INDEED THE PROBLEM BUT UPON CHECKING MY VIN NUMBER MY GT MODEL ELANTRA IS NOT COVERED. I THINK HYUNDAI HAS JUST OVERLOOKED THIS BUT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN OPEN CASE WITH THEM THEY KEEP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH ABOUT IT. I TRIED EXPLAINING TO THEM THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP. WHEN YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH YOU HEAR THIS CLUNKING NOISE WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF THE WORN RUBBER BUSHING. ATTACHED IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH IS THE VERBIAGE FROM THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I REALLY NEED TO GET THEM TO COVER MY CAR. IT IS A $300 PLUS REPAIR. BULLETIN NUMBER: 5NP-F8M5G-03 BULLETIN DATE: 02-27-2017 COMPONENT: 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL SUMMARY: HYUNDAI HAS ANNOUNCED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) COUPLING ON THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: ? 2011-2014 SONATA (YFA), 2011-2014 SONATA HYBRID (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 ELANTRA (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 ELANTRA TOURIN
Steering, May 16, 2020
WHEN I DRIVE ABOVE 60MILES PER HOUR, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO VIBRATE A LOT AND MAKING NOISES AND IT'S HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR, IT'S LIKE SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE. *TR