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: other or unspecified
128 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2026
UNKNOWN There is no incident happened.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2026
Car developed a sudden loss of power. Would start, although roughly (took a couple of times to start), then once shifted into Drive, the engine was very sluggish, like it was stuck in a lower gear. Upon stopping and restarting the engine, the problem would sometimes resolve and the car could be driven normally, however it felt unsafe to drive at normal speeds. No warning signs appeared. After consulting with a family member with this same year and model of Hyundai Elantra, it was suggested that the crankshaft position sensor might be at fault. After researching online, we discovered that this is a common issue with 2011-2016 Elantras with a 1.8 liter engine. (Reddit forums, also this link: [XXX] ). After trying transmission and other fluid flushes without luck, we took the car to a local Hyundai dealer. They said they were unable to replicate the issue but we told them to please replace the crankshaft position sensor, which they finally did. We were charged a total of $711.40 for this repair of a simple part. Please note, another Hyundai dealer in town replaced this part for my brother's vehicle free of charge. This should be a recall item for this vehicle and it should be replaced for free. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 9, 2026, fire
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 7, 2026
I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to the dealership bc something broke underneath and the breaks were failing. So they fixed the problem supposedly. I only had a 30 day warranty and after the 30 days the breaks started grinding every time I stopped. This went on for a long time. I had an other mechanic look at it and did something and I can not recall exactly what he said but after about a week, the noise started back up and at that time I had had the car for about a yr and he said I still had about 25 percent left on my break pads. So probably about 4 months ago I changed my front breaks, including the rotors and the back breaks to, I also had to replace the front left caliber bc while trying to take the pin out of the caliber to clean it, the pin broke. So I replaced it. Took my care in to get inspected And they told me I need to do the back breaks and the back right caliber to pass inspection. So I did the work and got it done. I am not a rich person so I can only take it a mechanic if it something that I can not do myself my I have had good training bc had been a mechanic and had taught at mechanic schools so I know I have help and if I am not sure about something he will help. So now after doing all of that hard work, I am starting to hear the grinding noise again with the breaks and my breaks are good. It always starts our really light and then gets louder within a couple of weeks. 2- the second issue is that my airbag light is on, I am not sure why this is , I have never been in any kind of accident. One day just popped on and never went off 3- I have read online that you have had a recalls on newer models for Hyundai Elantra with the issue but not my year. Well my trunk latch ended up get latched and would not open
Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2026, fire
The car caught fire all the sudden while parked and burnt almost completely (~80%)
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2025
It seems like this vehicle was sold new in 2013 with 16" wheels, but the tire placard indicates 17" wheels. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure the wheels haven't been changed since the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
I took my car to Millennium Hyundai in Garden City, New York on June 22, 2024 to fix NHTSA recall # 23V651000 (manufacturer recall # 251). The dealer claimed the repair was completed and I have documentation to this effect (see service summary, attached). However, neither Hyundai nor the dealer ever updated the NHTSA database to show that this recall repair was completed, so my car still shows that it has an open recall. I do not want this to be an issue when I sell the car. The dealer refuses to take responsibility for updating the database. Either the dealer did not complete the repair as required, or the dealer is refusing to update the database as required. Either way, the dealer is clearly not in compliance with NHTSA regulations and requirements. Please take whatever actions are necessary against Millennium Hyundai. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 25, 2025
I have had a Fire Risk Warning Safety Recall on my car for 1.5 years and there is no remedy for it. This puts my safety at risk daily, as well as everyone around me.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2025
I own a 2013 Elantra Hyundai. I have owned the car since 2019. A few days ago, I was unable to open my trunk with the electronic key. I had my battery replaced at a dealership. My trunk still wont open. I checked Google website. Consumer Report reported a recall in March 2024 for latch to be replaced. Am asking that the recall be honored. Please advise. My email is: [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2024
My engine is ticking. The auto shop told me that my motor is shot and the same thing happened to my sons car. We both have the same car same year. There has been a law suit for this issue.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2024
Unknown
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 20, 2024
While pulling out onto a major main road, my car just stopped. The RPM's remained on zero after I restarted the car. I had to get it towed. The engine light was on, and it had trouble restarting. The code read camshaft. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and no other codes registered. It shut off two times after the camshaft was replaced. I took it back to the mechanic and it shut off on him 5 times. This car is unsafe. I am afraid to drive it, especially with have a young child.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
I was driving my car for 3 minutes, made a left and all the sudden every light on the dashboard came on, the vehicle slowed and the engined died. I was able to get to the side of the street and park the car safely. It took two times for the car to start back up. I called Hyundai Santa Monica Dealership and was able to bring my car in. I have been here all day and since they cannot replicate the issue, they do not know what is wrong with the car. They also are not seeing a history of all the dashboard lights coming on. I have called Hyundai Customer Care and have started a claim with them as I do not feel safe driving this vehicle with an unknown issue. I was fortunate enough to be on a side street, but if this has happened in traffic or on a freeway, I would absolutely have been hit as the car immediately slowed and died without warning. There were no warning signs at the time this happened. I brought my car in for another issue a few weeks ago as there was a problem with the gas gauge and sensors. Previously, the car (on a filled gas take), would flash the gas tank, look empty, and the car slowed and stopped. They said they fixed this prior issue. I am worried to drive this car as I do not know what is wrong with it, and at this point, they do not know either. I have contacted Hyundai customer care team and filed a claim. I am waiting for a case manager to return my call and information on the next steps.
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
Hyundai put out a recall on Sep 22, 2023 and nothing has been done to fix the issue. Every day I get into my car to drive I am scared & terrified that the car will catch fire while I am in it and not only injure me, my child, or other passengers, but potentially other drivers on the road. I am also afraid to park anywhere due to the risk of the car catching fire. My car is my lifeline and I cannot afford to get another car. My workplace only has a parking garage, so I have no other place to park, so now everyday my car could potentially cause structural damages in the garage and other cars could be damaged. I don't want to be on the highway and not have time to get out of the car safely. If Hyundai knows there is a potential FIRE threat, every single car should be pulled off the road and replaced or fixed immediately. Not everyone will know what a fire smells like or if something malfunctions in the electrical system due to the fire/smoke, how will passengers be alerted to immediately pull over and leave the car. This recall sounds extremely urgent. Hyundai needs to be forced to fix all of the issues. Waiting 6 months already with these dangerous cars on the road is irresponsible and can potentially cause a lot of trauma to people, such as myself. Leaking brakes should be considered a high priority and I do not understand why it is not being looked at that way. Hyundai is putting so many lives in danger on the road and its inexcusable.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2024
I received the recall notice for Recall 251, NHTSA Recall #23V651000. Per the instructions, I have been parking my car outside while awaiting the remedy. I have checked back numerous times to see if a remedy was available. Yesterday my driver's side lock in the handle was broken in an attempted break-in/theft, which most certainly would not have happened if the car was in my garage. I believe the company has not remedied the defect in a reasonable time period and the delay has directly led to further damage of my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2024
It has been six months since this recall (Manufacturer Recall Number 251; NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) was issued. It is not yet complete. This is an unreasonable amount of time to wait for a remedy.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 20, 2024
There is still not a remedy and we have been notified of this problem since November. Having to wait 6 months for a remedy and the chance that it might catch on fire is highly dangerous and scary! There is no reason that this should take so long. Can the manufacturer not do something about this.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 26, 2024
Nothing has happened yet but: The anti-lock brake system is faulty. Hyundai says the brake system could explode into flame either parked or when driving. We were told to park the car at a distance from other cars. My apartment complex has a nearly full parking lot. Wherever I park someone can park next to me. Hyundai also says it is safe to drive. It is unnerving to have this issue, when I drive the car, which I need to do, I just hope for the best. It was my retirement car and I can't afford another. A fix for anti-lock brake fire hazard issue has not happened yet, and the recall was announced November 1, 2023.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2024
The recall was issued in September and to date in February there is no remedy. The manufacturer has failed to provide remedy in a timely manner, leaving millions of vehicles unsafe for drivers including myself.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 29, 2024
Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000 This recall was issued over 4 months ago and a remedy is still not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 13, 2024
there is no fix for the car and i cannot park the car where it would not injure persons or property the solution is for hyundai to replace the car or give me a free rental car till there is a fix -2013 elantra is subject to fire
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 8, 2024
I received notice about NHTSA Recall Number 23V-651 a few months ago. According to the Hyundai Recall website (their recall # is 251), the recall started September 22, 2023 and the status is "Incomplete. Remedy not yet available." I think over 3 months is long enough for Hyundai to be able to find a suitable remedy FOR A FIRE RISK. I would like to be able to have the recall completed and my car serviced for that issue ASAP. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2024
There has been an open recall on my car, where it might catch fire, for months, and there is still no resolution. This seems crazy to me. My kids ride in that car.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2023
I received a notice that I am driving a potential bomb and they will fix it. They are building a factory in my area for making new cars, but shouldn't they be required to fix their old cars before making new ones. They have no date for fixing my car which, basically, makes me without a vehicle indefinitely, which could be forever, if ever. I am unable to purchase a new car, so here I am with a bomb.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 4, 2023
There was no incident. I’m complaining because Hyundai has yet to do anything to address the recall Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000. Why aren’t you insisting that Hyundai starts repairing vehicles affected by a recall issued last September. And the last time my car was recalled for a different recall I had to wait 2 months to get an appointment with my dealer. So who knows how long it will take to resolve this current recall. How can you allow them to take so long to fix this serious problem. Do something!!