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, Jul 24, 2021
First even though it is an eight year old car. It only has 28,540 miles on it. No accidents. for the past few weeks the ESC light keeps coming on. I noticed there are many others with this manufacturer having the same problem, in fact there is a recall for this model ending in 2012. The dealer wants 850 to change replace the front left hub. I believe this is a manufacturing issue. thank you Michael Turner
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2021
When I start up and drive my car, the airbag light is on and it reamins on. I have nothing on or against the seat. Not sure if this means airbags are malfunctioning?
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2021
THE TRUNK'S LATCH FAILS TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I TRIED USING A LONG SCREWDRIVER TO RELEASE THE LATCH FROM THE INSIDE AND IT WON'T GIVE IN, EVEN WHEN I TRY OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE AT THE SAME TIME. I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR WAS ON AND IN PARK. I ALSO FAILED TO OPEN IT WITH THE CAR OFF AND THE CAR IN PARK.
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2021
THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES PERIODICALLY AND WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 25 MPH. I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE ESC SYSTEM OFF FOR SAFETY REASONS, BECAUSE THIS WOULD BE DISASTROUS ON THE FREEWAY OR HIGHWAY. THERE ARE NO OBD2 CODES THAT ARE IN THE SYSTEM. I CHANGED OUT THE STEERING FLEX COUPLER, BECAUSE IT HAD DISINTEGRATED, AND WAS MAKING STEERING DIFFICULT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2021
MY CAR FEEL LIKE IT DON'T WANT TO STOP I THINK IT'S SOMETHING GOING ON WITH MY BRAKES PADS IT FEEL LIKE IT'S NOTHING UNDER MY FEET LIKE I CAN FEEL EVERYTHING I DON'T KNOW IT'S IT'S LIKE A FEELING YOU HAD TO BE IN THE CAR TO FEEL IT AND IT DON'T DO IT ALL THE TIME THAT'S WHAT'S SCARY IT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S WET TOO
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 6, 2021
BOUGHT USED 3 WEEKS AGO AND IT DIED WHILE DRIVING ON INCLINE, HAS BEEN MAKING A TICKING NOISE, AND SLUGGISH, STEREO TURNED OFF BY ITSELF.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2020
WE BELIEVE THAT THE MPG PROGRAM WHICH WE SUED FOR IS STILL BAD, AND WE NEED SOME RECALLS DONE ON THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2020
EVERY TIME IT RAINS . IT HYDROPLANES REAL BAD. ON THE HIGHWAY. ANYTHING OVER 40 MPH. BACK IS TRYING TO OUT RUN FRONT OF CAR. I PUT NEW TIRES ON IT ALL AROUND STILL DOESN'T HELP.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2020, fire
CAR SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. ENGINE HAD BEEN OFF FOR 6 1/2 HOURS, KEYS WERE NOT IN VEHICLE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. HEAT FROM FIRE DAMAGED ANOTHER AUTO PARKED NEARBY. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE BLAZE.
Other or unspecified, Equipment, Jul 14, 2020
AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT AT 80,0000 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2020
NOTICED A OIL BASED LEAK UNDER VEHICLE ,HAVE IT INSPECTED THE LEAK IS COMING OUT OF A DEFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR ,EMITTING TOXICS FREON AND AC OIL TO THE AIR AND GROUND. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SAFETY AND POLLUTION. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2020
THE KEY FOB IS NOT DETECTED (INTERMITTENTLY). WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM LEFT STRANDED. MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE CHANGED THE BATTERY IN THE FOB WHEN THIS OCCURS AND I HAVE TRIED TO USE MY SECOND KEY FOB. THE PROBLEM STILL IS NOT AIDED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FOB UP TO THE START BUTTON, AS SOME VIDEOS SUGGEST. THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. UPON LOOKING AT FORUMS AND OTHER PLACES ON THE WEB WHERE HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS COMMUNICATE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE. I EVEN GOT THE BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jun 15, 2020
MOONROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 60-65 MPH. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2020
DRIVING PAST ON THE FREEWAY AND HIS TRUCK KEPT SWERVING INTO OUR LANE. I HONKED FOR OUR SAFETY TO WARN HIM AND PROTECT MYSELF AND MY TODDLER IN THE CAR FROM GETTING HIT. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO FOLLOW ME WITH HIS WIFE IN THE CAR MAKING HAND GESTURES OF SHOOTING ME AND CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO SWERVE HIS TRUCK. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 11, 2020
LOUD TICKING IN ENGINE, WORSE ON COLD START AND ACCELERATION DIAGNOSED AS CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE KNOWN AND ONGOING ISSUE ON HYUNDAI ENGINES ORIGINALLY DETECTED ON 02/27/2018 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CLEARED BY DEALERSHIP RETURNED ON DEALERSHIP ON 02-07-2019. DEALERSHIP QUOTED CONDITION NORMAL. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP 02/09/2020 DEALERSHIP DETERMINED CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE. HYUNDAI CURRENTLY ONLY OFFERING 50 % COVERAGE! THIS IS A KNOWN AND ONGOING ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI ENGINES AND SHOULD BE COVERED 100%. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 95,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. HYUNDAI HAS ISSED IN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF $120,000 ON SEVERAL MODELS WITH THE SAME ENGINE PROBLEM. HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAIENGINEINFO.COM/TECHNICAL-OVERVIEW/#WHATTOLOOKOUTFOR HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAIENGINEINFO.COM/ ALSO, THE TRUNK LATCH HAS COMPLETELY FAILED ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY LATCH OPENING IN THE TRUNK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2020
FOR THE LAST WEEK AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT MY CAR WILL NOT START. I GET IN WHILE ITS PARKED STATIONARY ON THE STREET, TURN THE KEY, ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON, I CAN HEAR THE FUEL PUMP KICK ON, (THERE IS NO CLICK), AND NOTHING HAPPENS. AFTER I REPEATEDLY TURN THE KEY IT HAS BEEN STARTING BUT I AM AFRAID IT WILL JUST NOT START AT SOME POINT. CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THEY CAR, THEY SAID TO CALL THE HYUNDAI DEALER. CALLED HYUNDAI DEALER, THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM (THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM) THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM, WITH NO CHANCE OF A LOANER (I CANNOT AFFORD TO UBER 26 MILES A DAY). I TOLD THEM ONCE I GET IT STARTED FOR THE DAY, IT USUALLY STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM THIS MORNING. IT HAD THE SAME TROUBLE STARTING THIS MORNING WHEN COLD, AND THEN WHEN I GOT TO WORK, 13 MILES AWAY, I TURNED IT OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT, IT DID THE SAME THING (THATS WHY I OBTAINED THE VIDEO OF THE ISSUE). I AM GOING TO HAVE TO BORROW A FAMILY MEMBERS CAR TO DRIVE WHILE THEY DIAGNOSE THIS WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM THEY HAVE "NEVER HEARD OF". I OWNED A 2007 ELANTRA SINCE IT WAS NEW AND JUST SOLD IT TO BUY THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE.. I NEVER HAD ONE ISSUE IN 13 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RECALL THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2020
WE WERE DRIVING TO TAKE ONE OF MY KIDS DR APPOINTMENT. WE STOPPED TO GET DRINKS FOR THE ROAD. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF CAME BACK TO LEAVE AND IT WOULD NOT START FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IT SAID AND THAT DIDNT FIX IT. WHEN YOU GO TO START IT IT WANTS TO TURN OVER BUT CANT CATCH EVERYTHING STILL WORKS THE WAY IT SHOULD PISTONS MOVE HAVE POWER TO EVERYTHING,TIMING CHAIN DIDNT JUMP THE SPARK PLUGS STILL ALL GET SPARK.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 15, 2020
MY ELANTRAS BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, EPS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ARE ALWAYS ON AS WELL. I SEE WHERE MY VEHICLE IS SHOWN THAT THE RECALLS HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ON MY CAR AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IS TRUE OR THIS WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. MY BRAKES LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BEING ON IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE THAT CAN CAUSE CONFUSION ON OTHER DRIVES AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M REALLY USING THEM TO SLOW DOWN. I'M ALWAYS HAVING TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AS WELL WHICH IS ODD. I'M VERY CONCERNED AND FRUSTRATED AND WISH I WOULD RECEIVE ASSISTANCE IN FIXING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY WRECKS WITH MY VEHICLE EITHER. I ALSO HAD SOMEONE CHECK MY CAR FOR ANY CODES AND VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR CAME UP AS WELL AS BRAKE SWITCH.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 20, 2019
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND WAS ALMOST RUN INTO BY SEVERAL CARS BEHIND AND BESIDE THE CAR. THE CARS ENGINE HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE SEIZED UP EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO WARNING OF EITHER LOW OIL PRESSURE OR HIGH ENGINE TEMP OR ANY ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED. THIS COLD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER HAD THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE HAD NOT TAKEN HEROIC MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE SAFELY PULLED OVER AND STOPPED. THIS ACTION COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DRIVER AND POSSIBLY THE OTHER VEHICLES BESIDE AND BEHIND SERIOUS INJURIES AND OR POSSIBLY A FATALITY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE OVER IT.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2019
PAINT IS PEELING IN SECTIONS ON BUMPER AND DOOR HANDLES. HAVE SEEN THIS ON OTHER ELANTRAS AND ONLINE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 15, 2019
2015-KEY WON'T RELEASE FROM IGNITION, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 2017-SAME ISSUE, CANT REPRODUCE ISSUE, NOT REPLACED BY DEALER. 2018-CAR WON'T START, BATTERY REPLACED. 2019-CAR WON'T START. DASH LIGHTS COME ON, CAR CLICKING BUT WON'T START. JUMPSTARTED CAR. WHILE DRIVING AFTER JUMPSTART THE RADIO INTERMITTENTLY WENT OFF. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR AND ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS REPLACED. NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING, CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF TWICE. 6 DAYS LATER-CAR WON'T START AFTER DRIVING IT 3 MILES, CLICKING AGAIN AND THE ENGINE, OIL, AND CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT ON. HAD TO WALK HOME IN THE DARK IN A HIGH CRIME CITY
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2019
WHEN DRIVING OVER 40MPH, CAR FISHTAILS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. WORSENS IN RAIN. FEELS VERY UNSTEADY AND UNSAFE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2019
MY SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME SO THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. IT LEFT MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 20, 2019
THE VEHICLE HAS A STRANGE SOUND WHEN STARTED UP IN THE MORNINGS. ALMOST LIKE A TICKING OR SMALL KNOCKING SOUND. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK UP IT STARTS TO JERK LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. ALSO THAT SAME JERKING OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN MY CAR IS AT THE SPEED 35 IT STARTS TO JERK LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO SHUT OFF TOO. IT HAPPENS ALL DAY LONG BETWEEN THE SPEEDS 35 TO 65. WHEN I TURN ON THE AC MY CAR MAKES A WEIRD SQUEAKING NOSE AND ALSO JERKS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO GIVE OUT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD ALL MY FLUIDS CHECK AND EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR. IT STARTED HAPPENING THE SAME DAY I GOT MY VEHICLE FROM A SMALL USED CAR LOT ON MARCH 4TH 2019. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE DAY I HAVE LEFT. I CALLED THE GUY WHO SOLD MY THE CAR AND HE TOLD ME T WAS PROBABLY THE GAS BEING BAD SINCE THE CAR SIT SO LONG ON THE LOT. BUT IT HAS NEVER STOPPED.