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
1,330 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Nov 18, 2023
There is a bushing in the electronic power steering motor that fails very often in this year model and make. This bushing is involved with the steering operation of the car and may cause loss of steering while driving. It is a well documented issue on the internet.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Air, Nov 16, 2023
I'm reaching out in concern for the Hyundai Safety Recall (Hyundai Recall Number 251). The letter, I received on 11/14/23, said my car is part of the Recall. There is currently no remedy. The only recommendation is to not drive the car and leave it parked away from structures. The 251 recall started 9/22/23. There has been no update and no resolution. I think this is not a reasonable time frame to have your car parked away from structures and not to be driven.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact later received notification for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure related to the recall. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The contact stated that failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred while her daughter was driving, stopped at a stop light, and in the middle of the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Nov 11, 2023
I got a recall letter in the mail and Burns Hyundai does not want to give me a service or loaner vehicle.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2023
UNKNOWN - The safety of myself and my kids are being put at risk with the recent fire risk recall not being resolved by Hyundai immediately. I do not feel safe driving this car and I have notified/called my insurance company/my finance company, and the local Hyundai dealership for assistance and no help was provided to me. I need this resolved immediately.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost all motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle then stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Steering, Air bags, Oct 12, 2023
The Power Steering System failed with both EPS and Traction Control Lights. Can only steer without assists. Air Bag light on
Steering, Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was related to the steering wheel. There was no further information provided. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Steering, Oct 2, 2023, crash
The steering went out, causing me to crash, car flipped. Steering was making this clicking/popping noise for a long time. I see on line a lot of other people experience this and also crashes.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 2, 2023
Driving the vehicle on 9/23/23 traveling at ~ 35 mph. Suddenly, the breaks were applied (not by input from me) and the car came to a screeching halt. The car had to be towed via flatbed rate ($100 charge) because all four wheel brakes were locked and could not be disengaged by me nor the tow truck driver. The car was towed to Napleton's Auto Park in Urbana IL. The ABS/HECU module has been confirmed to be at fault by the dealership mechanics. Presently, I am waiting to hear back from the dealership IF/WHEN the vehicle will be repaired under warranty. Thankfully the incident did not occur at highway nor interstate speed nor did I have my wife or kids in the vehicle. 2013 Elantra Purchased New.
Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The engine in my 2013 Elantra started making noises and the car stopped while my son was driving. He was able to get it to a nearby parking lot. We ended up driving it 1 mile to the mechanic who said “it might be time to get rid of this car”. It needs a new engine. Mechanic talked to the local Hyundai dealership, gave them the VIN and dealer said I would likely be eligible for an engine replacement under a recall or a factory warranty. I towed it to the dealer to do their own “diagnosis” before they could give me the official word that my engine would be replaced. Dealer kept my car for five weeks. They ultimately provided an estimate of $3K worth of repairs that have little to do with the engine failing. I'm not sure they even looked at the engine. They told me the car has too many miles and would no longer be eligible for an engine replacement. I ultimately had the car towed back to my mechanic. The mechanic is estimating about $8K-$10K worth of parts and labor to replace the engine. The mechanic does not suggest using a used engine. My car is displaying the same issues as the other engine recalls, but my particular model is not covered (yet). The 2014 Elantra is part of the engine recall. My 2013 Elantra is not covered but is still displaying the same symptoms, and the engine knocking noise and engine failure are the same. The "Check Engine" light is on. I have this car parked in a parking garage, unable to be driven, while I pay off the remaining balance to Carmax. My mechanic says it could "blow up" if I drive it, and at a minimum, the engine can fail while driving causing a safety risk to the driver and passengers and any surrounding vehicles or pedestrians. I can provide mechanic's contact information if needed.
Steering, Sep 29, 2023
When Ever I turn my steering I hear a rubbing noise. Upon online research it sounds like a steering (MPDS) bearing is worn. Sound it makes is getting worse. I fear if my steering will eventually freeze while driving. Manufacturer had a technical service bulletin for other year models but not for 2013 Elantra and they do not sell bearing alone. Was told they sell entire steering column assembly. No warning lamp/ messages earlier. I did have issue with worn steering coupler which I just replaced and still have this other problem.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while accelerating at slow speeds or while idling at a stop, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil and alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while accelerating at slow speeds or while idling at a stop, she heard an abnormal humming and ticking sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that upon searching the NHTSA website, she confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed to bring the vehicle in for diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 28, 2023
TPMS light is flashing due to failure in electrical panel, despite tire pressure being normal. Additionally, the steering wheel makes a clicking noise that increases when accelerating above 10 mph.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
1. Coolant hose leaked into the engine causing the engine to smoke and head gasket to be blown. Available for inspection upon request until I sell the vehicle since I need a vehicle for work. 2. The engine failure could have occurred on a roadway, and the coolant in the engine could have combusted further. When the engine is on, you can smell smoke. 3. The problem was confirmed by an auto shop and they recommended that the Hyundai dealership perform a repair. 4. The component has not been inspected by anyone other than two auto shops at this time, who both confirmed that either the head gasket could be replaced as an attempted fix, but that the issue could remain/become worse if the entire engine is not replaced. 5. Check engine light came on, checked codes at a shop within 10 minutes - only code present was an engine thermometer. Drove 20 minutes home. Drove to shop in AM. Shop described issue and recommended taking it to dealership for repair. Drove home and engine was riding rough, and began to smoke. I have done research online and communities online refer to this as "sudden engine death" and an issue that occurs often with this make and year of vehicle.