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.
Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle stopped responding. The contact stated that she moved the gear shifter into neutral (N) position, then shifted back into reverse (R), and the vehicle responded. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were no transmission issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Steering, Aug 11, 2022
Driving on highway and the steering locked up and unable to steer vehicle. I was able to roll to a safe area and vehicle was towed to a repair shop and steering column needs replacement. Thank God I was not injured.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
Car was stolen. I believe the negligent design of the vehicle, and Hyundai's lack of communication/problem-solving, are at least partially at fault.
Air bags, Aug 4, 2022
My airbag light comes on intermittently. Since this is a safety issue, it should be diagnosed and repaired at no cost.
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.
Steering, Jun 17, 2022
Sudden Play in steering with clunking noise before steer Upon googling I see many hyundai cars having this issue A 10$ part replacement that costs 500$ labor
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2022
In July 2015 with 25k miles, the interior of the vehicle was leaking water from the sun visor as well as under the glove box. When I made a left turn I could hear water swishing from one side to the other, then saw water coming out from under the glove box area. Water also dripped from the drivers sun visor. I took it to the dealer in Troy MI and they blamed me for having dirty drain holes in the sun roof as well as having a wind deflector on the sun roof which caused dirt to build up and clog the drain holes. The sun roof and wind deflector were factory installed as I bought the vehicle brand new in 2013. The dealer did not remove the headliner to see if any mold was visible. They used an air compressor to clean out the clogged drain holes and charged me for the service even though the vehicle was still under warranty (dealer said it was not covered under warranty). I am not aware of the issue happening again, or if it did happen it wasn't enough water for me to notice. I however have and do smell mold in my vehicle daily. Today, June 7, 2022, with 116k miles, after leaving my car parked outside overnight with heavy rain I again experienced water build up inside the car. I saw water coming out from under the glove box and heard it swishing around. I called the dealer in Troy MI and was told they cannot service my vehicle, it is a 4 month wait for diagnosis. I called a second dealer in Macomb MI and was told the vehicle could not be looked at until August and all expenses would be my responsibility. The service tech stated the car would need to be torn apart (dash, door, headliner, etc) to find where the water was coming from. A dealer in Southfield MI would be able to service the vehicle two days from now, I'm suppose to drive two days with water swishing around? What electrical safety issues are at hand here? It seems as though HYUNDAI has a defect in the design or part(s) which is causing this issue. I am also concerned with mold growth from back in 2015.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2022
I was stopped at a traffic light, when my car stalled out and shut off, completely random, no warning signs whatsoever. No warning lights, no weird unusual sounds from the vehicle, just all of a sudden it shuts off! So I had to hurry and put it into park, turn the key back to off, and try to turn it back on. It BARELY started, once it was started we had a green light plus it sounded like it was going to stall out on me again. BUT when I pressed down on the gas peddle, there wasn't any normal acceleration. The car was in 5th gear and wouldn't shift down to allow it to accelerate at all like it should. So I am trying to get out of the middle of the intersection, had the peddle to the floor, and it's barely moving. While I'm trying not to die, I also noticed that there was NO RPMS being shown on the dashboard. Like absolutely 0 RPMS. This isn't the only time this has done this to me!! It seems like it's becoming more frequent, although still without warning indicating that it was going to act this way. And of course it's been at a busy intersection, basically playing chicken with my life. My husband hooked up a code reader to see if anything pops up and nothing indicates any sort of problem. It will be going to the shop for them to look at asap, but I haven't been able to successfully replicate the issue on command, it just does it whenever it wants to, conveniently when it's just myself and my 9 year old son in the car, no one else that may be mechanically inclined along. This has happened twice now, 1st time last week, and the latest time was today. It gets serviced regularly like it's supposed to, and it will be up for inspection in July 2022.
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.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2022
The car keeps stalling at a stop light in the middle of a very busy road. EPS, battery, oil, check engine light comes on. I have to turn the car off, and then back on. Sometimes it take it a few times before it will finally start. Everyone keeps flying up on me honking their horn, and I finally got pulled over to a parking lot. My safety and others are at risk while driving this car, and also my anxiety is through the roof because I never know when it will cut off or if it will even crank up after. The car had to be towed to the shop to be checked out in the next few days, because check engine light came on and wouldn’t go off this time. I really hope this situation gets resolved, because I’m tired of having a fear of wether or not I’ll make it to work. Or back home.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2022
The steering wheel is loose. It rattles when I drive especially when I drive over rough areas like train track, pot hole or something like that. I can tell it is very loose when I am making turns. There is also issue with fuel smell inside my car. I frequently smell gas. To the point where I have to let the window down to let air in. The gas fumes are strong. The gas issue has been a problem for 2-3 years.
Steering, May 9, 2022
Steering column has clunking sound due to failed steering coupling adapter. This problem has been covered through recall in Elantra and Sonata sedans but not in Elantra coupes. (https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXX7/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidat e/2688) This repair should be covered by Hyundai as a recall campaign to eliminate any potential safety issues.
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.
Steering, Apr 24, 2022
[XXX] Steering coupler failure. There is a recall on other Hyundai models for this same issue, but not the GT models. The flexible steering couple 56315-2k000fff is a known issue, yet Hyundai is saying its not a recall. This is a manufacture design flaw that renders the vehicle unable to be driven safely due to steering wheel shaking uncontrollably. It seems all Hyundai Elantra models using this coupler are covered under a manufacturers special warranty with the exception of the coupe models (this one). Hyundai's website states: "Hyundai Motor America is revising the warranty coverage for the rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering (MDPS) assembly on 2007-2015 Elantra Sedans, 2009-2012 Elantra Touring models, 2011-2014 Sonata Sedans, and 2011-2015 Hybrid Sonata Sedans to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first." This is a major safety hazard the manufacturer refuses to recall/repair. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Apr 20, 2022
My paint is coming off in pieces on the hood. It starting doing this at 97,800 miles.
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.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2022
Immobilizer malfunctioning while driving which causes vehicle to lose power unexpectedly while no key is detected.
Tires, Mar 21, 2022
Was getting onto the freeway i15 southbound at 2100 in lehi utah as I was making the turn i ran over a street sign that had fallen Onto the road. There was no avoiding it due to it taking up most of the road that was available. As running over the sign I was hoping it didn’t cause damage. The front passenger side tire started going flat. I was thankfully able to get off the next exit (lehi main st.) to park in the subway parking lot. Was able to change my tire to the spare I had in my trunk. The tire size and brand is 205/50R17 93V Yokohama yk740 gtx
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
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle within 10 minutes. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact stated she called AAA company, who came to her residence and replaced the battery. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure and had the battery replaced for a second time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed her they would not service her vehicle anymore; and she would need to seek service at another dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 2, 2022
I have an issue with my paint peeling off the hood and other parts of my car in large sections during rain and high winds adhering to the windshield hindering my field of vision at times. This has forced me to stop the vehicle on the roadside and remove it in order for me to continue. The paint peeling on the pearl white vehicles is a known issue since 2010. I've contacted the manufacturer numerous times over the past two years and they basically told me that they already knew about it and oh well. There's nothing they're going to do because the warranty has expired.