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.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
I will upload the files. I wrote to Hyundai complaining that I needed to be reimbursed for an expense I incurred with my car. See attachments.
Visibility, Feb 14, 2022
Panorama sunroof exploded while underway on highway. Glass collapsed into vehicle interior.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2022
TWO issues, that are, at times related: * First, intermittent airbag dash warning light enabled; comes and goes, no obvious trigger (bumps, turns, etc.). This has been occurring for two weeks. // * Second, if I stop and turn off the car while the airbag light is lit, the vehicle will remain in accessory mode, with radio and climate control still on, and the dash display says to shift the car to park (it is in park) and that the key is not in the vehicle, and when I attempt to lock the car with either key fob or door lock control, it will not lock. This has been occurring for nearly a week, first on 2/1/22 as I was attending my father's funeral. I have seen that there was a recall for the airbag issue for same year/make/model, but my car does not appear to be one of those included in the recall (searched by VIN). However, the second issue is the most critical, as I am prevented from securing the vehicle if this intermittent issue occurs. I have not taken vehicle to mechanic or dealer.
Steering, Wheels, Lane departure, Feb 6, 2022
Sometime around last November or December, I took my vehicle for oil change and other services performed at Pep Boys, I was notified that all four tires are almost worn out and needs to be replaced. All four tires were replace sometime in December 2021 and they also did the wheel balance and wheel alignment. Around January 2022, while driving, I could feel the tightness on the steering wheel and also my car pulling left and at times crossing into the adjacent lane and was tough on the steering wheel to bring it back to the previous lane. I informed Pep Boys and they carried out some tests and also did a wheel alignment at no cost. The problem hasn't been fixed, there's a knocking noise in the steering wheel and the car is still pulling right, there's also the sensor light flashing in the dashboard, which the mechanic at Pep Boys is unable to fix even after carrying out diagnostic tests. The vehicle is available for inspection, it has been inspected by Pep Boys, the warning lamp for the wheels is continuously flashing and Pep Boys has been unable to determine the course.
Air bags, Wheels, Feb 1, 2022
The airbag light turned on about a month ago, and it stays on for a while then goes off then goes back on and so on. It is very disturbing that this could be a life threatening issue. My tire pressure sensor light is always on. I check the pressure at least once a week to make sure it’s okay, but the light is always on.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. He stated that while driving at various speeds, he would intermittently smell a strong gasoline odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers and each dealer informed him that there were no failures with his vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
Recently my car has had trouble starting, and the engine has sounded weak while running. While out my engine light came on the dash. I took my car to the parts store and they put the computer on to read the engine light. It stated that there are misfires in the coils. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. This put people inside the car at a risk as a engine failure couldve happened at full speed. No this has vehicle has not been inspected. My dash had zero lights on, until the engine light came on. This is my daily driver and can not afford this vehicle to be down.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021
Confirmed the customer's complaint &found the engine didn't start. Inspected the ignition system & the air intake system, but found no concerns. Inspected the engine coolant level & condition & found the engine coolant level was fair. Filled the engine coolant to the proper operating level & continued diagnosing the vehicle. Connected an engine coolant pressure tester to the radiator & pressurized the engine cooling system to check for leaks. Inspected the engine cooling system & didn't find a leak. Removed the spark plugs for inspection & found the spark plugs were contaminated but Ok. Perform inspections of the engine compression & found compression was low. Under 60PSI. Prop the wiring to the starter & found signal was present & the starter cranks but the engine would not turn over. These results verified that Some internal components in the engine have failed. *NOTE: Found ignition coil cylinder 1 fault, causing P0301. Misfire. Replace with new ignition coil pack The tech inspected the engine. Found no obvious fault. No warning indicator. The computer shows the engine is running normally. He did check all the components & found a couple that was weak or will be going bad soon. The ignition coil for the remaining 3 cylinders is firing slightly weak. There are 4 coils, you replace 1, the remaining 3 are from the old engine, original until now. He's recommending having those coil packs replaced. That's helped the spark plug fire more properly. Also, the oxygen sensor on the exhaust pipe. the reading shows the O2 is switched late, meaning the electronic sensor is getting weak. It will fail soon, once it does, it will set the engine light .Engine Mounts: Right: With the engine at idle, performed an inspection of the engine compartment and found the engine shook. Turned the engine off & performed a visual inspection of the engine compartment & found that an engine mount was weak or damaged. The issue has been ongoing for months prior to this issue.
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
I own a 2013 elantra and was sent in the mail in the spring a class action lawsuit from Hyundai stating there was an engine piston knock which could lead to engine failure. There was a timeframe to submit the claim to coorprate so I brough the vehical in to be diagnosed with the engine issue. Sport Hyundai had the car for months stating they were waiting for the tool. First the wrong size was ordered then the tool broke. The dealership had our car for about four months and still didn't have the correct tool. So I had the car moved to Millville dealership which finally after six months of having the car was diagnosed and by that time cooperate office said we missed the deadline. I was back and forth with the dealership and cooperate stating the issues. No one helped us I have documentation that when we brought the vehicle in to be diagnosed when it was moved to another dealership. No one has helped I reached out to cooperate multiple times and they stated there was nothing they can do. The car we now have back still with the engine knock that could lead to engine failure or catching on fire while driving.
Air bags, Dec 20, 2021
The AirBag light came on the dash. It is red , when I started the car . I guess that means the drivers side air bag Is not working.
Steering, Dec 4, 2021
Steering Coupler inside steering motor has disintegrate. Causing a clanking noise as you turn the steering wheel. There is just a service bulletin recommending you switch this part out, but no recall yet. If the coupler bushing were to completely disintegrate you would have a locked steering column or lose complete control of your electric steering.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2021
Subframe is rotted. It snapped while driving; braking the control arm in the process. The lives of my children and myself were put at risk. If we had been on a busy road or highway, ourselves and others would have been at serious risk of sever injury and/or possible death. It has not been seen by a service center, incident happened 11/29/2021. The vehicle was inspected by a personal mechanic to find the cause of the malfunction. There were know warning signs before the component failure.
Engine, Nov 24, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking noise would emit from the engine without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the clicking noise was a knocking noise that could potentially lead to engine failure. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that metal shavings had entered the engine which caused the knocking noise. He was then informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure. An email was sent to the manufacturer to reconsider placing the vehicle under warranty however, the contact had not received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021
The subframe bushing that holds engine in place has deteriorated. With this issue as you hit potholes, rough roads, the subframe assembly shifts allowing vehicle to sway and drift out of the lane. This is a severe problem as I made several emergency stops due to the car vibrating and pulling extremely hard to the right at which steering wheel was straight an tires where straight. With this shifting if the bolts where to break off you lose complete control of vehicle except for your braking whether it's city or highway driving. With 2 lane roads and ditches if this was to happen you can be looking at a fatal accident or very severe accident. This issue needs to be addressed as it is a safety concern whenever this issue starts to present itsslf.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
It's the truck latch issue that is being recalled on many vehicles. Might just locked (truck) and will not open. I will have to bring it in to the dealer but believe that my vehicle should be on the recall list as others have the same problem. Please help. Thank you.
Air bags, Nov 2, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 - 30 mph, her vehicle crashed into another vehicle's front and rear passenger doors when the other driver ran a red light. No air bags deploy upon impact. The contact and her daughter, who was a passenger sustained bruising to their knees, and the contact's head jerked forward and back from the impact. The contact received medical attention on the scene and was later admitted to the hospital, while her daughter went to urgent care. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it remained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
Just bought this car used for my teenager. 127,000 miles and inspected by a mechanic and cleared with no issues. Brought it home and have driven it ONCE and it has started making a clicking sound that goes away once the car warms up. Took it back to the mechanic who said it is a piston issue and the engine will need to be replaced. $4-7k to replace an engine on a car I just paid $9k to buy. I went looking online for more information and have seen numerous complaints and even a law suit settled out of court for this exact same issue but no recall. This is nuts. That it is known that the pistons are bad on this car and can potential blow up the engine and need replacing but nothing has been done to fix it.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 28, 2021
Driver side airbag dash light goes on and off (mostly on). No accident or previous deployment of the airbag. Also, while under warranty the tail light and break light wiring was replaced as they would burn out approx. every 6 months. One light after another: tail light, break light, blinker, etc. It's happening again... seems to be a wiring or component issue. Have to keep bulbs in the car with me at all times.
Steering, Oct 27, 2021
THE STEERING WHEEL HAS WEIRD NOICES THAT JERKS IN THE HIGH WAY. IT IS SCARY KEEPING CONTROL OF LANES.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
I was driving my 2013 elantra on the highway and I hit a chuck hole the engine shut off and was stuck in the middle of traffic.I also have had instances when I will be in traffic and car will shut off sometimes the car will restart immediately and sometimes it will not. The car has a box on the battery that will also become loose from vibration that will prevent car from restarting. Thank God I was able to put car I. Neutral and restart it. This poses a safety risk for not only myself but others. also have had problems with the steering when you hit a bumb or a rough spot on the road car starts to shake and the ability to maintain control is effected.. the brake lights jeep blowing. This car is just a safety haza6 period. It is the worst car I have ever have and regret everyday that I bought it. They should order not only safety recalls but a recall for all cars made in 2013
Steering, Oct 24, 2021
The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF has failed. The steering wheel clicks and has a clunking feel and is getting more pronounced. There is a manufacturing design flaw in the rubber compound causing it to disintegrate within the unit. For some reason, all Hyundai Elantra models using this coupler are covered under a manufacturers special warranty with the exception of the Coupe Models that they made for only 2 years.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2021
Fuse system car completely shut off fuse blowing causes different things to stop working I almost got in a accident cause the fuse that ran the car blowed car stop in middle of the highway I have a Friend with same type car fuse blows out even when it's not broken
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated she was unable to open the trunk manually or with the key. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the tailgate latch to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,300. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
At approximately 35,000 to 45,000 miles my car started stopping violently on its own. It would jerk violently,make loud grinding and squealing noises and stop randomly on its own free will. This started happening repeatedly. Then after it would happen the car would not go when pressing the gas pedal. It would take quite a while before the car would get momentum back. This became very dangerous to myself and my kids. I purchased this car brand new. I got rid of it by trading it in at 78,000 miles. I contacted Hyundai and tried to resolve the issue and they were no help whatsoever.
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
There was a recall on previous Hyundai models for this same issue. The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF. I began to notice a slight sound a year ago, & it got worse. This is a KNOWN issue, yet Hyundai is saying its not a recall. This is an $8.00 part but in a spot that will cost $300+ in labor. This is a manufacture design flaw that should have never happened. Driving down the road the wheel is not stable.