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, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2021
1. There is an electrical issue with the power steering. 2. This poses a HUGE safety risk, as the power steering could completely give out and we could lose control of the vehicle. 3. A local mechanic we use confirmed this. 4. No warning lights came on. We had started to hear a "clunking" or "knocking" sound when turning the wheel so took it in to get inspected.
Steering, Sep 6, 2021
There was a recall on previous Hyundai models for this same issue. The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF. Has failed some time ago and we had no idea it was this dangerous until today. The steering wheel would click and has done so for a long time over 2 years and we noticed it getting much worse so we looked up videos and parts to see what it could be. This is a manufacture design flaw that should have never happened. Driving down the road the wheel is not stable and bumps or thumps and is also very distracting while driving. The biggest concern is that it makes you think that the steering is going to fail and you will crash. If Hyundai did this to make people come in for a repair to just get money at the expense of fearful customers this is a corporate wrong that needs to be corrected and force them to repair all these at no cost for the life of the car and redesign these so this never happens again.
Steering, Aug 31, 2021
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra's EPS light locks my steering wheel mid driving. The traction control light also comes on simultaneously, causing me to be unable to steer at an array of speeds.
Air bags, Aug 26, 2021
Airbag warning light illuminated for months and will not turn off. Every once in a while it randomly goes away but then comes back on soon after. This is a safety issue if the airbag is not functioning properly and this safety system defect needs to be recalled and fixed for free. Also, I have replaced my brake lights 3 times in the last few years but as soon as I do a different tail/brake light goes out. What seems to be an electrical issue is also a hazard and safety issue if my brake lights cannot illuminate indicating braking.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2021, crash
My car was gone because the brakes were not properly working the day of my accident.
Air bags, Aug 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Steering, Aug 16, 2021
The steering system is clunking both at rest and while in motion. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the steering coupler. This part is the subject of a recall in other similar models but for some reason the GT model is excluded, even though it is an identical part. The problem is getting progressively worse while Hyundai is refusing to help. The dealer service writer was at a loss to explain why my car is not included in the recall. First reported to Hyundai in January 2021 at about 90,000 miles.
Exterior lighting, Aug 2, 2021
I am having trouble with the exterior lights on my vehicle. That includes brake lights, tail lights, head lights, turn signals (front and rear). I am constantly replacing them as one or several are always out. My safety and/or the safety of others are put at risk because of no brake lights, someone may rear end me, or having difficulty seeing in front of me at night when head lights fail. I've taken my vehicle to several different locations to have my bulbs changed, and I've also changed a few myself. There is no way to know when a brake light is out, unless I'm getting an oil change, as I did today, and had to pay to have two more bulbs replaced, and thankfully he was kind enough to charge the 3rd at no cost. I've also been pulled over to let me know my bulbs weren't working, or having random people in traffic let me know.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2021
My airbag light on dashboard is remaining on dashboard and vehicle check in progress is reported on my radio display information when i begin to start driving my car for past several weeks i have reset light as informed but does not correct the problem. i have had steering wheel bracket replaced and never have had a problem before now. I am a single mother of two and i rely on my airbags incase of accident for me an my family. How do i resolve this issue?
Steering, Jul 29, 2021
El auto comienza a tambalearse cuando va a velocidad y pasa por una carretera inestable. El guía tiembla como si el auto se fuera a salir de la carretera.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2021
One day while driving on a smooth road, my steering wheel began shaking and has not stopped since. I've taken it to our mechanic who indicated my rotors are fine, which he said would normally cause shaking like that. The steering wheel makes a clinking sound with the slightest movement, and every time I brake I have to firmly hold the steering wheel due to the excessive shaking. Sometimes my EPS sensor will go off. My mechanic has replaced some parts-specifically a "plastic coupler" in the steering wheel, but this shaking keeps happening. After researching forums online many people have reported similar/same issues, and link it to a plastic coupler in the vehicle, that Hyundai says is not covered in any recalls.
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
Seat belts, Jul 8, 2021
After starting car i tried to put the driver left side seatbelt on. It seemed to be stuck and would not budge after trying to pull over me. I noticed other people who owned Hyundai cars same year also had the same trouble. When I called the dealership they gave me a quote of $500. Not only does is this a safety hazard but fraudulent as well. Hyundai Corporation sent me a letter stating it was not a lemon. I never said it was. But it is defective and should be recalled!
Air bags, Jul 8, 2021
The airbag light on my hyundai elantra has been turning on for a couple of minutes when i start the vehicle and then will turn off. After a few more minutes it will happen again as if there is a malfunction with the airbags and the computer is trying to trouble shoot the problem but still finding an error. I would like a follow up to insure that if someone were to hit my vehicle that the airbags would deploy properly.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2021
I have an 8 year old 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. For the past month I have had several incidences where the accelerator to the car does not work. This has occurred getting on the freeway, going up hills, attempting to "go" when stopped at a red light, etc. The accelerator virtually does not work even though my foot is pressed on the gas pedal to the floor board. There are not safety warnings on the dashboard to warn me of this malfunction. The check engine light has come on and off but not consistent with these episodes. I have taken the car to the Hyundai dealer for service and they have been unable to find the problem telling me the codes are all ok and that the technician drove the car several miles and could not replicate the problem. I have found several blogs and posts with the exact same problem I have been having. I cannot drive my car for fear of it not accelerating as I get onto the freeway with the cars honking at me as I have had to manually move my car out of oncoming traffic. I told the dealer when I took it in today not to give it back until they tell me what the problem is. I can't even trade it in knowing it is unsafe to drive due to the "mysterious" accelerator problem. The dealer states the problem could be due to many reasons but it will be cost prohibitive to attempt to just go through a list in an attempt to find the problem. I know there is no recall on this issue but it is a serious safety hazard. I don't know what to do.
Air bags, Jun 30, 2021
Air bag lights has been on for quite some time. Reason: Unknown Engine light is on: Diagnose something dealing with taking on too much fuel Steering wheel: clicking every time I hit a bump or turn the wheel
Electrical system, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2021, fire
After the completion of my work shift, I return to my vehicle and discovered a fire has taken place. Lucky, the fire didn't get out of control and wasn't active at the time. The passenger seat was completely burnt including the seat covers and the items in the seat. The items in the seat included: Steak & shake leftover trash, and a perfume bottle. This fire also damaged a door dash bag that I had in the back passenger seat. Not to mention, the impact of the fire that created black duct all over the vehicle windshields, radio, seats, dashboard etc... No police report, nor fire report has been reported at this given time.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2021
The car experienced (1) poor acceleration, (2) check engine light come on, (3) engine stalling, (4) Tachometer drops to zero. It was first found the MAP sensor was faulty. After the sensor was replaced, the car ran but stalled again intermittently. It was found the problem was caused by crank shaft position sensor (fault code P0335). After the senor was replaced about three weeks ago, the car has been running fine.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 22, 2021
I have only had this car for three months. Two weeks ago the Air Bag light OFF kept appearing while driving. Then 3 days ago the driver side seat belt locked. It will NOT release. I have read a lot of forums from many others with the same problem from Hyundai cars. The dealership charges 500-1500$ just to fix 1 seatbelt. Its a safety problem as well as fraud.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The contact switched to ECON mode and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and the contact was awaiting a callback from the dealer. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
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?
Steering, May 24, 2021
MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A CLANKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN IT AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR GO DOWN A MOUNTAIN IT DOES IT LOUDER. IM JUST SCARED IT WILL BREAK AND THEN WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN
Steering, May 16, 2021
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAR STEERING BECAME HARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN. DUE TO STEERING ISSUE I COULDNT KEEP CAR IN MY LANE AND I WAS ABOUT TO CRASH INTO OTHER CARS. AFTER PULLING CAR ON THE SIDE WITH EXTREME FORCE ON STEERING. AND CHECKING TIRES PRESSURE, IT WAS NORMAL. UNDER THE HOOD ALL FLUIDS AND OIL WERE NORMAL. COULDNT FIND POWER STEERING FLUID TANK. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE FOUND OUT IT ONLY HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SO NO STEERING FLUID AND MANY HYUNDAI CAR HAS/HAD SAME ISSUE. IN FACT HYUNDAI HAS RECALLED CARS UPTO 2011 FOR THIS ISSUE. EVEN HIGHWAY PETROL SERVICE OFFICER SAID HIS 2012 ELANTRA HAD SAME ISSUE. FYI EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, IT WAS PURCHASED AROUND APR 2012, SO IT IS EARLY 2012 BUILT WITH POSSIBLY 2011 COMPONENTS.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2021
CERTAIN STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS -- INCLUDING THE VOLUME CONTROLS AND BLUETOOTH PHONE CONTROLS -- STOPPED WORKING. A FEW MONTHS LATER, MORE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS -- SUCH AS OTHER AUDIO AND MEDIA CONTROLS -- STOPPED WORKING. A YEAR LATER, THE ABILITY TO CHANGE THE STEERING TENSION, FROM COMFORT TO NORMAL TO SPORT, STOPPED WORKING. WITHIN THE PAST YEAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE STOPPED WORKING, AND THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY. ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2011-2014 ELANTRA VEHICLES, AND MY VEHICLE MEETS THAT YEAR RANGE AND MODEL, THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER REPLACING THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH THEIR CRITERIA. AS SUCH, THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED $480 TO FIX MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. IF MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE SAME AIRBAG SAFETY ISSUES THAT COVERED VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED AND WHICH PROMPTED THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE ALSO SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED CLOCK SPRING WARRANTY.
Air bags, May 11, 2021
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENT. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY WANT $185 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. SHOULDN'T AIRBAGS AND SAFETY BE COVERED BY THE DEALER IF NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED? I AM DRIVING WITHOUT AN AIRBAG RIGHT NOW DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST APPEARED ABOUT A WEEK AGO.