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.
Engine, Jan 2, 2021
THE ENGINE MAKES PISTON SLAP NOISE WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS COLD AROUND 50 OR BELOW FAHRENHEIT. THE ENGINE WILL MAKE LOUD CLAPPING NOISE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW. POSSIBLE CAUSE IS PISTON SKIRT BEING TO SHORT CAUSING SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT WHEN COLD. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. IN CANADA HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOTIFIED THEM TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 28, 2020
ONLY WHEN WET BRAKING STARTS TO MAKE NOISE AND ACT LIKE IT WANT STOP. IT HAS NEW BRAKES.*DT*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 24, 2020
BRAKES DON'T WANT TO STOP EVEN AFTER I'VE GOT THEM REPAIRED BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT EVEN AFTER THE BULBS HAS BEEN REPLACED
Steering, Dec 21, 2020
STEERING "KNOCKS" WHILE TURNING WHEEL; BOTH STANDING AND WITH VEHICLE MOVING ALONG CITY STREETS. LOOKED UP SYMPTOM ONLINE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN AS A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE STEERING COUPLER. MAYBE THE COUPLER SHOULD BE METAL & NOT PLASTIC. STEERING ALSO SHAKES AT 45MPH & ALSO WHEN YOU BRAKE.
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.
Seat belts, Engine, Dec 17, 2020
WHEN I START MY CAR THE ENGINE TICKS I BELIEVE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A PISTON ISSUE ALSO MY SEATBELTS DON'T PROPERLY SECURE I HAVE TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO BUCKLE IT
Air bags, Dec 16, 2020, crash
SRS AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. 70,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.
Steering, Dec 16, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COUPE GS, AND I HAVE HAD THE STEERING COUPLER ISSUE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF ISSUE, AS WELL AS THE COMPUTER SENDING THE WRONG SIGNALS AND WREAKING HAVOC CAUSING ME TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, SPARK PLUGS, AND COILS ONLY TO FIND OUT A WEEK LATER THAT MY CAR DID IN FACT FALL UNDER TWO OF THE SPECIFIC RECALL NOTICES (BRAKE LIGHTS AND COMPUTER) AFTER HYUNDAI SAID IT DIDNT!. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AGAIN IN REGARDS TO ALL OF IT IN MAY OR JUNE 2020, THEIR EXACT WORDS TO ME WERE "WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO DO ABOUT IT?" AND NOW, AFTER FINALLY GETTING THE COUPLER ISSUE RESOLVED IN NOVEMBER, MY EPS JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT WORKING WITH NO WARNING. I WAS DRIVING AND OUT OF NOWHERE, THE WHEEL VIOLENTLY TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND LOCKED. NO EPS LIGHT, NO WARNING, NO NOTHING! THIS LUCKILY IN MY CASE DID NOT CAUSE ME TO WRECK, BUT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES HAD THERE BEEN ANOTHER CAR NEAR ME WHEN IT HAPPENED! IT ALSO DID IT SEVERAL TIMES SITTING STATIONARY WHEN BEING LOOKED AT IN THE SHOP!
Air bags, Dec 15, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHT GOS ON AND OFF
Air bags, Dec 14, 2020
EVERY TIME I TURN THE VEHICLE ON MY AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. SOME TIMES STAY ON ALL THE TIME AND SOME TIMES IT GOES OFF AND ON WHILE I'M DRIVING.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 13, 2020
FOR THE BRAKES AND LIGHTING ISSUE, MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO BAD EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS AND NEED CHANGED. I BELIEVE THIS IS POSSIBLY TO DO WITH THE RECALL FOR BRAKES. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE ON MANY OCCASIONS STOP ME IN TRAFFIC TO LET ME KNOW AN ENTIRE SIDE OF LIGHTS WERE OUT AT ONCE. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER MORE THAN ONCE AS WELL FOR MY BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE FOUR YEARS I'VE HAD MY CAR. I ALWAYS KEEP SPARE LIGHTS IN MY CAR FOR THIS REASON. I CALLED A&B KIA, WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR, WHO SAID MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER, WITH THE MANY ISSUES I'VE HAD WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS I BELIEVE IT IS RELATED. MORE RECENTLY THAN MY BRAKES, MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. WITHIN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS SLOWLY WENT FROM WORKING SOMETIMES TO NOT WORKING AT ALL. OTHER FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, SUCH AS VOLUME AND RADIO CONTROLS HAVE NOT BEEN AFFECTED.
Engine, Nov 30, 2020
THE FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING, IN DANGEROUS OF FIRING. THE SAME/SIMILAR ISSUE HAS BEEN RECALLED/REPORTED REPEATEDLY
Steering, Nov 28, 2020
STEERING IS MAKING A 'CLUNKING ' NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT HAS PLAY BEFORE IT ENGAGES. THE NOISE AND PLAY ARE PRESENT WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. ISSUE IS THE SAME AS WHAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE STEERING WILL NOT RESPOND PROPERLY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Nov 23, 2020, crash
PURCHASED WHAT I BELIEVE IS A LEMON FROM THE STAMFORD HYUNDAI. VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND RECALL ISSUES NOT ADDRESSED. ANOTHER CAR THAT HIT MINE STATED THAT MY CAR BRAKE LIGHTS INDICATED I STOPPED WHEN I ACTUALLY RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL. I BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP OVER CHARGED ME FOR A DEFECTED VEHICLE AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ISSUE WHICH CAUSED MY LANE CHANGE ACCIDENT. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE CAN ASSIST ME WITH THIS SERIOUS INFRACTION. AGAIN MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT THE OTHER DRIVER SAID IT APPEARED TO BE. I WASN'T INFORMED BY THE SALESMAN OF ANY DEFECTS OR ISSUES. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING IN BROOKLYN NY ON REMSEN AVENUE. IMPACT OCCURRED ON REMSEN AND KINGS HIGHWAY. ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS WILL BE APPRECIATED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR CASH 6405.70 WHEN THE ASKING PRICE WAS 4670. I'VE BEEN RIPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED. HELP PLEASE.
Air bags, Nov 23, 2020
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND REMAINS ON. I CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $169.00 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE IT APPEARS GT HAS THE SAME AIRBAGS AS OTHER ELANTRAS BUT IS NOT ON RECALL FOR THIS PART? WHY NOT? ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2020, fire
MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH APPROX. 75,000 MILES, AND NO MECHANICAL OR COSMETIC ISSUES, CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR 10 MINUTES AT TAVERN IN THE SQUARE RESTAURANT IN LOWELL, MA. PATRONS WHO WERE PARKED NEARBY HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE ELECTRICAL SPARKS AND THEN WITNESSED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD WHICH THEN BURST INTO FLAMES. THEY RAN IN TO RETRIEVE MY FAMILY AND I AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITHIN 10 MINUTES TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES BUT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THAT TIME. I HAVE VIDEOS AND PICTURES THAT CAN BE FORWARDED TO YOU. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT WAS ON HOLD FOR 40 MINUTES AND IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED BEFORE SPEAKING TO ANYONE. THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY STRESSFUL EMOTIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY. THE CAR WAS IN OUR GARAGE JUST 30 MINUTES PRIOR AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A HISTORY OF ISSUES WITH SOME OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES WHICH I WASN'T AWARE OF UNTIL NOW BUT I DON'T SEE THAT MY CAR WAS LISTED AS A POSSIBLE RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL FIRES. IT WAS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND EVERY PENNY I EARNED WAS USED TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN ONE YEAR AGO. I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE THAT WOULD COVER THIS SITUATION SO THIS IS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO PROCEED AND ALSO WHERE TO FORWARD THE VIDEO AND PHOTO DETAILS.
Steering, Nov 11, 2020
THERE IS A CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND FROM MY STEERING WHEEL. WHILE I AM DRIVING IT WILL SNAP MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE MIDDLE WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE AS THIS COULD CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO MOVE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. THE DIAGNOSIS IS THE POWER STEERING COUPLER BUT SINCE I'M AT 101,000 MILES (ONLY 1,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIP WON'T COVER IT.
Air bags, Nov 2, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I GOT IT DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING. THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TECH SAID THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ITSELF WASNT BROKEN, JUST THAT IT SHORTED OUT. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I GOT IT FIXED AND THERE WAS A CONSENSUS THAT ELANTRA HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE CLOCK SPRING. HYUNDAI DID A PARTIAL RECALL OF ELANTRA WITHIN 2011-2014 FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2020
MOTOR BLOWN WHEN VEHICLE HAD 130000 MILES AFTER REGULAR OIL CHANGES.
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.
Air bags, Oct 14, 2020
ON MONDAY WHEN I STARTED MY CAR I REALIZED MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD WAS ON ALERTING ME THAT MY AIRBAGS ARE DEACTIVATED AND WON'T DEPLOY. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED. IT IS UNSETTLING THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITHOUT AIRBAGS BECAUSE I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OVER 100$ TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO RECALL EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS NOT THE FIRST HYUNDAI TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Air bags, Oct 10, 2020
THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT PERIOD COMES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. EVEN THOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS.
Steering, Sep 28, 2020
STEERING WHEEL PLAY WITH CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURN ~5 DEGREES RIGHT AND LEFT. NOTICED PROBLEM 200 MILES AGO AND PROBLEM GETTING WORST FAST. CAR HAS ~80K MILES.
Air bags, Sep 27, 2020
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAS REMAINED ON SINCE LIGHT WAS INITIALLY ILLUMINATED.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 22, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK BROKEN, BURN TO NECK, BURIES ALL OVER THE BODY, AND LACERATIONS TO THE HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED AND AS TOOK THE CONTACT TO THE HOSPITAL HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD TO BE TRANSFER TO ANOTHER HOSPITAL WHERE SHE RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION BETWEEN SEPT 9/11/2020 TO 9/14/2020. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE TRAUMA UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE TO A LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTALED LOSS. GEICO ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (THOMAS HYUNDAI 10325 MT SAVAGE ROAD, CUMBERLAND, MD 21502) WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THAT OCCURRED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ECM WAS UPDATED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT 0 RECALLS WERE UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,486.