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, Dec 1, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake hydraulic system failed due to a rusted and leaking brake line running from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The damaged brake line is still on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The brake line leak caused the brake pedal to go to the floor, significantly reducing or eliminating braking ability. This created a high risk of being unable to stop the vehicle, which could lead to a collision and put myself, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in danger. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center (Busse Automotive) during a brake system evaluation. They traced the brake fluid leak to a rusted brake line section that needs replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The only inspection so far has been by the independent repair shop. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not that I know of.
Engine, Nov 29, 2025
I was driving and my car just shut down. Thank goodness I was only in a drive thru because my car was still in gear. I got it restarted and it was making a terrible noise. I took it to hyandai where they told me that I had a piston slap. Hyandai corporate knows that this is a problem. I am lucky to have not been on the highway it could have caused serious injury or death to me or anyone around me. Hyandai corporate should replace the engine that they know is bad or if someone has had it replaced they should be reimbursing. Them. It's dangerous the 1.8l 4-cylinder nu engine.
Power train, Nov 15, 2025
CAR STALLS WHEN DRIVING AND THE CVVT FAILED AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO PAY FOR IT
Steering, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that a cushion located within the steering wheel had deteriorated, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler cushion within the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Exterior lighting, Nov 6, 2025
Break light keeps going out no matter how many time I get the light changed. Got the harness changed last year and that did not help either.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025, crash
My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1.8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.
Steering, Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel made clicking sound while turning to the left or the right. While driving at speeds of 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline by a mechanic to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was a lot of play in the steering wheel, and the steering wheel moved back and forth with no resistance while the vehicle was being driven or while idling. There was a loud clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column flexible coupler had failed and caused the wheels to not respond correctly while turning the steering wheel. The contact was informed that the steering column flexible coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Air bags, Oct 12, 2025
Description of the Issue: The airbag (SRS) warning light on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback intermittently turns on and off and flickers when turning the steering wheel, indicating a potential fault in the spiral cable assembly (clock spring). Hyundai issued a Clock Spring Extended Warranty (TSB #17-BE-004-1) for certain vehicles, but my vehicle is not covered. A complete failure of the clock spring may prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. The airbag warning light first appeared on [XXX]. The issue occurs during normal driving, particularly when turning the steering wheel. Safety Concern: If the clock spring fails completely, the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a collision, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate the intermittent airbag warning light issue in 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles, focusing on potential clock spring failures, and consider a safety recall or other remedy to ensure that driver airbags deploy reliably. Additional Information: The vehicle is currently located in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Photos of the dashboard with the airbag light illuminated can be provided if requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Sep 25, 2025
My steering wheel has been shaking and having a clunking sound when I accelerate over 60 miles, go over any bumps, and turn. I had my mechanic diagnose it and I was told the steering coupler was bad. I did some research to see if it was a recall and it wasn't. Then I saw on Hyundai.com then I could check my VIN and verify if my vehicle qualified for the extended warranty for this issue. My vehicle qualified however after contacting customer service directly to verify, they advise me my vehicle did not qualify because of being over 100,000 miles. Prior to contacting them I saw that they had a statement saying that this issue was not safety related. I didn't believe that to be correct because my mechanic told me otherwise, and information I saw regarding Google searches said the opposite. Also, my own experience whenever that shaking of my steering wheel occurs I literally have to use both of my hands to control it. Therefore I believe it is a safety issue that absolutely needs to be revisited as being such. I was advised on that call to take it to the dealership and have them diagnose it and advise headquarters directly however I made it clear that I did not want to have to incur a diagnostic fee when the initial diagnostic I had was free and I have the estimate breakdown from my mechanic. And I did not believe that there should be any diagnostic fee for a safety concern. I did advise them that I was going to contact NHTSA and advised them of this circumstance in order for it to be reviewed.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2025, fire
During the incident, there was an aggressive flow of smoke coming from behind the steering wheel within the dashboard indicating overheating and/or a fire. My vehicle was inspected by my local dealer, Ed Voyles Hyundai, who stated that their inspection found a burning left rear tail light assembly with fluid inside of it. No warning lamps or prompts appeared during the incident.
Steering, Sep 16, 2025
In the last month I started to hear a clicking sound when turning my steering wheel in either direction. I am told that this is a frequent problem with Hyundai Elantra and is caused by a flexible coupling breaking. I brought my Elantra to the dealer to take cre of some other recalls but was told that the coupling problem is not a recall issue. I do have a Technical Service Bulletin from Hyundai on this issue and feel that since it happens frequently on the Elantra, it should be covered by the dealer or Hyundai corporate. Please advise as I cannot afford to pay for this repair as I am on disabilty with limited income.
Structure, Sep 12, 2025
I am reporting a significant paint delamination issue on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra in Sparkling White. The paint has been peeling, bubbling, and chipping particularly on the roof, trunk, and hood, exposing the primer and bare metal underneath. This is not due to wear, environmental exposure, or physical damage. It appears to be a factory defect related to improper paint or primer application. This issue is widespread among Hyundai owners of the same year and color, and several technical service bulletins have already been issued for similar paint problems (such as TSB 19-BD-005H). However, Hyundai has refused to repair my vehicle, citing the expired warranty, despite clear evidence of a manufacturing defect. The exposed metal poses a rust and corrosion risk, which could compromise vehicle safety and structural integrity over time. I believe this should be investigated as a potential quality and safety concern and request the NHTSA to look into this recurring defect.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025, fire
On August 9, 2025, my 2013 Hyundai Elantra suffered catastrophic engine failure while driving. The engine seized, creating immediate danger on the road. This vehicle is under NHTSA Recall 23V651000 (Hyundai Recall 251), which warns of fire/engine compartment risks both while parked and driving. Hyundai denied my claim, citing a vendor report that found “no thermal damage” to the ABS wiring. However, the dealer’s inspection confirmed internal engine failure with thermal damage, and I directly witnessed flames. The recall does not require ABS wiring itself to burn , it covers the broader safety hazard of fire and failure, which is exactly what occurred. In addition, Hyundai tried to shift blame onto owner maintenance. Their own recall language acknowledges failures occur due to the defect, not neglect. Furthermore, the handling by Hyundai’s case managers was unacceptable: my case was transferred without notice, calls were ignored, and I was left without clear instructions or remedy while my vehicle was disabled. I have attached the denial letter, the dealer report, the recall notice, and proof of maintenance. I request NHTSA review Hyundai’s mishandling of this recall obligation and require them to provide remedy and compensation
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
My 2013 Hyundai Elantra with the 1.8L Nu engine suffered catastrophic engine failure. A mechanic found metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed a failed connecting rod bearing. The Hyundai dealership quoted $10,000 for a new engine and refused warranty coverage because I am over 120,000 miles, even though this is a well-documented defect. Hyundai issued TSB 22-EM-007H covering rod bearing wear in this engine, and there have been class actions and warranty extensions for similar failures. This failure creates a safety hazard, as the engine can seize or stall suddenly while driving, increasing risk of an accident. I request NHTSA investigate this known defect in the 1.8L Nu engine, as it poses a safety risk to myself and others.
Service brakes, Aug 25, 2025
Under carriage steel brake line rust through at support bracket and causing a loss of brake fluid and risk of stopping condition that raise a concern of an accident and protentional risk of injury to the owner/operator and other drivers on the road. This rust condition and due to road salt condition in state that use road salt and Hyundai clearly lacks undercoating protection. This issue has been seen by other 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT owner and been clearly documented in Hyundai discussion forums. The brake light did come on and I drive it to the first repair shop to fix the issue by replacing the rusted brake line. The repair shop noted the lack of manufactures undercoating of this product cause numerous rusting concern on the under carriage of this vehicle include steel brake line, steel Fuel line and steel Evp emission lines along with safety concern associated with each issue
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
After the recall at Hyundai, my car wouldn't run and there were many lights on the dashboard. It was later checked and the instability light problem persisted. They fixed on the same time, and say something problem with the update. They later informed me that I have a problem with the brake switch, and the brake lights don't work because of it. I replaced and doesn’t work, I went back to the store and they want me to pay a fee to have it analyzed again. Even though before the recall, the lights and the car were working perfectly.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 15, 2025
This seems to be a very common and serious issue with Hyundai vehicles. 2013 Hyundai Elanta, believed to be a frequent crankshaft position sensor issue. When driving the car, they vehicle will feel that it is losing power. When coming to a stop the engine will idle so low that it feels like it will stall or it does stall. The tachometer registered zero RPM's, even when accellearting. Attempting to accelerate up any incline and the car can not provide enough power. Sometimes the car will crank up, other times it will require time to restart. The car has stalled and low power idling multiple times, but it did happen in the middle of a 4 way intersection twice, and when the issue is present. Although we've been fortunate, no accidents have occurred, it is very unsafe for the owner and other drivers. This occurrence has happened several times over the past year. Two times it was immediately brought into the dealer service, the second time it did stall with the service member there. Both times they were unable to diagnose the problem and stated no error codes were reported. You have already issued a Recall for this same issue with a different model. Oct. 13, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective crankshaft assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Transportation Safety Administration. There are so many others that have reported this same issue and have been corrected with the replacement of the crankshaft position sensor. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while in the process of parking the vehicle at the residence and driving 1-5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and hit another unoccupied parked vehicle, causing the other vehicle to move 50-60 ft. away. The rear end of the other vehicle was damaged, and the front end of the contact's vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deployed. There was no injury sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Steering, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was very loose. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact was forced to grip the steering wheel with force with the front of the vehicle abnormally shaking. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the shaking of the front of the vehicle increased. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,501.
Wheels, Service brakes, Jun 23, 2025
Hi I recently brought my car in for recall repairs involving the ABS fuse and brake pedal stopper. Right after the service, my traction control light came on, and the car struggled to move forward. I took it to a mechanic who said the front brakes were locked. When I brought it back to your service center, I was told the hydraulic calipers were bad and that the brake pads and rotors were rubbing against each other. I was also told it’s just an "unfortunate coincidence." However, since I had no brake issues before the recall work, I’m very concerned that something may have gone wrong during the service.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact pressed START/STOP button several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black, and the radio and clock were inoperable. The contact stated that on other occasions, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2025
It seems like this vehicle was sold new in 2013 with 16" wheels, but the tire placard indicates 17" wheels. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure the wheels haven't been changed since the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot.
Service brakes, May 30, 2025
Brake failure. Corroded brake lines. There is a recall in Canada for this model year for the same exact issue [XXX] ). Why did NHTSA not force a recall for the same issue at least in cold-weather states? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
I took my car to Millennium Hyundai in Garden City, New York on June 22, 2024 to fix NHTSA recall # 23V651000 (manufacturer recall # 251). The dealer claimed the repair was completed and I have documentation to this effect (see service summary, attached). However, neither Hyundai nor the dealer ever updated the NHTSA database to show that this recall repair was completed, so my car still shows that it has an open recall. I do not want this to be an issue when I sell the car. The dealer refuses to take responsibility for updating the database. Either the dealer did not complete the repair as required, or the dealer is refusing to update the database as required. Either way, the dealer is clearly not in compliance with NHTSA regulations and requirements. Please take whatever actions are necessary against Millennium Hyundai. Thank you.