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, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2020
2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE STATIONARY, IN CITY STREET, TURNING OR NOT NOT TURNING, UNCONTROLLED ENGINE RACING TO AT LEAST 5000 RPM. TO STOP RACING WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND A) ENGINE SPEED MAY GO BACK TO NORMAL OR B) REPEATEDLY STEP ON GAS PEDAL TO DISENGAGE RACING ENGINE. OR C) TURN OFF ENGINE KEY AND TRY TO RESTART. THIS HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES
Steering, Sep 21, 2020
THERE IS A KNOCKING WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING, PARKED, AND WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS BOTH ON STREETS, AND HIGHWAY AT ANY SPEED. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE
Service brakes, Sep 15, 2020
BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON KILLING THE BATTERY. AFTER PAYING FOR A FOR A NEW BATTERY AND 100.00 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST IT WAS STATED THAT THE BRAKE STOPPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER I PAID FOR THIS SERVICE A RECALL WAS MADE. I FILED A CLAIM TO BE REIMBURSE BUT HAVE BEEN IGNORED.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT
Steering, Sep 14, 2020
AFTER GETTING THE RECALL FOR BRAKES DONE , TWO MONTHS LATER MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED DOING A CLUCK SOUND WHENEVER I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT DOES IT WHEN DRIVING, PARKED , ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE CITY STREET.
Steering, Air bags, Sep 13, 2020
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND EVERY TIME IT IS MOVED AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF.
Air bags, Sep 13, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY CAR GOES ON AND OFF AS I'M DRIVING OR WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN MOTION. APPARENTLY THIS IS DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL HYUNDAIS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SO HYUNDAI EXTENDED ITS WARRANTY FOR CERTAIN MODELS. THE 2013 ELANTRA SEDAN IS COVERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THEY FAILED TO INCLUDE THE GT MODEL. THE GT MODEL HAS THE EXACT SAME PART WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUES, THEREFORE IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THIS IS A TERRIBLE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO A COLLISION.
Steering, Sep 6, 2020
STEERING COUPLER WHEN YOU MOVE THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IT CLICKS MAKES NOISE WHEN HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT!
Air bags, Sep 4, 2020
MY AIRBAG LIGHT RANDOMLY TURNED ON WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND WON'T TURN OFF
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2020
I HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, INCLUDING TODAY. AS I HAVE FAITHFULLY MAINTAINED MY CAR, I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THE DESIGN OF THE CAR IS THE ISSUE. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN I ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE CAR WILL NOT BRAKE PROPERLY AND IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. TODAY, I EXPERIENCED THE CAR HYDROPLANE AND THANK GOODNESS NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME OR ON THE SIDE BECAUSE IT TOOK ME AT LEAST TWO MINUTES BEFORE I COULD GAIN CONTROL AGAIN. THIS OCCURED WHEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25MPH AND NO PUDDLES OF WATER WERE PRESENT. EARLY APRIL, I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT WHERE I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES, ALTHOUGH MY BRAKES WERE REPLACED A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. BACK IN DECEMBER 2019, I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY I-95 WHILE DRIVING HOME. I HAVE IT DOCUMENTED THROUGH AAA. MY TIRE BLEW AND THE CAR FAILED TO STOP. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND ADVISED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY INSISTED MY TIRES AND BRAKES WERE FINE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE TODAY AND FOUND I AM NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. I SAW SEVERAL CUSTOMERS STATING THEY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ONE. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY TO THE POINT I NO LONGER WANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE.
Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2020
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL EXTERIOR LIGHTS ( LIGHT BULBS) IN THE 7 YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY CAR, INCLUDING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, REAR TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS, REAR TAIL LIGHTS, AND FRONT HEADLIGHT BULBS. I CURRENTLY HAVE A LEFT SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT THAT CONTINUES TO GO OUT EVERY 3-6 MONTHS, JUST HAD IT REPLACED BY MY AUTO SHOP 3-4 MONTHS AGO WITH INSPECTION OF THE WIRING TO THAT LIGHT (FOUND TO BE OK).
Air bags, Aug 17, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHTS WONT TURN OFF.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 17, 2020, crash
I HAD A ACCIDENT TRIED TO BRAKE QUICK MY BRAKES SKIPPED AND I ENDED UP HITTING A VAN BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 15, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT WONT GO OFF... AND SEAT BELT FELL OUT OF THE ADJUSTER
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2020, fire
CAR SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. ENGINE HAD BEEN OFF FOR 6 1/2 HOURS, KEYS WERE NOT IN VEHICLE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. HEAT FROM FIRE DAMAGED ANOTHER AUTO PARKED NEARBY. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE BLAZE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 11, 2020
THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) HAS BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT EXPERIENCES A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY. THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES. HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A RECALL/TSB FOR THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SEDAN, BUT NOT THE HATCHBACK WHICH UTILIZES THE EXACT SAME PART. THE REPAIR COST IS ALMOST $500 AT THE DEALER AND BECAUSE THE REPAIR INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIRBAG AND REMOVING THE STEERING WHEEL IT POSES A SAFETY RISK FOR SHADE TREE MECHANICS. THE ATTACHED TSB SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO THE ELANTRA HATCHBACK AS WELL,
Steering, Aug 2, 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 KNOW AS A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE STEERING COUPLER. THE COUPLER COSTS ABOUT $5.00 US DOLLARS BUT COSTS $410.00 TO REPLACE.
Steering, Jul 30, 2020
FLEXIBLE STEERING COUPLE FALLS APART CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO.BECOME LOOSE AND MAKE LOUD METALLIC CLANKING NOISE. UNABLE TO PROVIDE PICTURES DUE TO ME NOT KNOWING HOW TO DISASSEMBLE STEERING COLUMN. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REPORTED ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI FORUMS
Steering, Jul 30, 2020
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED WITH MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND NOW THE STEERING IS PULLING AND QUITE FRANKLY I AM AFRAID THAT MY CAR STEERING COLUMN WILL COME UNDONE AND I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ISSUES.
Air bags, Jul 24, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON, BAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED; KNOWN ISSUE WITH ELANTRAS - HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL?
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER WORK. MANY OTHER ELANTRA OWNERS HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY TO FIX A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAGS AND IT HAPPENED BEFORE I HIT 60000 BUT COULDN'T GET IN UNTIL LATER SO THEY USED THAT TO NOT FIX IT ON THERE ON DIME.
Air bags, Jul 22, 2020
SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. OBD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED. VEHICLE HAS 72,175 MILES. THIS PART IS A KNOWN HIGH FAILURE ITEM AND THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 15 YEARS FOR 2011-2013 SONATA, 2011-2014 SONATA HYBRID AND 'CERTAIN' 2011-2014 ELANTRA. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION DOES NOT COVER MY 2013 ELANTRA GT.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Jul 16, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BACK IN JANUARY OF 2019 & WHEN I PURCHASED IT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND. I MENTIONED IT TO THE CAR DEALER & WAS ASSURED IT WAS NOTHING. AFTER HAVING MY OIL CHANGED I WAS TOLD MY STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS QUITE DISHEARTENING AS I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR JUST ONE YEAR & A HALF AT THIS POINT. I WAS TOLD TO RESEARCH FOR RECALLS IN RELATION TO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUES AS IT HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL & YEAR. I AM AFRAID MY CAR STEERING WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Equipment, Jul 14, 2020
AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT AT 80,0000 MILES.
Exterior lighting, Jun 30, 2020
SINCE I OWNING THIS CAR I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ALL LIGHTS. BOTH HEADLIGHT LAMPS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A DEFECT. ALSO I HAD BEEN REPLACING TAIL, BRAKE, AND TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS AT EVERY OIL CHANGE BECAUSE ONE OR THE OTHER WILL BE OUT. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THIS MANY BULBS ON ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED. THIS OIL CHANGE JUNE 27, 2020 I HAD 3 BULBS OUT BREAK, TAIL LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT ALL OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAS BEEN AND FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM NOT TO MENTION THE COST EVERYTIME THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEM LIGHT ARE NOT CHEAP. *TR