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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2020
NOTICED A OIL BASED LEAK UNDER VEHICLE ,HAVE IT INSPECTED THE LEAK IS COMING OUT OF A DEFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR ,EMITTING TOXICS FREON AND AC OIL TO THE AIR AND GROUND. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SAFETY AND POLLUTION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 26, 2020
THE PARKING LIGHT COME ON RANDOMLY. EVEN WHEN THE SWITCH IT TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION. THIS CAUSES THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT THEM OFF IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE. WHEN 1ST NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR THREE DAYS. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I FIRST NOTICED IT. SEVERAL OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. MOSTLY WITH PARKING LIGHTS , BUT A FEW SAID IT WAS THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2020
THE KEY FOB IS NOT DETECTED (INTERMITTENTLY). WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM LEFT STRANDED. MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE CHANGED THE BATTERY IN THE FOB WHEN THIS OCCURS AND I HAVE TRIED TO USE MY SECOND KEY FOB. THE PROBLEM STILL IS NOT AIDED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FOB UP TO THE START BUTTON, AS SOME VIDEOS SUGGEST. THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. UPON LOOKING AT FORUMS AND OTHER PLACES ON THE WEB WHERE HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS COMMUNICATE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE. I EVEN GOT THE BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. *TR
Steering, Jun 22, 2020
THE STEERING KNUCKLE (COUPLER) IS BAD. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2020
I GOT MY CAR BRAKE RELEASE LIGHT FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS RECALLED IN 2018 2 YRS LATER SAME ISSUE BRAKE LIGHT IS STILL ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jun 15, 2020
MOONROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 60-65 MPH. *TR
Steering, Jun 11, 2020
CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 TIMES FOR SAME ISSUE. CAR PULLS DANGEROUSLY TO THE LEFT. I'VE NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT NOT RECALL OR FIX AVAILABLE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT YOU HAVE TO OVER COMPENSATE STEERING. THIS WILL HAPPEN ON ANY ROAD OR HIGHWAY. EVEN WORSE IF ROADS ARE BAD, THE WILL OVER COMPENSATE ITSELF. SCARY TO DRIVE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2020
I HAVE OWNED MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SINCE MARCH 2019. AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SIGNAL LIGHT 2 TIMES. AND BRAKE LIGHTS 2 TIMES. IS THIS A NORMAL THING WITH THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Suspension, May 30, 2020
I NOTICED MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS MAKING A SOUND FROM THE DRIVER SIDE( IN 2018 )WHEEL WHEN I TURN AND ALSO THE CAR SWAYS WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED. I REPORTED IT TO THE HYUNDAI OF LAS VEGAS DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY HYUNDAI FROM ON 6/2017 BUT THEY SAID I HAD NO EXTENDED WARRANTY. I THEN RECEIVED A "RECALL NOTICE" FOR THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (1/29/2018) AND TOOK IT BACK TO HYUNDAI OF LAS VEGAS WHO FIXED A BRAKE PEDAL DEFECT FREE OF CHARGE. I KNOW THERE ARE 29 HYUNDAI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO THE NHTSA ABOUT THE "SWAYING MOTION" ON HYUNDAIS THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THE SUSPENSION WHICH SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL PRIORITY LIST TO IN MY OPINION SINCE I AM MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR MY USED HYUNDAI. IT WILL COST THE PRICE OF A NEW CAR AFTER I AM DONE PAYING OFF THE ENTIRE CAR LOAN I OWE. *TR
Structure, May 26, 2020
THE INSIDE DOOR PANELS ARE VERY STICKY. NOTHING TAKES THE STICKY AWAY. OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE FADING AND CHIPPING ON DOOR HANDLES ONLY. *TR
Steering, May 17, 2020
THERE IS AN EXISTING SAFETY ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI ELECTRIC STEERING. THE RUBBER STEERING COUPLING IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY HAVE ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SEDANS BUT NOT THE GT MODELS. HOWEVER, THEY BOTH USE THE SAME ELECTRIC MOTOR. MY CAR EXHIBITS THE "CLUNKING NOISE" WHICH IS A SYMPTOM OF THE WORN PART. MY HYUNDAI DEALER CHECKED IT AND IMMEDIATELY SAID THAT IT WAS INDEED THE PROBLEM BUT UPON CHECKING MY VIN NUMBER MY GT MODEL ELANTRA IS NOT COVERED. I THINK HYUNDAI HAS JUST OVERLOOKED THIS BUT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN OPEN CASE WITH THEM THEY KEEP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH ABOUT IT. I TRIED EXPLAINING TO THEM THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP. WHEN YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH YOU HEAR THIS CLUNKING NOISE WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF THE WORN RUBBER BUSHING. ATTACHED IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH IS THE VERBIAGE FROM THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I REALLY NEED TO GET THEM TO COVER MY CAR. IT IS A $300 PLUS REPAIR. BULLETIN NUMBER: 5NP-F8M5G-03 BULLETIN DATE: 02-27-2017 COMPONENT: 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL SUMMARY: HYUNDAI HAS ANNOUNCED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) COUPLING ON THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: ? 2011-2014 SONATA (YFA), 2011-2014 SONATA HYBRID (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 ELANTRA (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 ELANTRA TOURIN
Steering, May 16, 2020
WHEN I DRIVE ABOVE 60MILES PER HOUR, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO VIBRATE A LOT AND MAKING NOISES AND IT'S HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR, IT'S LIKE SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2020
FOR A YEAR STRAIGHT THE CAR HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF ON MY WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE STREET'S. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE IT RANDOMLY HAPPENS. THE CAR WILL JUST SHUT OFF AS IF IT LOST BATTERY POWER WHILE STILL IN DRIVING GEAR. WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR IT CAN SOMETIMES TAKE AWHILE BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE A CLICKING NOISE LIKE THERE IS EITHER A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE OR STARTER FOR THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. *TR
Air bags, May 15, 2020
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON IM NOT GOING TO PAY CLOSE TO 300$ FOR A SAFETY FIX THERE ARE PLENTY OF THE SAME MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, A BAD CLOCKSPRING! NEVER WENT OVER ANY BUMPS NEVER ANY RAILROADS JUST STARTED IT ONE DAY AND IT WAS ON. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2020
I WAS GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY ON THE OFF RAMO AND CAME TO A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED GREEN MY CAR DIED AND I WAS IN LEFT TURN LANE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FORWARD. I DIDN'T HAVE AC AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2020
DRIVING PAST ON THE FREEWAY AND HIS TRUCK KEPT SWERVING INTO OUR LANE. I HONKED FOR OUR SAFETY TO WARN HIM AND PROTECT MYSELF AND MY TODDLER IN THE CAR FROM GETTING HIT. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO FOLLOW ME WITH HIS WIFE IN THE CAR MAKING HAND GESTURES OF SHOOTING ME AND CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO SWERVE HIS TRUCK. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 7, 2020
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEPS BURNING OUT CONSTANTLY AFTER REPLACING THEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMP SWITCH HAD TO BE MANIPULATED BY HAND FOR THE HEADLAMPS TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULBS WERE REPLACED QUITE OFTEN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TAILLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, WHERE THE REAR THIRD BRAKE LAMP WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Air bags, Apr 27, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. THEY HAVE RECALLS AND OR MANUFACTURERS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR OTHER HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S, BUT NOT FOR 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM PLACING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AND NOT AN EXPENSE TO OWNER OF THE CAR. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM WITH SUCH A DEFAULT. ALL HYUNDAI'S HAVING THIS ISSUE, SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, NOT JUST SOME.
Steering, Apr 20, 2020
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER PARKED OR DRIVING IT MAKES A CLICK/THUD SOUND UPON THE STEERING WHEEL GOING BACK TO THE CENTER.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2020
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP INTERMITTENT WORKING AND BURNING OUT. STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING NOISE. KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE TIRES IN FRONT. EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT, CAR STILL PULLS. *TR
Air bags, Apr 17, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE BEING HEARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE TRAVELLED INTO A DITCH, HIT A FENCE AND CRASHED INTO A METAL POST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMPER AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER THREE RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Air bags, Mar 16, 2020
THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING AND STAYING ON FOR A BIT THEN GOING BACK OFF. LAST WEEK IT CAME ON AND HAS STAYED ON. THERE HAS BEEN NO REASON FOR IT TO BE ON.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 11, 2020
LOUD TICKING IN ENGINE, WORSE ON COLD START AND ACCELERATION DIAGNOSED AS CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE KNOWN AND ONGOING ISSUE ON HYUNDAI ENGINES ORIGINALLY DETECTED ON 02/27/2018 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CLEARED BY DEALERSHIP RETURNED ON DEALERSHIP ON 02-07-2019. DEALERSHIP QUOTED CONDITION NORMAL. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP 02/09/2020 DEALERSHIP DETERMINED CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE. HYUNDAI CURRENTLY ONLY OFFERING 50 % COVERAGE! THIS IS A KNOWN AND ONGOING ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI ENGINES AND SHOULD BE COVERED 100%. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 95,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. HYUNDAI HAS ISSED IN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF $120,000 ON SEVERAL MODELS WITH THE SAME ENGINE PROBLEM. HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAIENGINEINFO.COM/TECHNICAL-OVERVIEW/#WHATTOLOOKOUTFOR HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAIENGINEINFO.COM/ ALSO, THE TRUNK LATCH HAS COMPLETELY FAILED ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY LATCH OPENING IN THE TRUNK.
Steering, Mar 10, 2020
THE STEERING HAS BECOME LOOSE AN KLUNKS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND FORTH FROM CIENTER POSITION . IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME WHEATHER MOVING OR STOPPED.