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, Dec 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE CORRECT LANE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TWO DOOR MODELS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTED REPAIR FOR THE STEERING FLEXIBLE COUPLING, PART NUMBER: 56315 2K000FF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JENKINS HYUNDAI (1602 SOUTH WEST COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, 352-620-2264). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FAILURE, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Dec 10, 2019
STEERING COLUMN COUPLING IS BAD DUE TO WHICH I HEAR THE NOICE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING. ALSO I FEEL THAT STEERING IS HARD TO MANEUVER.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 10, 2019
ESC INDICATOR IS ON ON THE DASH BOARD DUE TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR CIRCUIT-SIGNAL ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2019
I HAVE REPLACED EVERY LIGHT IN THE REAR OF THIS CAR OVER AND OVER FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ACTUALLY MELTED. I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH REAR LIGHTS IN A CAR.
Air bags, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2019
ON ENGINE START UP, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED INDICATING FAILURE WITH EITHER THE AIRBAG OR SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM. DEALER DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED THE "CLOCKSPRING" PART HAD FAILED. THIS PART HAS FAILED OFTEN ENOUGH THAT HYUNDAI HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY ON "SOME MODELS OF 2011-2014" ELANTRA, BUT NOT THE MODEL OF MY CAR EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME PART THAT IS ON ALL 2011-2014 ELANTRA MODELS. SHOULD IT FAIL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, THEN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT OR THE SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT WORK. THE "CLOCKSPRING" PART CONNECTS TO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM.
Engine, Dec 2, 2019
I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND BOUGHT IT FROM A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WITH 45K MILES ON IT. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 53K MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND AVOID AN ACCENT BUT HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE BELTWAY. I GOT IT TOWED TO A AAA CERTIFIED GARAGE AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM FREQUENTLY WITH HYUNDAI. I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM A 3RD PARTY AND LUCKILY THE DAMAGE IS COVERED UNDER THE 3RD PARTY WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE IS BEING REPLACED BY A REFURBISHED/SALVAGED ENGINE SO I WON'T KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THIS ISSUE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND IT HAS HURT MY RESALE VALUE BECAUSE IT WILL NOW BE LISTED IN THE CARFAX.
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN COUPLER WORE OUT. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. FOUND THIS OUT BY DOING A WEB SEARCH ON STEERING PROBLEMS. NO RECALLS ON THIS INHERIT PROBLEM
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT SECURED AND WOULD MOVE APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN INCH. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A BUSHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOLLER HYUNDAI (1150 N. ORLANDO AVE, WINTER PARK, FL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2019
COUPLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOSE. SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY 2013 SONATA. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEN CHARGED ME $424 TO REPAIR THE SONATA 2 YEARS AGO. WHEN I TAKE THE ELECTRA IN I'M SURE I WILL BE CHARGED SAME REPAIR COST. THIS OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CAN HEAR AND FEEL THE CLANG AS THE COUPLING RATTLES AROUND. LOOKED FOR SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR 2013 HYUNDAI'S BUT DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS. SHOULD BE A FREE FIX IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Power train, Nov 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY INDICATOR AND HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. OTHER UNKNOWN INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECELERATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 16408283. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 217,500.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 25, 2019
AIRBAG SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH PANEL WITHOUT REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN A PARKED POSITION AND HAS STAYED ILLUMINATED SINCE FIRST APPEARING. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. RECENT DIAGNOSTICS REPORTED AIRBAG FAULT (CODE B134600 DRIVER AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH STAGE #1). SERVICE FACILITY DEEMED FAULT IS SECONDARY TO DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO FAIL AND AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS FAULT.
Steering, Nov 23, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION IT MAKES A DECENT CLICKING SOUND HAS BEEN HAPPENING NOW FOR OVER 8 MONTHS IT SEEMS TO ONLY DO IT WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS SLOWLY MOVING & AS WELL NOTICED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING & MY STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT STAY ALIGNED WITH MY TIRES AFTER ALIGNMENT FROM HYUNDAI.
Steering, Nov 18, 2019
STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING AND LOOSE. MAKES STEERING DIFFICULT. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS.
Steering, Nov 15, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY OR DRIVING, THERE IS A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM THE WHEEL TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. SOMEONE TOLD ME I WILL THEN LOSE POWER STEERING & THAT AROUND 21,000-29,000 MILES ON YOUR CAR THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. A SMALL WHEEL NUT BEHIND THE WHEEL & DASH BOARD BREAKS UP. I AM AFRAID TO LOSE MY POWER STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A NUMBER OF OWNERS.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
AROUND 75K MILES THE STEERING WHEELS IS LOOSE WHEN TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT. WHEN AT A STANDSTILL WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE WHEEL, CAUSING IT TO "CLUNK" LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS IS DUE TO A RUBBER POWER STEERING COUPLER (BUSHING). THIS IS ONLY A 5 DOLLAR PART HOWEVER MUCH EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED WHEN REPLACING THIS PART. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI RECALLED THE SONATA FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR US ELANTRA OWNERS. THIS IS UNSAFE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE WHEEL WANTS TO DRIFT SIDE TO SIDE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING HURT.
Air bags, Structure, Nov 9, 2019
2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO NOTICED 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED, THAT THE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY LEAKS, AND WATER POOLS AROUND THE SPARE TIRE. WORRIED ABOUT WATER DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE SPARE TIRE, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF MOLD GROWING.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 8, 2019
SUDDENLY MY CAR DEVELOPED A NEW ISSUE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED/IDLE. WHILE MY FOOT IS ON GAS, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD/RPM INCREASE. HOWEVER, SO FAR WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE, I HAVEN'T MOVED AS FAR AS I CAN TELL BUT FEARFUL IT MIGHT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR IT WILL DRIVE FORWARD EVEN WITH FOOT ON BRAKE.
Air bags, Nov 8, 2019
HYUNDAI HAS RECALLED CERTAIN MODEL YEARS ELANTRAS TO DUE A DEFECTIVE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING. HOWEVER, HYUNDAI WILL NOT HONER THIS RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE IN THE ELANTRA GT MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR. THESE MODELS UTILIZE THE SAME PART! FAILURE OF THIS PART PREVENTS THE DRIVERS AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING. THIS IS A MASSIVE SAFETY FAILURE!
Steering, Nov 8, 2019
HYUNDAI HAS OFFICIALLY RECALLED THE 'RUBBER COUPLING IN THE MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY ON ALL 2007 - 2015 MODELS'. HYUNDAI WILL NOT HONER THE SAME RECALL ON THE ELANTRA GT MODEL. THEY UTILIZE THE EXACT SAME PARTS. INSTEAD, THEY ARE CHARGING CUSTOMERS HIGH FEES TO REPLACE THIS 5 DOLLAR PART. THIS COUPLER BINDS THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE MOTOR. WHEN IT FAILS YOU LOSE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE RECALLED FOR ALL AFFECTED MODELS?
Steering, Nov 3, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR MY STEERING WHEELS VIBRATES AND SHAKES IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND ALSO CLICKS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL THE SHAKING IS ONLY WHEN IN MOTION AND THE CLICKS HAPPEN WHETHER SITTING STILL OR WHOLE DRIVING ON ANY CONDITIONS
Steering, Oct 31, 2019
THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL MAKING DRIVING VERY DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING IT WHEN SITTING STILL. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL DEALER, HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECTIVE BUSHING USED IN STEERING ASSIST MOTOR BUT HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE STEERING BUSHING HAS DISINTEGRATED! THE SAME BUSHING WAS USED IN SEVERAL OTHER MODELS AS WELL. CHECK THE INTERNET THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. I ONLY HAVE 76K MILES. I WAS TOLD BY CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY WOULD REPAIR THIS IF I HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS 5YEARS/100K. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS THEY CHOSE TO USE? WHY AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTIVE PART. THERE ARE HUNDREDS WHO HAVE REPORTED ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY LACK OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO EVERYONE ON THE ROAD, NOT JUST HYUNDAI OWNERS. PLEASE HELP MAKE US SAFER. MAKE HYUNDAI RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE STEERING ISSUE.
Visibility, Oct 31, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR GLASS INJURIES TO THE ARM, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO CARDENAS MOTORS (1500 NORTH EXPRESSWAY 77, BROWNSVILLE, TX 78521, (956) 205-0370) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 15765657. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,441. *DT*JB*DT *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 30, 2019
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 ELANTRAS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE CLOCK SPRING. HYUNDAI DID A PARTIAL RECALL OF ELANTRAS WITHIN 2011-2014 FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE LIGHT WOULD GENERALLY STAY ON BUT WOULD OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT THEN BACK ON.
Steering, Oct 30, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN EVER I TURN IT. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 WEEKS. IT IS GETTING LOUDER AND MORE CONSTANT, EVERY TIME I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES A NOISE. THE MECHANIC @ TIRE KINGDOM SAID IT IS THE BUSHING, AND THAT HE SEES ABOUT 8 OUT 10 ELANTRA'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN HIS GARAGE. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IF I AM TURNING ON STREET, BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK, OT DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS AS IT IS NOT NORMAL.
Structure, Seats, Oct 24, 2019
THE TRUNK LATCH FAILS AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GET INTO YOUR TRUNK FOR SPARE TIRES, MEDICATIONS, SAFETY ITEMS, ETC. WITHOUT DESTROYING AND CUTTING THROUGH THE BACK SEAT. IF YOU GOOGLE 2013 TRUNK LATCH FAILURE, IT IS VERY VERY COMMON. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. WE CARRY LIFE SAVING MEDICATIONS IN OUR TRUNK DAILY. IF SOMEONE WERE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ONLY TO FIND OUT THE LATCH FAILED, THEY WOULD BE IN DANGER. $400 TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE WHICH HAPPENS REPEATEDLY TO SOME CUSTOMERS IS NOT OK. HOW SAFE ARE SEATS THAT HAVE TO BE CUT THROUGH TO GET TO THE TRUNK LATCH? THEY SAID THE PARTS WON'T SHOW WHERE IT WAS CUT BEHIND THE SEATS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THAT WOULD AFFECT SAFETY AS WELL.