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.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jun 22, 2016
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2015. I WAS LOVING THIS CAR UNTIL I WAS ON WET/BUMPY ROADS. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP. THE HYUNDAI STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE.WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES IT FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WAS GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WHEN IT IS SNOWING I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE BRAKE GETS LOCKED UP AND MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. ALSO THIS CAR SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE. YOU FEEL ALL THE BUMPS IN THE ROAD. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS CAR. MOST OF MY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY. DRIVING ON WET ROADS COMING TO A STOP OR HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CAR SWERVES AND MAKE ALOUD GRABBING NOISE. SOUNDS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE COMING UP THROUGH THE FLOOR. I LOVE THE CAR BUT DON'T LOVE THE WAY IT DRIVES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PAD WITH A FULL ALIGNMENT. THIS VEHICLE STILL DRIVES THE SAME WAY EVEN WHEN ALL THIS WORK WAS COMPLETED.
Power train, Jun 16, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY RANGE INHIBITOR. IT WILL OCCASIONALLY PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS.
Power train, Jun 16, 2016
THE FRONT AXLES ARE LOOSE, MAKING A CLICKING NOISE EACH TIME THE CAR ACCELERATES OR DECELERATES. SAFETY ISSUE MAY RESULT IF THE AXLE BECOMES LOOSE ENOUGH TO FALL OFF THE CHASSIS.
Power train, Jun 16, 2016
THE FRONT AXLES ARE LOOSE, MAKING A CLICKING NOISE EACH TIME THE CAR ACCELERATES OR DECELERATES. SAFETY ISSUE MAY RESULT IF THE AXLE BECOMES LOOSE ENOUGH TO FALL OFF THE CHASSIS.
Power train, Jun 15, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY RANGE INHIBITOR. IT WILL OCCASIONALLY PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS.
Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 13, 2016
BRAKING DIFFICULTIES AND AIR BAGS STRUCTURE.
Steering, May 22, 2016
OVER A PERIOD OF 1-2 DAYS, VEHICLE STEERING BECAME " MORE HEAVY" - IN OTHER WORDS -- MORE RESISTANCE IN THE STEERING --- IT REQUIRED A LITTLE MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS
Air bags, May 21, 2016
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR THE TRIP RESET BUTTON DOES NOT RESET AND THE NUMBER OF MPG GOING CRAZY AND NOW I HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ON SUDDENLY AND STAYED ON. I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOID OR WONT WORK ON A ACCIDENT. SAFETY. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 10, 2016
THE LIGHTS IN THE INSIDE COME ON BY IT SELF WHEN WHILE DRIVING THE DOME LIGHTS N THE OTHER PANEL LIGHT. SUSPENSION UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR RATTLE. ALSO WHEN STOPPING THE CAR WHEN IT RAINING IT SLIDS
Wheels, May 5, 2016
I HAVE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. I DISCOVERED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS OF THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRE WAS 20,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 4, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. MY COMPLAINTS INVOLVES THE STEERING AND BRAKES. WHEN IN MOTION AND APPLY PRESSURE TO STEERING EITHER DIRECTION NOTHING HAPPENS. ITS VERY STICKY. APPLY MORE PRESSURE AND IT OVER STEERS. HIS TO THE POINT THAT IT IS EXTREMELY AGGRAVATING AND DANGEROUS. WHEN IN MOTION THE BRAKES CHATTER TERRIBLY. EVEN WORSE IN RAINY CONDITIONS. VIBRATES THE WHOLE CAR. I FOUND THAT HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS. WHY HAVEN'T THEY CORRECTED THESE PROBLEMS ? ARE THEY SIMPLY USING THEIR BUYERS AS GUINEA PIGS ? OR DO THEY EVEN CARE ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE MADE THESE COMPLAINTS AND AS OF NOW, STILL NO RESPONSE. WASTED MY HARD EARNED MONEY FOR SURE AS WELL AS MY TIME. THANKS.
Suspension, May 3, 2016
I DRIVE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, REAR SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE, VERY UNSTABLE EVEN ON SMALL BUMPS. IT'S DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE!
Air bags, Apr 19, 2016, crash
MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE STREET WHERE WE LIVE COMING HOME ONE NIGHT, HE FELL ASLEEP AND HE RAN INTO A PARKED PICK UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET AND THE HAD LOTS OF FRONT END DAMAGE, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HE HIT HIS FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG(S) DID NOT DEPLOY. MY SON'S FACE WAS HORRIBLY SWOLLEN, HE ALSO ENDED UP WITH A BLACKEN, BLOOD SHOT EYE AS WELL AND I HAD TO TAKE HIM TO THE DOCTOR TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2016
I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRE BECAUSE OF A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL. I HAD THE SERVICE DONE AT MY DEALERS, FROM WHOM I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN NOVEMBER 2012. IT IS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES. THE DEALER KINDLY CHECKED WITH YOU AND WAS TOLD THAT IT DID NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY REPLACEMENT CREDIT. THEY SHOWED ME THE CURRENT WARRANTY INFORMATION WHICH SPECIFICALLY LISTS 'BULGE' AS A ROAD HAZARD NOT COVERED. HOWEVER, I AM ATTACHING A COPY OF THE WARRANTY RECEIVED WITH THE CAR AND YOU WILL NOTE THAT 'BULGE' IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXCLUSIONS. IT APPEARS THAT THE FREQUENCY OF 'BULGES' BECAME SO GREAT THAT YOU FOUND IT NECESSARY TO INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR EXCLUSION LIST.
Suspension, Engine, Mar 23, 2016
OWNED VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS, HAVE BEEN NOTICING A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE THAT IS THE RESULT OF THE POOR SUSPENSION. THE MIL CAME ON TODAY HINTING TO POSSIBLE SENSOR ISSUES, THE VEHICLE ALSO CONSTANTLY SHAKES AND TREMBLES WHEN IDLE. THE CORE OF THE PROBLEMS APPEARS TO BE THE RESULT OF POOR SUSPENSION AS THE VEHICLE ROCKS UP AND DOWN AFTER HITTING ANY IDEA SPEED BUMP, HILL OR POTHOLE. IT PUTS DRIVERS AT A DIFFICULT POSITION SINCE THE ROCKING OF THE VEHICLE CAUSES IT TO JUMP OVER TO THE RIGHT WHEN YOU ARE ON A HIGHWAY. PLEASE SERIOUS LOOK INTO THIS. EVERY DEALERSHIP IS ADVISING THIS IS NORMAL BUT NO OTHER VEHICLE DOES THIS.
Engine, Mar 23, 2016
MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED CAR FEB/2015 FROM A DEALER CAR HAD 69245 MILES ON IT DROVE MAY HAVE MISSED ONE OIL CHANGE IN BETWEEN THAT TIME AND NOW THE MOTOR HAS A LOUD TICKING INSIDE AND IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED BY DEALER IT NEEDS A NEW MOTOR. I DRIVEN OLDER CARS A LOT LONGER AND MISSED A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE AND CAR IS STILL RUNNING WITH NO MOTOR ISSUES OF COURSE THAT WAS A CHEVROLET. THE NEW CARS WONT LAST AT ALL IF YOU MISS A OIL CHANGE DATE.
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2016
I HAVE TAKEN MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA INTO RED MCCOMBS HYUNDAI IN SAN ANTONIO TX. ON I-10 WEST SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WIT THE STRUTS. AND THEY DID WORK ON THE SURGING PART OF THE ENGINE BUT IT STILL SURGES WHEN SPEEDING UP. I WAS TOLD BY FIRESTONE THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS HERE IN KERRVILLE, TX THE SAME THING BUT THEY SAID I WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SHOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND INSIST THEY REPAIR IT. SO I'LL TRY ONE MORE TIME. THE FRONT END MAKES A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN TAKING OFF AND FEELS LIKE IT BOTTOMS OUT WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. IT IS A BIT NERVE RACKING. THE LAST MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER ON 3/14/2016. THIS PROBLEM IS TWO YEARS OLD NOW, [XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF
Wheels, Mar 15, 2016
SUBJECT: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS TROUBLE WITH TPMS SENSORS COMMENTS: I UNDERSTAND YOU WANTED THESE IN ALL NEW CARS. WHILE THAT IS GREAT IT'S COSTING SOME CONSUMER'S WAY TO MUCH MONEY AND HEADACHES INCLUDING MYSELF. THEY AREN'T REGULATE TO FINE SPEC'S OF MANUFACTURING THEM AFTERMARKET OR OEM. ALONG WITH TIRES INCLUDED. I CAN BUY AFTERMARKET CHEAPER OR TIRES CHEAPER ONLINE AND SHOULD HAVE THAT CHOICE. I BOUGHT NEW SENSORS FROM MR. TIRE FORMALLY KOST TIRE MY BILL IS ABOUT $386.00 AND THEY DON'T WORK BEEN THERE 4-5 TIMES TRYING TO RESET AND TO NO AVAIL. TOLD ME TO TAKE TO A DEALER BUT THAT'S ANOTHER COST TO ME TOO. I'M NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM. I SUGGEST GET RID OF THEM OR GET ON THE BALL AND FIGURE IT OUT. COSTING ME A LOW INCOME PERSON MONEY AND STILL COSTING. DO NOT MAKE THEM PART OF AN INSPECTION TILL ALL BUGS ARE OUT. THANK-YOU.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2016
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 70 MILES AN HOUR MY SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED SENDING GLASS ALL OVER MYSELF AND IN MY CAR LUCKILY I HAD A HAT ON WICH SHIELDED MY EYES AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR.
Visibility, Mar 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED INTO THE VEHICLE. THAT FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE INITIAL FAMILIAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2016, crash
I 2/2/2016WHEN PARKING HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013 IT SUDDENLY BARRELED FORWARD COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL OVER THE CEMENT MARKER AND SLAMMED INTO A TREE. PER INSURANCE INSTRUCTIONS CAR WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER.AFTER A VERY EXPENSIVE FRONT END REPAIR THE SERVICE DEPT "TESTED" THE CAR AND PRONOUNCED IT IN GOOD CONDITION-NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR.THE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP INSISTS HE DOES NOT KNOW OF ANY OTHER 2013 ELANTRA HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS A MENACE TO ME AND TO OTHER MOTORISTS. WHY WON'T HYUNDAI ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND INFORM THEIR DEALERS OF A NUMBER OF SIMILAR SITUATIONS
Suspension, Mar 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION CAUSED THE TIRES TO BECOME FLAT WHEN DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30-60 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES FOUR TIMES IN TWO WEEKS. IN ADDITION, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS. THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE REPLACED A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 1, 2016
THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR DOES RETURN TO A FLUSH POSITION, SO IT IS LEFT PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING AND COMES INTO CONTACT WITH THE TOP OF THE DRIVERS HEAD WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
Wheels, Feb 27, 2016
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2013 ELANTRA GT. AROUND FEBRUARY 4, 2016 I HIT A POTHOLE, ON MARYLAND ROUTE 175, DUE TO ROAD WORK COMBINED WITH INCLEMENT WEATHER. A DISTURBING SOUND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED AFTER CONTACT WITH THE POTHOLE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE TIRES AND RIMS ALL SEEMED WELL. ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016 (AFTER BEING STATIONARY SINCE THE INCIDENT), A LARGE GOLF BALL SIZE BULGE APPEARED ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND A SMALLER ONE ON THE REAR RIGHT TIRE. THE TIRES HAVE ONLY 7,815 MILES ON THEM. DUE TO THE BULGES IN BOTH RIGHT TIRES I FEAR A BLOWOUT COULD OCCUR IN ONE OR BOTH TIRES, LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR, BEFORE SAFELY BEING DRIVING THE 15 MILES IN CITY TRAFFIC TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN SNOW, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER OFF TRACK AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO FISHTAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO A RAMP, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY LOST CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, HOWEVER THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ