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, Hydraulic, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 23, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for approximately 7 hours and upon starting, the ABS and traction control warning lights. The contact began to drive to her residence and an abnormal humming sound was present from the engine compartment. Upon arriving at her destination, the vehicle was parked in the driveway and a neighbor who was a firefighter disconnected the battery to the vehicle. Shortly afterward, flames were coming from the driver-side engine compartment. The fire was extinguished on its own and the fire department did not come to the scene. A police and fire report was not filed. There were no injuries reported. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and informed an inspector would inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 135,000. The VIN was invalid.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 22, 2024
Complaint: Failure to notify or reave owned the car since October 2013 and have been notified of other defects through recalls from HMA. Which were serviced and completed on [XXX], 2023. 1.Recall 170: BRAKE PEDAL STpair while under service at a Hyundai dealer of a potentially hazardous defect. Foremost, Hyundai Motors America (HMA) never notified us of the potentially hazardous defect with motor. We hOPPER REPLACEMENT, [XXX], 2023 2.Service Campaign 933Service2011-13 ELANTRA, (UD), A/T SHIFT LEVER CLIP INSTALLATION, [XXX], 2023 3.Service Campaign 993ServiceIBU/BCM ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND DECAL APPLICATION, [XXX], 2023 In conclusion, while driving in Bellevue, NE on [XXX], 2024, the motor developed piston slap, rod knock, and loss of power. Had this occurrence happened on a wet, snow or hail covered road whether on an incline, decline or level surface, physical injury would have been likely. Realizing that the vehicle would not make the return trip to Kansas City. MO, the vehicle was traded in at loss for a Chevrolet Bolt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, May 16, 2024
Hyundai is taking too long to remedy a known problem: NHTSA Recall # 23V-651 000, Hyundai Recall # 251
Service brakes, May 16, 2024
My vehicle has been affected by Hyundai Recall #251. Hyundai sent mixed messages in the recall saying park the car while also saying the car is safe to drive. My brakes have began locking up, pulsing and vibrating at stops, and declined power braking. Recently, the warning lights are flicking on and off and occasionally I think I smell it burning. I immediately shut the car off. This recall was announced in Nov 2023. It is May 2023 and there is still no remedy. It is not safe for me to drive my car. I owe payments for a vehicle I cannot use and I rely on that vehicle to get to work to pay for the car. Hyundai needs to offer a real solution to the issue of leaking brake fluid and the fuse issues.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights had illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
I was driving my car for 3 minutes, made a left and all the sudden every light on the dashboard came on, the vehicle slowed and the engined died. I was able to get to the side of the street and park the car safely. It took two times for the car to start back up. I called Hyundai Santa Monica Dealership and was able to bring my car in. I have been here all day and since they cannot replicate the issue, they do not know what is wrong with the car. They also are not seeing a history of all the dashboard lights coming on. I have called Hyundai Customer Care and have started a claim with them as I do not feel safe driving this vehicle with an unknown issue. I was fortunate enough to be on a side street, but if this has happened in traffic or on a freeway, I would absolutely have been hit as the car immediately slowed and died without warning. There were no warning signs at the time this happened. I brought my car in for another issue a few weeks ago as there was a problem with the gas gauge and sensors. Previously, the car (on a filled gas take), would flash the gas tank, look empty, and the car slowed and stopped. They said they fixed this prior issue. I am worried to drive this car as I do not know what is wrong with it, and at this point, they do not know either. I have contacted Hyundai customer care team and filed a claim. I am waiting for a case manager to return my call and information on the next steps.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the ABS warning light was illuminated and a smoke odor was present inside the vehicle. The contact was able to enter a nearby gas station to inspect the vehicle. While attempting to inspect the hood, the contact noticed smoke and a few flames coming from the passenger's side engine compartment near the ABS module. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with sand and the fire was caught in time. A fire department report and a police department report were not filed. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 190,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the air bag warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Apr 27, 2024
I heard a noise and felt a pull when turning the steering wheel while the car was stationary or at low speeds. AAA said there was a recall and Hyundai would repair at no cost. The dealer stated I had a defective steering flexible coupler. If I did not replace, it could disintegrate in the steering column. I was told Hyundai extended the warrantee to 10 years or 100,000 miles. My 2013 car is 11 years old with 63,000 miles. The cost of the repair was $657.68. This is a safety issue with lots of complaints. This should be a recall. I want to be reimbursed for this manufacturing defect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when the remedy was available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked it was leaking unknown fluids. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to park the vehicle outside of the garage. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.