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.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2024
My engine will not turn over 70% of the time. My radio switches on and off on its on and changes stations randomly. Even with new brakes, it sounds like they are constantly grinding. When my gas gets low the issue gets worse to the point i can't arm my car. I have a small child and my car started smoking. I was also stranded for almost an hour because my car would not start. I just got off the phone with pearson hyundai and they told me there is no remedy for this issue and just wait. This issue started mid last year when my engine started to shake at a stop light. I have had 3 mechanics look at my car and they won't touch the issue due to the recall.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2024
The bulbs are constantly blowing out, and need to be replaced. The steering wheel/column makes noises, and doesn't always lock, but when it does lock, it can be difficult to unlock it! The suspension shakes and rattles. There is a campaign for the corrosion of the undercarriage/suspension, that I was not aware of until a few weeks ago(I do have an appointment for that). The most pressing concern is with the steering(mechanic thinks it could be the coupler), and there are numerous complaints about this on various internet auto forums.
Service brakes, Apr 22, 2024
It has been 7 months since this recall NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 and Hyundai has still not implemented a remedy I just checked their website and there has been no filter information given since the fire hazard warning. It makes me very uncomfortable knowing my car could catch fire at any time. 7 months is a long time to wait for a remedy
Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2024, crash
Traffic ahead of me rapidly decelerated. Upon applying the brakes, the peddle froze and then went to the floor without any resistance. I attempted to pump the brakes without success. I impacted the car ahead of me at 40 mph, the posted speed limit, creating substantial damage to both vehicles. The brakes failed to operate and the airbags failed to deploy upon impact. The vehicle failed to slow down and was reacting as if the accelerator was stuck. There were no system warnings at the time of the accident or afterwards. Braking abilities resumed immediately after impact. There is no visible evidence of any fluid leaks, brake fluid or otherwise. The vehicle was last serviced by the dealership for an oil change at the end of January 2024. A brake inspection was performed at that time. I was aware of a recall notice Campaign 251 regarding the brake ABS system. When I inquired at the last service date, I was informed no fix was available at that time. Current mileage is 49,779. I am still in the process of locating a repair shop.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Apr 18, 2024, fire
My 2013 Hyundai starter would not stop trying to start the car even when the ignition was off and the key was not in the ignition. Then it got so hot it caught fire and destroyed the alternator as well as the starter. It was so hot it melted the alternator. Also the plastic that is used to hold the headlamps and other engine parts has disintegrated. I barely touch what's left and the plastic crumbles apart. My car no longer has the plastic under the hood. I use tape to hold up the lights. Car was stopped and in a parking lot when this happened.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2024, fire
A vehicle fire occurred while the vehicle was parked in an open carport, and caused significant fire damage estimated at approximately $2,000. No injuries occurred. Due to early actions of residents and neighbors, the fire was confined to the vehicle and it did not spread to the carport or single family dwelling. The fire originated in the engine compartment, and was probably due to an internal brake fluid leak within the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which caused an electrical failure or malfunction. The vehicle has one (1) open safety recall that is incomplete at this time, and a remedy is not yet available. The vehicle owner stated that the ABS, Engine, and Traction warnings lamps did recently come on. The insurance company involved was notified of this vehicle fire, and may have examined or inspected the vehicle.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2024
23V651000 This recall came out in September it has now been 8 months and no remedy has been avaible which to me is not a timely manner, it is getting costly for me to not park near buildings where I normally park or in garages, starting to have to do that and just hope that my car does not catch fire, this is getting ridicules
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Apr 10, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
Hyundai put out a recall on Sep 22, 2023 and nothing has been done to fix the issue. Every day I get into my car to drive I am scared & terrified that the car will catch fire while I am in it and not only injure me, my child, or other passengers, but potentially other drivers on the road. I am also afraid to park anywhere due to the risk of the car catching fire. My car is my lifeline and I cannot afford to get another car. My workplace only has a parking garage, so I have no other place to park, so now everyday my car could potentially cause structural damages in the garage and other cars could be damaged. I don't want to be on the highway and not have time to get out of the car safely. If Hyundai knows there is a potential FIRE threat, every single car should be pulled off the road and replaced or fixed immediately. Not everyone will know what a fire smells like or if something malfunctions in the electrical system due to the fire/smoke, how will passengers be alerted to immediately pull over and leave the car. This recall sounds extremely urgent. Hyundai needs to be forced to fix all of the issues. Waiting 6 months already with these dangerous cars on the road is irresponsible and can potentially cause a lot of trauma to people, such as myself. Leaking brakes should be considered a high priority and I do not understand why it is not being looked at that way. Hyundai is putting so many lives in danger on the road and its inexcusable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Service brakes, Apr 2, 2024
There is a known safety recall regarding brake fluid being leaked internally that has been acknowledged by Hyundai since September 2023. This can cause fires even when the vehicle is parked. NO SOLUTION has been provided except for "park your vehicle outside". This has been a known safety issue for 8 months and NO SOLUTION has been provided to us owners. Even parking outside is an issue as I live in Memphis, TN the #1 city for auto theft. Auto theft has been rampant also due to Hyundai's unwillingness to install an ignition kill switch at production. Hyundai has been grossly negligent in the production of their vehicles and cutting corners at the consumer's safety expense. Not having a soltuin
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on several occasions while turned off, the horn began honking inadvertently. The key fob was depressed each time to turn the horn off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a new anti-theft system needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure was not able to be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Air, Apr 1, 2024
Hyundai has had an "urgent recall" out now for 6 months with no remedy. I'd like to know how long the company has been given to provide a remedy. This is incredibly inconvenient, as my vehicle cannot be parked in or near any structure. Because of having to park it on the street, it has been vandalized (rear-view mirror smashed), but Hyundai refuses to reimburse me for that.
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.OWNERS CAN CONTINUE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES; HOWEVER, HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS PARKING THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURE UNTIL THE RECALL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE AND COMPLETED. There is no remedy available yet. This needs to be addressed yesterday!!
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
I’m filing a complaint about the vehicle recall on my car for the anti brake lock system (recall notice NHTSA 23V651000) I have been waiting for a solution for almost 6 months without any remedy. It is inappropriate the current remedy is to park my car away from buildings in case of fire. How is one supposed to do that when you keep your car at your house and place of work?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
The manufacturer (Hyundai) has been ordered to recall and fix my 2013 Elantra and they are not doing so. On their website it says "Incomplete. Remedy not yet available." This recall was issued LAST YEAR, over 5 months ago! Hyundai has had 5 months to not only fix the issue, but at least notify owners of this issue. The only reason I heard about this was from the news!!! Also, the offered fix of replacing a fuse is not going to fix the actual issue - leaking brake fluid. As a parent with small children, in a one-car family, this is unacceptable. Hyundai needs to fix their mistake immediately or find a way for my family to be able to drive safely. Their statement that "if you see smoke, evacuate the car" is completely irresponsible to offer as a solution to families who need precious time to unbuckle their children from car seats. Someone is going to die due to Hyundai's negligence, it's only a matter of time.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 1, 2024
- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no - no
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 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 unavailable. 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 a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2024
I received the recall notice for Recall 251, NHTSA Recall #23V651000. Per the instructions, I have been parking my car outside while awaiting the remedy. I have checked back numerous times to see if a remedy was available. Yesterday my driver's side lock in the handle was broken in an attempted break-in/theft, which most certainly would not have happened if the car was in my garage. I believe the company has not remedied the defect in a reasonable time period and the delay has directly led to further damage of my vehicle.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 27, 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 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Mar 26, 2024
Faulty steering column issue
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 25, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.