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, Jan 16, 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 15, 2024
I feel as though this recall is taking too long to complete/remedy. I feel as though it has been an unreasonable amount of time from the date of the recall notice to now for a resolution. I am worried about damage to my vehicle over time.
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2024
Next week will be 4 months since Hyundai issued a recall on some Elantras, recall #251 (09/22/23). As of today, the fix is not yet available. For a serious safety issue (risk of engine compartment fire), this is totally unacceptable. When there was a recall for airbags on my 2009 Honda CRV several years ago, Honda kept the vehicle and paid for a rental car for about 6 weeks. Shouldn't Hyundai be forced by the NHTSA to do the same? What is my recourse?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 13, 2024
there is no fix for the car and i cannot park the car where it would not injure persons or property the solution is for hyundai to replace the car or give me a free rental car till there is a fix -2013 elantra is subject to fire
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 12, 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, Jan 12, 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, Jan 11, 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, Jan 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 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 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, Jan 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 8, 2024
I received notice about NHTSA Recall Number 23V-651 a few months ago. According to the Hyundai Recall website (their recall # is 251), the recall started September 22, 2023 and the status is "Incomplete. Remedy not yet available." I think over 3 months is long enough for Hyundai to be able to find a suitable remedy FOR A FIRE RISK. I would like to be able to have the recall completed and my car serviced for that issue ASAP. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Steering, Jan 8, 2024
Steering is making a squeaky noise. Went to Hyundai dealership and they confirmed steering coupler needs replacement. This is a manufacturer’s fault. Driving is dangerous as steering gets free sometimes while driving.
Service brakes, Jan 7, 2024
Recall 251 not fixed or handled within a “reasonable time”. It’s been two months. I work at an airport and cannot “park away from structures”. I also have called dealer and maker repeatedly stating I don’t feel safe driving car that could catch fire parked or driving, with zero customer service solutions or concern for my safety.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, there was a burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 dealer informed her there were no loaner vehicles available. The contact called another local dealer, CMA's Hyundai of Winchester (2934 Valley Ave, Winchester, VA 22601) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about driving and parking the vehicle outside. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for a loaner vehicle. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 5, 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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2024
There has been an open recall on my car, where it might catch fire, for months, and there is still no resolution. This seems crazy to me. My kids ride in that car.
Service brakes, Jan 2, 2024
Hyundai's recall on the ABS module is unrealistic. The instructions advise to park the car away form any buildings/structures and not to drive it. It's been months since this recall was initiated and they still don't have a solution?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 29, 2023
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, Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed went to the floorboard and failed to come to a complete stop. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Dec 20, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a curb. The contact stated that her daughter occupied the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger side front tire hit the curb and the tire was damaged. The vehicle was undrivable, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,205.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 19, 2023
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, Hydraulic, Air bags, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag Off" was displayed. 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 while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and after inspection, the contact was informed that the brakes were beginning to wear. The vehicle was not repaired. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 19, 2023
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 18, 2023
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, Air, Dec 15, 2023
Recall #251 has not been resolved after nearly three months (recall is dated September 22, it is now December 15). I do not feel this is a timely resolution for an urgent issue that could cause a vehicle fire.