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2013 Hyundai Elantra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,314 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, most often about the brakes (22% of complaints, typically around 54,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Elantra model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
Brakes
283 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 54,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock, power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at any speed during rain, there was an abnormal noise coming from the brakes and there was a increase in stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to replicate the failure. The failure recurred several times. The…
1. Airbag light has been turning on. No apparent reason but I was told that if in an accident will not deployed. Since 10/12/2016 2. Suspension is not the greatest, car will swirled sometimes if exceeding 40mph hello I live in puerto rico there is no such thing as 40mph in our roads... 3. Tire sensors are constantly…
Steering
271 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: electric power assist system, steering wheel/handle bar.
Since buying this car in november 2014, I noticed an issue with stability while driving on the highway and was unsure as to what was causing the car to feel like it was jumping after hitting small bumps. After doing some research I understand now that it is the suspension that is causing this instability. The bumps I…
I bought my 2013 Hyundai Elantra gt on september 12, 2014, it had 41053 miles on it. As I left the dealership it was raining very hard and I noticed that it was very difficult to keep the car in my lane; my car was pulling to the right, not only that, I hit a bump or manhole and the bad end of the car fishtailed so…
Engine
235 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
Engine failure. Zero compression cylinder #1. Second time this has happened since purchase on 10/18/2016. Also, tire pressure problem, ESC light comes on, dashboard gauges inoperative. Fuel mileage below what is advertised. Neither hundai nor enterprise will fix the problem after repeated demands. Also, there is a…
I bought a 2013 Hyundai Elantra limited new. 3 years later the car stalls out when stopped and it difficult to start. Have taken the car to the dealership so many times (10) within a 2 month period, I use the loaner more than my own car. The last time I picked it up they had changed out the timing cover with oil pump…
Air bags
168 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently without warning. The indicator currently remains illuminated. The local dealer (rick case Hyundai duluth, 3180 satellite blvd nw, duluth, ga, 30096, [phone]) advised the contact to schedule…
On july 11, 2016 had an accident wherein the vehicle was totaled and the front driver side air bag did not deploy. Driver was diagnosed with blunt force trauma to the sternum. Driver rear ended a vehicle which was stopped on the on ramp to the highway.
Electrical
155 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 55,500 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, propulsion system.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the electrical power seized and the ESC warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,200. The VIN was not…
Other or unspecified
123 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles.
When attempting to start vehicle the "p" does not show in the information panel and the car will not start. Vigorous shaking of the gear selector sometimes allows the "p" to illuminate and then the car will start. The vehicle is not in motion and has been parked in garage. This started in october and happens more and…
The vehicle, intermittently will not start. After turning the key all lights on the dash illuminate but the engine will not turn over. After multiple tries the vehicle will start. This has happened four times.
Wheels and tires
104 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: pressure monitoring and regulating systems, temporary/emergency spare tire, sidewall, rim.
I was traveling on interstate when the tire pressure sensor indicate there was a problem with the tire. I pulled over and front passenger tire was extremely low. I used the air pump and filled tire. I exited the interstate and drove to the nearest tire repair shop. All 4 tires were below 32 psi. A digital reading…
Purchased 2013 Elantra less than a year ago with hankook tires. Driver side tire blew out on 6/15/14 at 11k miles. Thank god it happened going around a corner at slower speed than highway driving. Another tire on the rear was also blistered and ready to pop - we had to change before driving to avoid bending another…
Suspension
99 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
I have found that since purchasing my Hyundai Elantra that anytime I hit a pothole or bump that the whole car shifts to the right or left. I went around a corner the other day at a low speed and hit a bump, the whole back end slid to the right. I find this very unsettling. I'm not sure if this is a suspension problem…
While traveling on the interstate, if you hit a bump, the rear end sways. Sometimes it sways so much it feels as if I am not in control of the vehicle. It seems to happen at speeds over 45 MPH. The car doesn't feel safe to drive.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: pedals and linkages
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: switch
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Hyundai and kia ABS module fires
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received eight hyundai motor america (hyundai) and eight kia america, inc. (kia) part 573 recall reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or hydraulic electronic control units (hecu) manufactured by the equipment supplier mando. The part 573 recall reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by mando. Safety recalls included in this audit query (aq) review include: hyundai recalls 20v-520, 20v-543, 21v-161, 21v-160, 21v-303, 22v-056, 22v-810, and 23v-651. Kia recalls 16v-815, 20v-518, 20v-519, 21v
Engine fires
Summary
On march 29, 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened two preliminary evaluations (pe19-003 on hyundai and pe19-004 on kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year hyundai and kia vehicles.â during the pe investigations, hyundai and kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.â the remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.â additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modif
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated october 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (etc) system on certain kia vehicles resulting in the opening of dp21-003. Accordingly, model year (my) 2005-2016 kia optima/k5, my 2006-2015 kia sorento, my 2007-2016 hyundai elantra, my 2007-2016 hyundai santa fe, my 2006-2015 hyundai sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a vehicle owner questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (odi) number 11439675.on november 12, 2021, odi opened defec
Headliner bracket detachment
Summary
In march 2013, hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 hyundai elantra vehicles built in korea and sold in the u.s. (see NHTSA recall 13v-115 for more information).the recall covers vehicles built up to march 5, 2013.after that date, hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the korea-built elantra vehicles.odi has opened a recall query (rq13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 hyundai elantra touring vehicles.during ea12-008, odi found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mention
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (283 complaints, typically around 54,500 miles); steering (271 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles); engine (235 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 22, 2023 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Hyundai Elantra?
- It is the most complained-about Elantra model year since 2000, with 1,314 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.