2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
1,837
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
37
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
The 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 1,837 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 37 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (268 complaints), Engine (227 complaints), and Air Bags (165 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 2,476,945 vehicles.
Recall 23V651000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 1,649,478 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 17V769000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
| 390,467 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 16V574000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 64,500 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V115000 — STRUCTURE
| 186,250 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V115000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 186,250 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
1,837 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
A system in the Engine that allows for oil to sit and burn. UNKOWN A Mechanic shop that I go to regularly stated that this has been a known issue that has been going on for the past 12 years. Along side when I bought the car I was told that the engine is usually louder then most cars, this has been the general consensus. Personally with my car no, having done research outside of just my car: UNKNOWN there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem. I was first told about this issue during the 2nd week of February of 2026, With the oil change paperwork of when I found out about the issue
[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger nearby vehicles, residences, and public safety. I am filing this complaint to document the unprepared safety defect, dealership misinformation, and ongoing community fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger nearby vehicles, residences, and public safety. I am filing this complaint to document the unprepared safety defect, dealership misinformation, and ongoing community fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger nearby vehicles, residences, and public safety. I am filing this complaint to document the unprepared safety defect, dealership misinformation, and ongoing community fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to the dealership bc something broke underneath and the breaks were failing. So they fixed the problem supposedly. I only had a 30 day warranty and after the 30 days the breaks started grinding every time I stopped. This went on for a long time. I had an other mechanic look at it and did something and I can not recall exactly what he said but after about a week, the noise started back up and at that time I had had the car for about a yr and he said I still had about 25 percent left on my break pads. So probably about 4 months ago I changed my front breaks, including the rotors and the back breaks to, I also had to replace the front left caliber bc while trying to take the pin out of the caliber to clean it, the pin broke. So I replaced it. Took my care in to get inspected And they told me I need to do the back breaks and the back right caliber to pass inspection. So I did the work and got it done. I am not a rich person so I can only take it a mechanic if it something that I can not do myself my I have had good training bc had been a mechanic and had taught at mechanic schools so I know I have help and if I am not sure about something he will help. So now after doing all of that hard work, I am starting to hear the grinding noise again with the breaks and my breaks are good. It always starts our really light and then gets louder within a couple of weeks. 2- the second issue is that my airbag light is on, I am not sure why this is , I have never been in any kind of accident. One day just popped on and never went off 3- I have read online that you have had a recalls on newer models for Hyundai Elantra with the issue but not my year. Well my trunk latch ended up get latched and would not open
Safety Rating for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
The 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Hyundai Motor America has issued 37 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
TXXKDBP — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This Dealer Best Practice previously informed dealers of a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit known as Brown v. Hyundai Motor America et al., No. 2:18-cv-11249 (D.N.J.) (the âActionâ). Customers affected by the proposed settlement have been informed of the settlement by mailed notice and email, and they may...
5NP-N6V2M-01 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
This bulletin provides instructions related to an Electronic Control Module (ECM) software update to revise the fuel volume control logic. The ECM update is only emissions related. The update is for the applicable models listed below with SULEV emissions certifications only.
5NP-P5G8M-03 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may wear over time resulting in a slight "clicking" or "thud" type noise when turning the steering wheel. This bulletin describes the service procedure to replace the coupling. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined...
5NPY3P6B02 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to update the ECM on certain 2011-13 Elantra, 2013 Elantra GT and 2013 Elantra Coupe. Service Campaign T1R provides a service procedure to update the ECM.
5NP-U7B6K-10 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
"THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM. THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD MATERIAL IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN DETERIORATE ALLOWING THE STOP LAMP SWITCH PLUNGER TO REMAIN EXTENDED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DETERIORATED PAD CAN RESULT IN...
5NP-Y6K2G-10 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
"HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING RECALL 146 TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER ON CERTAIN 2013 MODEL YEAR ELANTRA VEHICLES. RECALL 146 PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER."
TSB-15-01-012 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HYUNDAI: CABLE END CONNECTING TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TO SHIFT LEVER PIN IS FASTENED TO RUBBER GROMMET WITH A PIN AND ENSURES PROPER GEAR SELECTION. MODEL 2011-13 ELANTRA. *PE
14-01-063 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-14-FL-006 — ENGINE
HYUNDAI: THE DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC IS REVISED FOR ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECM) AND OP CODE, THAT WAS UPDATED. MODEL 2011-13 ELANTRA. *PE
14-AT-012 — EQUIPMENT
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
Showing 10 of 37 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI ELANTRA
- 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 423 complaints
- 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 312 complaints
- 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 494 complaints
- 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 588 complaints
- 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 910 complaints
- 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (current)
- 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 540 complaints
- 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 341 complaints
- 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 378 complaints
- 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 1,045 complaints
- 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 381 complaints
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- HYUNDAI ACCENT — 2,733 total complaints
- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
- HYUNDAI GENESIS — 1,702 total complaints
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 — 1,636 total complaints