2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Engine Problems

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...

Vehicle Issue Description for NHTSA Complaint: Component/System Failure: The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [insert VIN]) completely failed at 51,000 miles. The alternator also failed and had to be replaced. There was a persistent smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle, creating a fire hazard. All components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure left the vehicle completely inoperable. The gas smell created a serious fire hazard and caused me to experience health issues, requiring an ER visit. The combination of engine malfunction, electrical issues, and fuel leaks posed a risk to my safety and the safety of others while driving. Confirmation by Dealer / Mechanic: Independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed the engine failure and alternator issues. Multiple mechanics advised not to drive the car due to the fire hazard. The original selling dealer (Larry H. Miller Toyota) inspected the car...

I was driving and my car just shut down. Thank goodness I was only in a drive thru because my car was still in gear. I got it restarted and it was making a terrible noise. I took it to hyandai where they told me that I had a piston slap. Hyandai corporate knows that this is a problem. I am lucky to have not been on the highway it could have caused serious injury or death to me or anyone around me. Hyandai corporate should replace the engine that they know is bad or if someone has had it replaced they should be reimbursing. Them. It's dangerous the 1.8l 4-cylinder nu engine.

My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1.8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.

On August 9, 2025, my 2013 Hyundai Elantra suffered catastrophic engine failure while driving. The engine seized, creating immediate danger on the road. This vehicle is under NHTSA Recall 23V651000 (Hyundai Recall 251), which warns of fire/engine compartment risks both while parked and driving. Hyundai denied my claim, citing a vendor report that found “no thermal damage” to the ABS wiring. However, the dealer’s inspection confirmed internal engine failure with thermal damage, and I directly witnessed flames. The recall does not require ABS wiring itself to burn , it covers the broader safety hazard of fire and failure, which is exactly what occurred. In addition, Hyundai tried to shift blame onto owner maintenance. Their own recall language acknowledges failures occur due to the defect, not neglect. Furthermore, the handling by Hyundai’s case managers was unacceptable: my case was transferred without notice, calls were ignored, and I was left without clear...

My 2013 Hyundai Elantra with the 1.8L Nu engine suffered catastrophic engine failure. A mechanic found metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed a failed connecting rod bearing. The Hyundai dealership quoted $10,000 for a new engine and refused warranty coverage because I am over 120,000 miles, even though this is a well-documented defect. Hyundai issued TSB 22-EM-007H covering rod bearing wear in this engine, and there have been class actions and warranty extensions for similar failures. This failure creates a safety hazard, as the engine can seize or stall suddenly while driving, increasing risk of an accident. I request NHTSA investigate this known defect in the 1.8L Nu engine, as it poses a safety risk to myself and others.

After the recall at Hyundai, my car wouldn't run and there were many lights on the dashboard. It was later checked and the instability light problem persisted. They fixed on the same time, and say something problem with the update. They later informed me that I have a problem with the brake switch, and the brake lights don't work because of it. I replaced and doesn’t work, I went back to the store and they want me to pay a fee to have it analyzed again. Even though before the recall, the lights and the car were working perfectly.

This seems to be a very common and serious issue with Hyundai vehicles. 2013 Hyundai Elanta, believed to be a frequent crankshaft position sensor issue. When driving the car, they vehicle will feel that it is losing power. When coming to a stop the engine will idle so low that it feels like it will stall or it does stall. The tachometer registered zero RPM's, even when accellearting. Attempting to accelerate up any incline and the car can not provide enough power. Sometimes the car will crank up, other times it will require time to restart. The car has stalled and low power idling multiple times, but it did happen in the middle of a 4 way intersection twice, and when the issue is present. Although we've been fortunate, no accidents have occurred, it is very unsafe for the owner and other drivers. This occurrence has happened several times over...

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the tapping sound continued. The engine and ABS warning lights were 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 determined that a software update was needed. The dealer informed the contact they were waiting on a technician. 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 and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My engine is ticking. The auto shop told me that my motor is shot and the same thing happened to my sons car. We both have the same car same year. There has been a law suit for this issue.

I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short circuiting the ECU and starter as well.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became loose while depressing and the steering wheel was abnormally stiff. An unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the driver saw an abnormal amount of smoke coming from under the hood and had inhaled smoke while attempting to exit the vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire moments later when the driver safely exited the vehicle. The local fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No police report was filed. The driver sustained minor injuries but no medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. 

I was driving down a busy highway when my car decided to die I pulled into the turning lane cause that was the closest thing to me I turned my car off and went to turn it back on in hopes that it would just fire back up and smoke went rolling from my engine. I ended up having to contact a tow truck along with an officer to block the road come to find out my engine was completely blown, I contacted the service department along with warranty services and everything and nobody is willing to assist with this issue. Apparently This is an ongoing issue with Hyundai cars.

The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT failed due to a known piston-slap issue, and it is available for inspection for a limited time before being sold to a junkyard. This failure occurred suddenly while I was on the highway, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk as I had to maneuver the car to the side of the road amidst heavy traffic. The problem has been confirmed by both the Hyundai dealership and an independent service center, who diagnosed the piston-slap issue and found the engine filled with sludge, a known issue with these engines. Despite having 28 documented service records and regular oil changes, Hyundai denied the warranty claim, citing engine neglect. Hyundai representatives have inspected the vehicle and provided a technical bulletin documenting this defect. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms indicating a problem with the...

While pulling out onto a major main road, my car just stopped. The RPM's remained on zero after I restarted the car. I had to get it towed. The engine light was on, and it had trouble restarting. The code read camshaft. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and no other codes registered. It shut off two times after the camshaft was replaced. I took it back to the mechanic and it shut off on him 5 times. This car is unsafe. I am afraid to drive it, especially with have a young child.

My car had trouble starting then shut off while driving. Engine light was on and the RMP's stayed at zero. Code was for camshaft. Camshaft was replaced and the car shut off three more times while driving. I only have 83,000 miles on my car.

I took my car into Hyundai due to the recall sent out to car owners. I had my ABS and Brake light that went on randomly around September. I scheduled an appointment and took it in to get it checked. Hyundai sent me away stating there were no parts to fix the issue and told me to pay for a diagnostic if I needed it looked at and to wait until the recall is remedied. Two months later my car exploded and caught fire while parked on my property putting my life and home at risk. As well as my neighbors lives who came in to help me Put out the fire.

Engine has "piston" slap or knocking, a precursor to catastrophic engine seizure, diagnosed at Joe Machen's Hyundai at 132k miles on [XXX]. Engine could seize causing rapid deceleration at any moment, while pulling out into traffic or travelling at high speeds on the highway. First noticed a clicking or ticking noise the engine made when it was cold around 130k mi, which goes away as engine warms up. Sound has gotten louder and more persistent and has turned into a knocking. Dealer told me that the entire engine needs replaced, which is prohibitively expensive. So I'm driving it now until I can get a new car or engine replacement. I've submitted a claim to the dealer and Hyundai corporate, but was denied. I don't believe that Hyundai is taking responsibility for the safe operation and reliability of their cars. I have also not found the dealer to be a support...

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...

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.

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.

After taking my 2013 Hyundai Elantra in for service at a local mechanic due to hearing a new engine sound but no check engine light, I was informed that there was a much bigger problem involving a misfiring cylinder requiring a brand new engine replacement. My mechanic directed me to take in my car to a local Hyundai dealer where I was made aware that this was a known issue with Hyundai Elantras but was never made a recall leaving owners to hope that their vehicles fell under an arbitrary warranty extension that was put out by Hyundai [XXX] ) If undiagnosed or not replaced this can cause an engine seizure which could in turn lead to collisions, accidents, injury or death. I have entered my VIN into the website provided which tells me that my vehicle qualifies, however after taking my car into the dealership I was informed that...

See attached document for complaint

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the oil level was significantly low, although an oil change was performed two weeks prior to the failure. The mechanics determined that the timing components, timing cover gasket, water pump belts, valve cover, spark plugs, and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, 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...

Due to the nature of the manufacturer's recall; (Hyundai Elantra 2013- Manufacturer Recall Number 251 "URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED" & NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) that has been issued to my car, I am now at risk and in danger, both physically and financially. This recall notice has made me aware that I can no longer park my car safely in my garage, nor in my driveway, without putting myself, my family and all neighbors residing in the surrounding houses at risk of causing a residual house fire. In addition, I fear for the safety of all innocent bystanders while driving this vehicle where other cars are present due to the fact that this potentially immanent electrical shortage may occur while parked or driving on the street. Since this issue has caused me to take these measures to protect myself and others, I have come to the realization that I...

Car unable to pass smog check engine issues. Wheels no good.

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

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shut off while idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Car has a ticking sound, car has died on me multiple times. The vehicle has stopped moving regardless of pressing on accelerator and died leaving me stranded, feeling unsafe. I have been driving at 40 mph and then seem to lose power, making it to where can only go 10 to 20 mph or totally dying. I was also having issues with key fobs not working. Door would open, unlock and then not, car stalling. No lights illuminating on dash. Battery in fob replaced after car being towed to shop after stalling, dying issue and I was basically told they didn't know what was up with the stalling, maybe fobs. I had an oil change done and full diagnostic, sent on way without answers. Happened again, electrical issues, fob not working, stalling, start hesitation and dying, no power. I had it towed to different shop and was told had couple...

My car keeps breaking down whenever I slow down or press on the brakes. I have a malfunction indicator lamp and I was notified via letter to call Hyundai asap to get a service so that my car doesn’t light on fire. I went to a mechanic who told me the engine is bad and it’s also a real from Hyundai. I called numerous times, and every time I am told there’s nothing they can do about it at this time. They keep telling me to wait and they don’t give me any options. This is a frustrating situation. I drive two small children in my car and I don’t want anything to happen to them because the Hyundai dealership refused to fix their mistake.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The contact stated that failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred while her daughter was driving, stopped at a stop light, and in the middle of the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

UNKNOWN - The safety of myself and my kids are being put at risk with the recent fire risk recall not being resolved by Hyundai immediately. I do not feel safe driving this car and I have notified/called my insurance company/my finance company, and the local Hyundai dealership for assistance and no help was provided to me. I need this resolved immediately.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost all motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle then stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 155,000.

The engine in my 2013 Elantra started making noises and the car stopped while my son was driving. He was able to get it to a nearby parking lot. We ended up driving it 1 mile to the mechanic who said “it might be time to get rid of this car”. It needs a new engine. Mechanic talked to the local Hyundai dealership, gave them the VIN and dealer said I would likely be eligible for an engine replacement under a recall or a factory warranty. I towed it to the dealer to do their own “diagnosis” before they could give me the official word that my engine would be replaced. Dealer kept my car for five weeks. They ultimately provided an estimate of $3K worth of repairs that have little to do with the engine failing. I'm not sure they even looked at the engine. They told me the...

1. Coolant hose leaked into the engine causing the engine to smoke and head gasket to be blown. Available for inspection upon request until I sell the vehicle since I need a vehicle for work. 2. The engine failure could have occurred on a roadway, and the coolant in the engine could have combusted further. When the engine is on, you can smell smoke. 3. The problem was confirmed by an auto shop and they recommended that the Hyundai dealership perform a repair. 4. The component has not been inspected by anyone other than two auto shops at this time, who both confirmed that either the head gasket could be replaced as an attempted fix, but that the issue could remain/become worse if the entire engine is not replaced. 5. Check engine light came on, checked codes at a shop within 10 minutes - only code present was an engine...

The engine shut down while driving, it turns on again if I go neutral and turn it on but very dangerous since it already happens me on the freeway also when you’re on a stop or light with the brakes on the car start to try to move even whit the brakes all the way down, engine make some noise when you start it when is cold. car has been well maintained

Car randomly shuts off while idling . Will restart , but will not go past 10 mph leaving me either stranded in the middle of the road or causing me to pull over in unsafe areas . When restarting , engine is very hesitant. Car will be very shaky so I have to keep the car off for about 5 minutes before I restart the car . At that time the check engine light will turn on , as well as the wheel alignment and the battery .

I dropped my 2013 Hyundai Elantra Limited off on 4/3/23 for an oil change and to diagnosis and repair my engine stalling and engine boggling and repair headlight restoration. When I picked up my car I was told that they found metal shaving in my oil and on the oil dip stick and that I would need a new engine. Might I add, I don't have any lights blinking or remaining on such as my oil, engine, etc. I have kept up with all my maintenance over the years and have had my car service when it was due. While driving my car, it'll lose power and jerk forward. Other times, the car will start up with no RPMs registering while the car is moving up to 60 miles. The car has also displaced the sluggish barely moving forward action when the car's RPMs are not registering. The car back...

Catastrophic engine failure at 75k miles due to metal shavings in oil. Had a recent oil change, had no engine light come on or any issues beforehand. I was driving on the highway when my 2013 Hyundai Elantra started to not accelerate until stalling. I couldn’t pull over at the time of it starting due to construction blocking off any pull off side lane. Luckily was able to have it roll until a safer area to pull off highway, but if it had stalled completely when it started I would of been stranded on a highway with limited room for cars to go around due to construction. When it did stall out I had to put it in neutral and physically push it into a parking lot after it gave up at a busy 4 way stop light. Towed to shop where they reported issues with the bearings and piston...

My transmission had to be fixed due to stopping unexpectedly due to gear changing automatically by itself, brakes keep leaking fluid then touching the ground with a tire popping sound underneath , and engine is messing up without warning of any problems with

Check engine light on. Vehicle jerks while I am driving.

I have taken my 2013 Hyundai Elantra to 2 different shops where they have both informed me that the engine knock that is occuring is a known issue with this make and model. Unfortunately, it was brought to my attention that my VIN is not part of that recall. I am hoping to have my vehicle included in recall number TXXM warranty. My vehicle has approximately 92,700 miles on it. Thank you for your consideration Amanda Maldonado 720-876-8289

I have replaced the lights and battery many times and something keeps draining it. The outside brake lights sometimes stay on. So does the front running lights. The car sometimes wants to stall and when I press on the gas pedal it finally catches but still seems like it is going to shut down. The steering column has a really bad clicking in it and doesn’t seem to be tight anymore.

Vehicle randomly stalls without warning due to a manufacturer defect commonly known as Hyundai piston slap. The car stalled on me on the expressway 4 times on a single trip causing a potentially very dangerous situation. No engine warning lights before or after the stall. The vehicle was inspected by my local Hyundai service shop and the fix is to replace the small block. Hyundai is well aware of this issue with these vehicles.

Engine failure diagnosed on 2013 Elantra GT at 47,000 miles. No warning light only a ticking sound and in the original lawsuit however my state does not qualify in Nevada for a replacement. Thousands have failed per the lawsuit yet Hyundai appears to be denying claims left and right and many other types, years and models were excluded based on where you live. The lawsuit was a mere band aid with many loopholes that all Hyundai to deny claims and have customers driving in a vehicle that can stall any minute and cause bodily harm or death. Hyundai is keenly aware and I was told by dealership to have my towed in, but no way they will approve it. I am out of pocket $10,000 cash for a car that likely ends up being sold for scrap. Why on earth is your agency allowing this madness to continue? Every single...

First engine replaced at ~ 60,000 miles under warranty by Hyundai due to bad bearings. My current engine, now at ~ 118,000 miles is exhibiting the same symptoms as the first engine, i.e., knocking and a burnt oil smell. Hyundai tested the engine and once again, determined via testing the bearings are bad again but now claiming they are not responsible for replacing the second engine under warranty. I've seen many reports and have spoken with personal contacts about Hyundai/Kia engines suffering catastrophic damage sometimes resulting in fires. I have three kids who regularly ride in this vehicle and so as a parent, I am concerned for their safety but also that Hyundai seems to be evading their responsibilities as it relates to the product warranty and the safety requirements of the NHTSA. No warning lamps or other vehicle indicators directed me towards this problem. Instead, I can hear the...

My car tends to shut off on its own while driving. I’ve fixed the fuel pump thinking that can be the issue due to the car passing “green” on the machine stating everything is good. No lights on my dashboard, engine tends to shake. RPM arrow is all over the place. The car is well taken care of. I’m spending a lot of money on mechanics fixing things that clearly aren’t the issue with the vehicle.

Well not even at 100,000 miles yet suspension noise all four engine not good as its not work well with the way they have set up with no dip stick suspension clink clack crazy not even at 100.00