2013 Hyundai Elantra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Elantra years
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra ranks worst of 16 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 1,313 complaints across 4 recalls. Brakes are the top problem area, cited in 24% of complaints, followed closely by Engine and Steering at 21% each. It's rated Avoid relative to other Elantra years.
- Complaints
- 1,313
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 93 / 31
- Injuries / deaths
- 66 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28 city / 38 hwy
Top 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes315 (24%)
- Engine271 (21%)
- Steering271 (21%)
- Electrical System210 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires191 (15%)
- Airbags168 (13%)
- Other125 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain57 (4%)
- Structure & Body56 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers42 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the car veering or lurching unexpectedly at low speeds while parking or approaching stop signs, sometimes leading to a crash into a pole or object.
- Some describe sudden electrical failures where the engine shut off unexpectedly, followed by the windshield area becoming extremely hot and smoke or fire developing near the hood.
- Brake pedal problems are reported, including pedals sitting unusually high, a grinding noise when braking in wet weather, and instances where brakes reportedly failed to stop the car.
- A parked, powered-off vehicle reportedly caught fire from an electrical source with no driving involved.
- Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during a rear-end crash despite significant impact.
2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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 Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- NHTSA 17V769000Nov 30, 2017Brakes390,467 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
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.
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.
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. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
- NHTSA 16V574000Aug 2, 2016Electrical System64,500 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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.
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.
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 for this recall is 146.
2013 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Elantra has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any Elantra year tracked, with 1,313 complaints and 4 recalls, making it the year with the most reported problems relative to other Elantra model years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 24% of complaints (315 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles and 31 associated crashes.
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have brake recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two brake-related recalls for the 2013 Elantra: campaign 23V651000 covering a brake fluid leak fire risk requiring owners to park outside, and campaign 17V769000 covering a deteriorating brake pedal stopper pad.
- How does the 2013 Elantra compare to other years?
- The 2013 Elantra ranks worst of 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, compared to years like 2021 and 2024 which score 7 and 0 with a Best verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- The EPA rates the 2013 Elantra at 32 mpg combined (28 city / 38 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,050.