YearToAvoid

2013 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 315 brake complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 24% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. Two brake-related recalls (23V651000 and 17V769000) apply to this model year.

Brakes complaints
315
24% of 1,313
Crashes reported
31
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
13
Median mileage
50,000 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report brakes failing to engage or slow the car during normal stops, sometimes leading to collisions with vehicles or objects ahead.
  • Some describe a grinding noise when braking, especially in wet conditions, before a later loss of braking power.
  • Several report the anti-lock brake system not engaging during hard braking, with the car feeling like it kept moving despite firm pedal pressure.
  • One owner reported the vehicle moving on its own while in park with the emergency brake engaged, resulting in a crash.
  • Others describe brakes failing entirely while attempting to park at low speed, causing the car to strike buildings, walls, or curbs.

When 2013 Hyundai Elantra brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 16, 2012, latest Aug 20, 2026.

2013 Hyundai Elantra brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter552012 Q32014 Q22016 Q12017 Q42019 Q42022 Q32024 Q32026 Q2
315 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (55).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Brakes complaints by Elantra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201051 (13%)
  2. 201175 (17%)
  3. 2012131 (20%)
  4. 2013315 (24%)
  5. 201498 (26%)
  6. 201555 (21%)
  7. 201619 (7%)
  8. 201753 (7%)
  9. 201815 (5%)
  10. 20196 (2%)
  11. 202015 (6%)
  12. 20218 (6%)
  13. 20228 (8%)
  14. 20239 (9%)
  15. 20243 (6%)
  16. 20252 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA lists 315 brake complaints for the 2013 Elantra, which is 24% of the 1,313 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Yes. Two recalls cover brake components: campaign 23V651000, reported in 2023, and campaign 17V769000, reported in 2017, which covers a brake pedal stopper pad issue.
At what mileage do 2013 Elantra brake problems typically occur?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 50,000 miles for brake-related complaints on this model year.
Are the 2013 Elantra brake complaints linked to crashes?
NHTSA data tied to this complaint area records 31 crashes, 8 fires, and 13 injuries for the 2013 Elantra.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.