2013 Hyundai Elantra Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 210 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 16% of all complaints filed for the year, including 13 fires and 8 crashes. A related recall (16V574000) covers a brake pedal stopper pad issue tied to the electrical/brake light circuit, at a median 56,656 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 210
- 16% of 1,313
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 13
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 56,656 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report spontaneous engine fires and smoke from the hood or engine area while the vehicle was parked and turned off, sometimes minutes after shutdown.
- Some owners describe the windshield becoming extremely hot and the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving at low speed just before a fire started.
- Several complaints describe flames or sparks coming from the dashboard accessories compartment near the shifter.
- Owners report the vehicle refusing to start intermittently, requiring the shifter to be manually moved to neutral to restart, sometimes stranding the vehicle.
- Owners report rear brake lights staying illuminated even after the vehicle is turned off, related to the brake pedal stopper pad addressed in recall 16V574000.
- Some owners report repeated electrical component failures including battery, fuses, ignition, and alternator problems.
When 2013 Hyundai Elantra electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 21, 2012, latest May 28, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- 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.
Electrical System complaints by Elantra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- NHTSA lists 210 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Elantra, which is 16% of the 1,313 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- Yes, recall 16V574000 covers a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate and cause the brake light switch plunger issue on 2013 Elantras built December 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013. Hyundai replaces the part free of charge.
- Do 2013 Elantra electrical complaints involve fires?
- Yes, NHTSA records 13 fires and 8 crashes among the 210 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Elantra, with some reported while the car was parked and off.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Elantra?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Elantra is 56,656 miles, though sample complaints span a wide mileage range.