YearToAvoid

2013 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 271 steering complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 21% of all complaints filed for that model year. There are 8 crashes and 2 fires tied to this area, with a median failure mileage of 40,500. No related recalls are listed.

Steering complaints
271
21% of 1,313
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
40,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe sudden loss of steering response mid-turn, causing the vehicle to drift into another lane or median.
  • Some report the steering wheel seizing or locking up while attempting to turn, leading to a curb strike or crash.
  • Several complaints mention a clicking or popping noise from the steering before it stopped responding.
  • Others describe the steering pulling sharply to one side during a sudden brake-and-steer maneuver.
  • A few owners report fishtailing or loss of control at low speed on snowy or wet roads.

When 2013 Hyundai Elantra steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 31, 2012, latest May 27, 2026.

2013 Hyundai Elantra steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter232012 Q22014 Q22016 Q32018 Q32020 Q22022 Q12023 Q42025 Q3
271 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q4 (23).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Elantra model year

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

  1. 2010195 (51%)
  2. 201174 (17%)
  3. 201288 (13%)
  4. 2013271 (21%)
  5. 201428 (7%)
  6. 201526 (10%)
  7. 201619 (7%)
  8. 201771 (9%)
  9. 201816 (6%)
  10. 20199 (4%)
  11. 202020 (8%)
  12. 20215 (4%)
  13. 20222 (2%)
  14. 20233 (3%)
  15. 20247 (13%)
  16. 20251 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA lists 271 steering complaints for the 2013 Elantra, which is 21% of the 1,313 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the steering system on the 2013 Elantra.
Did the 2013 Elantra steering issue cause crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data ties 8 crashes and 2 fires to steering complaints on the 2013 Elantra.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2013 Elantra?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Elantra is 40,500 miles.
How does the 2013 Elantra compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2013 model year's 271 steering complaints and 21% share are higher than most other Elantra model years listed, such as 2014 with 28 complaints at a 7% share.

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.