YearToAvoid

2013 Hyundai Elantra Structure & Body Problems

Structure & Body complaints account for 56 of 1,313 total complaints (4%) for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, with 14 crashes, 7 fires, and 6 injuries reported. A related recall (13V115000) covers a headliner support bracket that could become displaced during a side impact.

Structure & Body complaints
56
4% of 1,313
Crashes reported
14
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
34,458 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Owners report seats moving backward and seatbacks reclining unexpectedly after being rear-ended, raising concern about occupant protection for rear passengers.
  • Several owners describe cars catching fire or filling with smoke while parked or shortly after parking, unrelated to a collision.
  • Multiple reports describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed frontal or side collisions.
  • Some owners report sudden loss of braking or steering control leading to low-speed collisions into buildings, parked cars, or other vehicles.
  • A separate recall addresses a headliner support bracket that could become displaced during a side-impact crash.

When 2013 Hyundai Elantra body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 26, 2012, latest May 7, 2026.

2013 Hyundai Elantra structure & body complaints: complaints filed per quarter42012 Q32014 Q22015 Q32017 Q32019 Q12020 Q42022 Q2
56 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2014 Q1 (4).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra

  1. NHTSA 13V115000Apr 1, 2013Structure & Body186,250 vehicles

    Structure

    Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

    Risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Structure & Body complaints by Elantra model year

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

  1. 201026 (7%)
  2. 20116 (1%)
  3. 201218 (3%)
  4. 201356 (4%)
  5. 201410 (3%)
  6. 201515 (6%)
  7. 201632 (11%)
  8. 2017186 (24%)
  9. 201817 (6%)
  10. 20195 (2%)
  11. 20208 (3%)
  12. 20214 (3%)
  13. 20222 (2%)
  14. 20233 (3%)
  15. 20242 (4%)
  16. 20251 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have a Structure & Body recall?
Yes. Recall 13V115000 covers 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles where a headliner support bracket could become displaced during a side impact; dealers apply adhesive strips to fix it.
How common are Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Elantra?
NHTSA lists 56 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Elantra, which is 4% of the 1,313 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are the 2013 Elantra's body complaints linked to crashes or fires?
Of the Structure & Body complaints, NHTSA data shows 14 crashes, 7 fires, and 6 injuries associated with this problem area.
At what mileage do Structure & Body problems appear on the 2013 Elantra?
The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Elantra is 34,457.5 miles.
Is the 2013 Elantra worse than other years for Structure & Body complaints?
The 2013 Elantra's 4% share of complaints in this area is lower than 2017's 24% and 2016's 11%, but higher than 2019's 2%.

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.