VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Elantra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra carries two red flags at once: 1,858 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 8.7× the Elantra norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Elantra years to avoid. Complainants reported 92 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (282), steering (271), and engine (236), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,858

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

159

Crash-involved

56

Fires reported

92

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Elantra years?

Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted1,858 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 39 complaints1994: 110 complaints1995: 179 complaints1996: 138 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 75 complaints1999: 183 complaints2000: 259 complaints2001: 445 complaints2002: 431 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 209 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 209 complaints2007: 365 complaints2008: 424 complaints2009: 316 complaints2010: 501 complaints2011: 588 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 1,858 complaints2014: 548 complaints2015: 352 complaints2016: 387 complaints2017: 1,070 complaints2018: 397 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 324 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 135 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes28215%
Steering27115%
Engine23613%
Electrical System20511%
Airbags1669%
Tires & Wheels1317%
Other1257%
Suspension995%
Lighting744%
Transmission573%
Body & Structure513%
Speed Control503%
Visibility & Wipers462%
Fuel System322%
Seat Belts161%
Driver Assistance111%
Seats40%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V769000BrakesNovember 30, 2017 · 390,467 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V574000LightingAugust 2, 2016 · 64,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

13V115000Body & StructureApril 1, 2013 · 186,250 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 8, 2024 · fire

“RENTAL CAR, HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013, FROM ENTERPRISE. VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE, CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL VERY EASILY, WHICH I EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND DURING RAINY CONDITIONS. THE OTHER DRIVERS IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH STEERING, BUT THIS VEHICLE LOST CONTROL...UPDATED 07/15/14…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 28, 2014 · crash

“I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 8, 2024 · fire

“I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 8, 2024 · fire

“DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE ON 2ND FLOOR OF PARKING GARAGE. AS THE LEFT TURN WAS MADE, THE ELANTRA GT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF INTO A WALL, HITTING A POLE AND THE WALL. HYUNDAI IS INVESTIGATING. DEALER IS USELESS. RIGHT NOW UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED. EXTERIOR CAN BE FIXED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 12, 2015 · crash

2013 Hyundai Elantra — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,858 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 37 Elantra years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Elantra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (282 complaints), steering (271 complaints), engine (236 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.