NHTSA has 1,314 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, received from 2012 to 2026. The most-reported system is service brakes (282 complaints, 21%), followed by steering (271) and engine (235). Owners reported 93 crashes, 31 fires, 66 injuries and 0 deaths. Median mileage at failure: 45,368 miles. Complaints peaked in 2024, with 158 received that year. 4 safety recalls cover this model year.
1,314NHTSA complaints
4safety recalls
93crashes reported
31fires reported
66injuries
0deaths
Quick answers
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners report service brakes problems most often: 282 of 1,314 NHTSA complaints (21%), followed by steering (271) and engine (235).
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The most recent is 23V651000 (service brakes, 2023-09-22).
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage at failure is 45,368 miles, across 796 complaints that reported mileage.
Have owners reported crashes or fires in the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Yes. Owners reported 93 crashes, 31 fires, 66 injuries and 0 deaths in NHTSA complaints.
Problems by system
System
Complaints
Share
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Median miles
Service brakes
282
21%
28
8
12
55,000
Steering
271
21%
8
2
0
40,500
Engine
235
18%
7
15
3
65,000
Air bags
168
13%
41
0
44
71,087
Electrical system
155
12%
7
13
1
55,500
Unknown or other
123
9%
3
3
5
50,000
Suspension
99
8%
3
1
0
18,500
Wheels
75
6%
7
1
4
10,500
Exterior lighting
72
5%
1
1
1
63,500
Power train
57
4%
3
0
1
60,300
Tires
55
4%
1
1
2
10,500
Structure
51
4%
13
6
5
33,315
Speed control
50
4%
18
1
7
42,800
Electronic stability control
46
4%
6
1
0
40,000
Visibility and wipers
43
3%
1
1
2
17,000
Fuel system
32
2%
3
2
0
45,235
Seat belts
17
1%
4
0
2
83,000
Forward collision avoidance
8
1%
1
0
1
55,000
Seats
4
<1%
1
1
1
36,919
Traction control
4
<1%
1
0
0
67,974
Equipment
3
<1%
1
0
0
10,150
Lane departure
2
<1%
0
0
0
–
Latches, locks and linkages
2
<1%
0
0
0
59,093
Backover prevention
1
<1%
0
0
0
–
Parking brake
1
<1%
1
0
1
7,000
A complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
23V651000 · Service brakes · 2023-09-22Park outside
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the engine compartment and there was grey smoke coming from the electrical box behind the…
Service brakes · NHTSA complaint 11766713, received 2026-09-24
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The following day, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's dog woke up the contact around 5:00 AM, at which point the…
Service brakes · NHTSA complaint 11758181, received 2026-08-20
My fiance and I, bought the vehicle in May 2022? from Carvana. His name is [redacted] . Mine is [redacted] (maiden - [redacted] ) Price. [redacted] passed away August 6, 2025. I wanted to mention this part before I explain the problem. His son is supposed to sign the car over to me as soon as…
Steering · NHTSA complaint 11740407, received 2026-05-27
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that a cushion located within the steering wheel had deteriorated, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no…
Steering · NHTSA complaint 11698950, received 2025-11-12
I was wondering if you can help me. I have a Hyundai Elantra that had a recall for my engine to get fixed by the dealership. I’ve never got it fixed because I was unaware of a Hyundai letter that i just found on the internet that was issued by them but I never received it. I went to a mechanic the…
Engine · NHTSA complaint 11743363, received 2026-06-10
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Engine · NHTSA complaint 11730096, received 2026-04-09
Other Hyundai Elantra model years
1992 · 29 complaints
1993 · 24 complaints
1994 · 76 complaints
1995 · 112 complaints
1996 · 100 complaints
1997 · 115 complaints
1998 · 55 complaints
1999 · 128 complaints
2000 · 197 complaints
2001 · 315 complaints
2002 · 342 complaints
2003 · 234 complaints
2004 · 182 complaints
2005 · 137 complaints
2006 · 155 complaints
2007 · 267 complaints
2008 · 314 complaints
2009 · 254 complaints
2010 · 380 complaints
2011 · 433 complaints
2012 · 654 complaints
2014 · 386 complaints
2015 · 262 complaints
2016 · 293 complaints
2017 · 769 complaints
2018 · 284 complaints
2019 · 252 complaints
2020 · 254 complaints
2021 · 132 complaints
2022 · 102 complaints
2023 · 100 complaints
2024 · 55 complaints
2025 · 22 complaints
2026 · 3 complaints
Source
Built from the NHTSA complaints flat file and the NHTSA recalls flat files, data as of 2026-10-22. Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models collect more of them.