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Model year record

2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls & problems

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 4 safety recalls and 1,314 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (271 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints1,314filed by owners
Crashes · fires93 · 31reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2013 Hyundai Elantra in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 22, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6510001,649,478 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Service brakes, hydraulicNov 30, 2017

Pedals and linkages

Recall 17V769000390,467 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Exterior lightingAug 2, 2016

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 16V57400064,500 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
StructureApr 1, 2013

Structure

Recall 13V115000186,250 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Structure; Air bags › Side/window

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.9%
2013 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2013 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Elantra

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Elantra

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Elantra Blue

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
SteeringElectric power assist system; Steering wheel/handle bar27182040,000 mi
Engine233715365,000 mi
Air bags1684104471,087 mi
Service brakes1642731136,711 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) › Software155713155,500 mi
Unknown or other12333550,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPower assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light116151123,200 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Wheel bearing9931018,500 mi
WheelsRim7671410,500 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Headlights7411165,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission5730160,300 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems; Temporary/emergency spare tire5511210,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations