2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 4 safety recalls and 1,317 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Recall 17V-769: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Recall 16V-574: Exterior Lighting
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.
Recall 13V-115: Structure, Air Bags
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.
2013 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 272 | |
| Engine | 233 | |
| Air Bags | 168 | |
| Service Brakes | 166 | |
| Electrical System | 155 | |
| Unknown or Other | 123 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 116 | |
| Suspension | 99 | |
| Wheels | 77 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 74 | |
| Power Train | 57 | |
| Tires | 55 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 46
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 19
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 6
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 6
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 4
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module — 4
- Suspension › Rear — 3
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,368 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2013 Hyundai Elantra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V-769 (service brakes, hydraulic), 16V-574 (exterior lighting), 13V-115 (structure, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners report steering problems most often (272 reports), followed by engine (233). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,368 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.