MYRModel Year Report

2013 Hyundai Elantra

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Hyundai Elantra
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,312
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 29 complaints 1992 1993: 24 complaints 1994: 78 complaints 1995: 112 complaints 1996: 100 complaints 1997: 115 complaints 1997 1998: 55 complaints 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 197 complaints 2001: 315 complaints 2002: 342 complaints 2002 2003: 234 complaints 2004: 182 complaints 2005: 137 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 266 complaints 2007 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 253 complaints 2010: 379 complaints 2011: 433 complaints 2012: 652 complaints 2013: 1,312 complaints 2013 1,312 2014: 384 complaints 2015: 262 complaints 2016: 293 complaints 2017: 767 complaints 2017 2018: 283 complaints 2019: 250 complaints 2020: 252 complaints 2021: 131 complaints 2022: 101 complaints 2022 2023: 97 complaints 2024: 54 complaints 2025: 22 complaints 2026: 2 complaints
1992: 29 complaints 1992 1993: 24 complaints 1994: 78 complaints 1995: 112 complaints 1995 1996: 100 complaints 1997: 115 complaints 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 197 complaints 2001: 315 complaints 2001 2002: 342 complaints 2003: 234 complaints 2004: 182 complaints 2004 2005: 137 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 266 complaints 2007 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 253 complaints 2010: 379 complaints 2010 2011: 433 complaints 2012: 652 complaints 2013: 1,312 complaints 2013 1,312 2014: 384 complaints 2015: 262 complaints 2016: 293 complaints 2016 2017: 767 complaints 2018: 283 complaints 2019: 250 complaints 2019 2020: 252 complaints 2021: 131 complaints 2022: 101 complaints 2022 2023: 97 complaints 2024: 54 complaints 2025: 22 complaints 2025 2026: 2 complaints
1992: 29 complaints 1992 1993: 24 complaints 1994: 78 complaints 1994 1995: 112 complaints 1996: 100 complaints 1996 1997: 115 complaints 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 197 complaints 2000 2001: 315 complaints 2002: 342 complaints 2002 2003: 234 complaints 2004: 182 complaints 2004 2005: 137 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 266 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2008 2009: 253 complaints 2010: 379 complaints 2010 2011: 433 complaints 2012: 652 complaints 2013: 1,312 complaints 2013 1,312 2014: 384 complaints 2015: 262 complaints 2016: 293 complaints 2016 2017: 767 complaints 2018: 283 complaints 2018 2019: 250 complaints 2020: 252 complaints 2020 2021: 131 complaints 2022: 101 complaints 2022 2023: 97 complaints 2024: 54 complaints 2024 2025: 22 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026

2013: 1,312 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19900
19910
199229
199324
199478
1995112
1996100
1997115
199855
1999128
2000197
2001315
2002342
2003234
2004182
2005137
2006155
2007266
2008314
2009253
2010379
2011433
2012652
20131,312
2014384
2015262
2016293
2017767
2018283
2019250
2020252
2021131
2022101
202397
202454
202522
20262

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

21% · 282 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal traveled all the way down to the floorboard. While trying to avoid other vehicles, the contact struck a tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-14

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to pull off the road he moved his right foot from the accelerator to the brake and his shoe became stuck under the brake pedal causing him to crash into a sign.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-11

ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes aren’t properly working.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Steering

21% · 271 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a curb.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-20

The steering coupler failed, causing the tires to turn back and forth (oscillate) while the driver held the steering wheel steady. The vehicle went out of control and spun out on wet pavement.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-27

The steering went out, causing me to crash, car flipped. Steering was making this clicking/popping noise for a long time. I see on line a lot of other people experience this and also crashes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-02

Engine

18% · 233 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke profusely while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The failure was persistent.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-28

Air bags

13% · 168 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Drivers air bag high resistance too high (2nd stage) B149000- PODS(passenger occupant detecting system) sensor (Bladder) Defect Start with replacing the clock spring assembly maybe be other problems. Airbag uncertain if operational.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-10

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Electrical system

12% · 155 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and software.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2012-09-13Engineering analysisClosed 2013-12-09 Headliner Bracket Detachment
  2. ▮
    2013Complaint volume 1,312 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2013-04-23Air bags, structure13V115000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2016-09-26Exterior lighting16V574000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2018-01-15Service brakes, hydraulic17V769000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  7. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  8. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  9. R
    2024-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic23V651000 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,...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 282 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 271 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 233 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V115000 · Air bags, structure
  • Recall 16V574000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 17V769000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.