2013 Hyundai Elantra
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 76 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 247 |
| 2010 | 378 |
| 2011 | 431 |
| 2012 | 649 |
| 2013 | 1307 |
| 2014 | 379 |
| 2015 | 258 |
| 2016 | 286 |
| 2017 | 759 |
| 2018 | 274 |
| 2019 | 242 |
| 2020 | 240 |
| 2021 | 128 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: steering — 269 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20231220
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, 20231127
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, 20231002
18% of complaints: engine — 233 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20171228
13% of complaints: air bags — 166 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: service brakes — 163 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20180314
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, 20120911
12% of complaints: electrical system — 152 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Headliner Bracket Detachment
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 dis
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
Campaign 13V115000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V574000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V769000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Engine Fires
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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.
Campaign 23V651000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (269 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (233 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (166 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V115000 (air bags, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V574000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V769000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V651000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 steering, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.