2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. This model year has 1,317 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2013 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Considering a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 281 | 28 | 7 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 270 | 8 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 237 | 7 | 15 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 166 | 41 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 154 | 7 | 13 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 126 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 114 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 98 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 81 | 8 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 72 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 57 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 57 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 50 | 13 | 6 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 49 | 18 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 46 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 16 | 4 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,317 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
Front (engine) subframe rusted out in 2026 after recall work was completed in 2023 for the known issue. Here is the service campaign information: "Service Campaign 984 2011-2016MY ELANTRA (MD/UD) UNDERBODY CORROSION PREVENTATIVE SERVICE"
2013 Hyundai Sonata has a loud knocking noise from engine. Purchases 8/5/25 at 43K miles, currently at 44K miles. There is a Technical Service Bulletin, # 22-EM-009H dated June 2022 about an extended warranty but its time limit is questionable. Unknown and undocumented when pur…
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.
A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine …
My vehicle has a piston slap ticking issue and Hyundai will not help me fix this because it’s a common issue by Hyundai.
While driving on an interstate on March 12, 2026, the engine stopped working requiring that the car be pulled over to the side of the road. There were no indications of issues as oil had been regularly changed, and the battery and tires were replaced in fall of 2025. The check en…
The vehicle has developed a pronounced knocking noise that was diagnosed by your authorized dealership as “piston slap.” I was informed by dealership staff that this is a known issue with this vehicle. However, because the vehicle is outside of warranty by time and mileage, I was…
A system in the Engine that allows for oil to sit and burn. UNKOWN A Mechanic shop that I go to regularly stated that this has been a known issue that has been going on for the past 12 years. Along side when I bought the car I was told that the engine is usually louder then mos…
[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle …
I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to th…
The car caught fire all the sudden while parked and burnt almost completely (~80%)
Vehicle Issue Description for NHTSA Complaint: Component/System Failure: The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [insert VIN]) completely failed at 51,000 miles. The alternator also failed and had to be replaced. There was a persistent smell of gasoline inside and outside…
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake hydraulic system failed due to a rusted and leaking brake line running from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The damaged brake line is still on the vehicle and is…
I was driving and my car just shut down. Thank goodness I was only in a drive thru because my car was still in gear. I got it restarted and it was making a terrible noise. I took it to hyandai where they told me that I had a piston slap. Hyandai corporate knows that this is a pro…
CAR STALLS WHEN DRIVING AND THE CVVT FAILED AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO PAY FOR IT
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 tu…
Break light keeps going out no matter how many time I get the light changed. Got the harness changed last year and that did not help either.
My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1.8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel made clicking sound while turning to the left or the right. While driving at speeds of 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehic…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was a lot of play in the steering wheel, and the steering wheel moved back and forth with no resistance while the vehicle was being driven or while idling. There was a loud clunking noise coming from the steer…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
Recalls for 2013 Hyundai Elantra
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2013 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 1,317 NHTSA owner complaints, 94 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (281 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?▾
#1: Brake System (281 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (270 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (237 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 94 crash-related complaints and 30 fire reports out of 1,317 total NHTSA complaints. 67 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2013 Hyundai Elantra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.