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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-HYUNDAI-ELANTRANHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Hyundai
2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 1,325 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns.
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 1,325 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 270 complaints, typically surfacing around 55,699 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Elantra?
Avoid — the brakes
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 8 crash-related complaints on the brakes
Electrical system: 128 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,923–95,000 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Hyundai Elantra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 270 owner reports
· tends to show around 55,699 mi · ~$700 to fix
brakes — 193 owner reports
· tends to show around 72,565 mi · ~$450 to fix
airbags — 138 owner reports
· tends to show around 72,973 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 130 owner reports
· tends to show around 75,573 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 72,565 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Elantra· engine
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston…
'takata recall' while driving at highway speed if I hit a slight bump or irregularity in the road rear end of car jumps around. On wet or slick roads it is even worse. From the complaints I have read I am not the only one with this problem. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles…
I am replacing brake light bulbs a little to often I believe. And when I contact Hyundai they said theirs no recalls so maybe its electrical issue that they haven't discovered yet. Well obviously because it wouldn't be happening to my car so often. But after replacing the…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…
Had a problem with your 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013
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.
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013
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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
AQService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 8 crash-related complaints on the brakes; Electrical system: 128 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,923–95,000 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 270 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,699 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,325 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 55,699 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 270 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,699 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 55,699 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Elantra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,325 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Elantra.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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