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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-HYUNDAI-ELANTRA
2013 · hyundai

hyundai Elantra problems

2 safety recalls. 1,317 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
269 reports · avg $700
moderate
brakes
192 reports · avg $450
severe
airbags
136 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
129 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
128 reports · avg $850
severe
suspension
62 reports · avg $900
moderate
lighting
53 reports · avg $250
severe
tires
52 reports · avg $150
severe

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…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633166.0
2013 Elantra · suspension
'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…
12/30/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164059.0
2013 Elantra · other
FREQUENTLY TIRE SIDE WALLS BULGE AND CRACKS. CANNOT SEE AS THE PROBLEM FOUND INSIDE AND PROBLEM INDICATED BY LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING IN DASH BOARD. SERVICE DEALER CONCLUDED TIRE DAMAGES FROM POT HOLES. FIRST TWO DAMAGES OCCURRED AT 11557 AND 13116 MILES. THIRD AND FOURTH…
12/30/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057678.0
2013 Elantra · lighting
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…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938730.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 16V574000 02/08/2016

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.
severe NHTSA 13V115000 01/04/2013

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.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,317 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 269 complaints filed. 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. 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 1,317 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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