This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems
severe 192 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
192
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
8crashes
5fires
4injuries
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Hyundai Elantra we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 192.
Owners have filed 192 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM. THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD MATERIAL IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN DETERIORATE ALLOWING THE STOP LAMP SWITCH PLUNGER TO REMAIN EXTENDED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DETERIORATED PAD CAN RESULT IN THE STOP LAMPS ILLUMINATING CONTINUOUSLY, ILLUMINATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMP, THE ABILITY TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, OR ACTIVATION OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS BRAKE PEDAL OVERRIDE FEATURE. ANY OF THE DESCRIBED SYMPTOMS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING RECALL 146 TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER ON CERTAIN 2013 MODEL YEAR ELANTRA VEHICLES. RECALL 146 PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two major brake failure patterns on the 2013 Elantra. First, uncoated stainless-steel brake lines running along the undercarriage corrode and perforate, allowing brake fluid to leak and braking to fail entirely—Canada recalled this issue in March 2023, but the U.S. remedy was not available as of mid-2024. Second, the ABS module leaks brake fluid internally, causing electrical arcing and fires in the engine compartment; multiple owners report flames and smoke while driving or parked, forcing fire department response.
A third recurring complaint involves brake rotors rusting severely within days of the car sitting outside, producing grinding noise and reduced stopping power. Owners report this happening as early as 9,000 miles, and dealer machining provides only temporary relief. The brake pedal also drops completely to the floor in separate incidents—owners hear clicking or grinding and lose braking ability for several seconds to several intersections.
Brake lock-up triggered by the ABS or stability control system has stranded owners in driveways and on roads; brakes remain locked for minutes. Several owners also report brake fluid leaks requiring monthly refills, with one owner adding a quart per month and having no warning lamp alert. The recall notice (NHTSA Campaign #23V651000, September 2023) instructed owners to park outside due to fire risk but left remedy parts unavailable for months; some owners waited into summer 2024 for parts, and even after recall service was performed, the system failed to mark repairs complete.
Same Hyundai Elantra brakes reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Brake line corrosion and perforation
Uncoated stainless-steel brake lines running externally along the undercarriage corrode through, allowing water to pond in plastic guide straps and leading to catastrophic brake fluid loss. Transport Canada issued recall 2023-125 for this exact issue.
When: Various mileages; one incident at approximately 7715 miles; another owner reported active corrosion requiring monthly brake fluid refills starting in winter 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal drops to floor or becomes squishy; Total brake failure while driving; Low brake fluid requiring frequent refilling; Brake fluid leak visible under vehicle or in engine bay
Codes mentioned: ABS warning lamp illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line replacement required; one owner paid for towing 90 miles to Hyundai shop and waited three weeks for ABS actuator repair and installation; independent mechanic traced leak to rusted brake line section
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transport Canada Recall #2023-125 (Canada only); NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 issued September 2023 but remedy parts not yet available as of mid-2024
ABS module internal brake fluid leak and electrical fire
Brake fluid leaks internally within the ABS module causing electrical malfunction, arcing, overheating, and engine compartment fire. Multiple owners report flames, smoke, and fire department response. Related to NHTSA Campaign #23V651000.
When: Various mileages from 63,666 to 190,000 miles; fire incidents reported while parked, during driving, and during acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Traction control warning light illumination; Burning odor inside or under hood; Smoke or flames visible from engine compartment; Check engine light; Abnormal humming or ticking sound from engine bay
Codes mentioned: ABS warning lamp, Traction control warning lamp, Check engine lamp
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report fires contained by neighbors or fire department; vehicles towed to insurance impound lots; one owner had vehicle towed 90 miles to Hyundai dealer; repair costs and towing expenses not reimbursed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued September 2023; recall remedy parts not available through mid-2024; Hyundai advised owners to park vehicle outside and away from structures due to fire risk; some owners received second notice in summer 2024 indicating parts finally available, but recall completion confirmation lagged or was not processed correctly
Brake pedal drop to floor—hydraulic failure (master cylinder or circuit leak)
Brake pedal travels completely to floorboard during braking, resulting in severe reduction or total loss of braking ability. Multiple incidents of brake failure at low speeds and one crash into a tree at 15 mph. Dealers often fail to replicate; owners report leak traced to master cylinder or brake line sections.
When: As early as 1,800 miles (first failure); recurring failures at 2,000, 20 MPH city driving, 7715 miles, 42,200 miles, and 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels all the way to floorboard; No braking response or severe delay in response; Clicking or grinding noise while attempting to brake; Vehicle coasts through intersection before brakes engage; ABS warning light illuminated (sometimes)
Codes mentioned: ABS warning lamp (when present)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate failure on test drive; independent mechanic unable to determine cause in one case; one owner had brake line hanging precariously close to tire (damage potentially from prior accident or manufacturing defect); multiple dealer visits with no resolution; owner of vehicle at 70,000 miles towed to dealer twice, master cylinder diagnosed but not repaired due to parts unavailability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable or unwilling to confirm fault; manufacturer offered no assistance in early 2013 incidents; related to NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 for some later-mileage failures, but recall remedy parts unavailable
Brake rotor corrosion and grinding noise (early-onset, moisture-related)
All four rotors exhibit severe rust and corrosion after vehicle sits outside overnight or in moisture. Grinding, pulsating, clattering noises during braking. Rotors rusted at as few as 9,000 miles. Dealer machining does not resolve issue; rotors rust again within days or weeks.
When: As early as 9,000 miles after overnight outdoor parking; recurs at 36,000 miles (rear brakes); continues through vehicle lifetime; noise prominent after long drives (1+ hour) when brakes hot
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or clattering noise when braking; Brake pedal vibration or pulsation during stops; Vehicle shakes or vibrates when braking at speeds 40 mph or higher; Reduced stopping power when wet or after rain; Noise worse in moisture/rain conditions, resolves after drying
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer machined rotors at 9,000 miles but rust returned within one week; rotor replacement suggested by one dealer but not warranty-covered; another owner paid for brake pad and rotor replacement but problem recurred; one owner with 7,000 miles paid for dealer service and rotor turning but grinding persisted and worsened; one owner with 36,000 miles had rear brake pads replaced (front pads still had more than half life remaining)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge issue is caused by moisture but claim it is normal for vehicles left outside without garage; Hyundai dealership service manager acknowledged Hyundai is aware of issue but stated no solution currently available; no TSB or recall issued for corrosion problem despite multiple owners and discussion-forum documentation
Brake lock-up—ESC/ABS system malfunction
Front brakes lock up suddenly, sometimes triggered by ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light or low-speed driving conditions. Vehicle becomes immobile; brakes may not release for several minutes. Occurs at idle, low speeds, and after rain on dry surfaces.
When: Various; one incident at 5 mph in driveway; one after ice braking then recurred on dry road; one while driving 55 mph with grinding noise preceding event
Symptoms owners cite: ESC or ABS warning light illumination; Both front brakes lock simultaneously; Vehicle immobile until brakes release (minutes later); Loud grinding or thumping noise before or during lock-up; Abnormal tapping sound from engine bay while parked
Codes mentioned: ESC warning lamp, ABS warning lamp, Traction control warning lamp, Engine warning lamp (sometimes)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attempted reset by putting car in park, turning off, unplugging battery—none worked; brakes finally released after approximately 10 minutes; dealer software update attempted in one case but technician unavailable; no repair completed in lock-up cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign #23V651000; parts unavailable for repair; manufacturer opened case in one instance but no assistance provided
Brake line hanging loose or misaligned (possible prior accident damage sold as 'certified pre-owned')
One owner purchased vehicle at dealer as 'certified pre-owned' with 7,413 miles and was told it had '10 years warranty.' Upon inspection after banging noises, dealer found brake line hanging precariously close to tire, shock absorber misaligned, and undercarriage severely damaged from unrepaired prior accident. Dealer blamed owner; owner contends damage existed at purchase.
When: Approximately 7,715 miles; damage discovered at second dealer visit following banging noise complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging and rattling noise (especially on highway at 70+ mph); Recurrence of noise one week later at 7,850 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Owner assumed full repair cost (dealer refused warranty coverage, claiming owner caused damage post-purchase); brake line repair mentioned as necessary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; dealer denied coverage and suggested owner inspect vehicle before purchase
Synthesized from 192 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 192 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 17,000 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 59,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 127,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Elantra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.