This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Elantra engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have filed 130 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
130
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Elantra | 12 |
| 2011 Elantra | 58 |
| 2012 Elantra | 75 |
| 2013 Elantra (this page) | 130 |
| 2014 Elantra | 105 |
| 2015 Elantra | 60 |
| 2016 Elantra | 80 |
| 2017 Elantra | 170 |
1crash
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 130 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 130 engine 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.
Among the 19 model years of Hyundai Elantra in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect an engine exhibiting noise between the cylinder block and piston due to possible scuffing on one or more cylinder walls. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to inspect the engine and replace the engine long block along with service kit if scuffing is observed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The Powertrain warranty coverage for the engine long block for damage related to a piston slap noise in the upper end of the engine as described in TSB 22-EM-007H has been extended.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Dealer Best Practice previously informed dealers of a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit known as Brown v. Hyundai Motor America et al., No. 2:18-cv-11249 (D.N.J.) (the âActionâ). Customers affected by the proposed settlement have been informed of the settlement by mailed notice and email, and they may direct questions to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Hyundai Elantras consistently report cold-start ticking and knocking noises that progress to loud engine clanking, often diagnosed as piston slap or rod bearing wear. The noise typically worsens under acceleration and over time, eventually leading to rough idle, engine shaking, and in many cases sudden stalling or loss of power without warning lights. Independent mechanics and Hyundai dealership service departments acknowledge these are known defects—staff at multiple dealerships tell owners this is a common problem they hear frequently—yet warranty claims are routinely denied if the vehicle is out of factory warranty or owned by a second owner.
Metal shavings in the engine oil appear in many diagnostic reports, attributed to manufacturing contamination left during assembly. Owners report engine failures clustering around 95,000–110,000 miles, well below expected engine life. Multiple owners document that Hyundai settled a class action lawsuit for similar metal burr contamination in 2011–2014 Sonatas and issued technical service bulletins, but the 2013 Elantra was not initially covered—despite exhibiting identical symptoms. One owner notes Canada recalled the same Elantra model for this defect, while the U.S. has not. Engine replacement costs range from $3,000 to $10,000. Owners report that dealerships sometimes provide remanufactured engines that subsequently exhibit the same ticking noise, creating doubt about the long-term durability of the repair. Some owners are told to drive the vehicle until it fails or trade it in at a loss, rather than pursue warranty coverage.
Same Hyundai Elantra engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Piston Slap / Rod Knock
Cold-start ticking or knocking noise that progressively worsens and can be diagnosed as piston-to-cylinder wall slapping or connecting rod bearing wear. Owners report the noise initially goes away when the engine warms up, but gradually becomes louder and more persistent. Dealers and independent mechanics consistently identify this as a known defect. In advanced stages, the knocking becomes a pronounced clanking sound under acceleration.
When: Typically develops between 55,000 and 110,000 miles; one case reported at 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or clicking noise on cold start; Knocking sound that worsens with acceleration; Noise disappears initially as engine warms; Loud clanking in advanced stages; Rough idle, sometimes with engine shaking
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple misfire), Check Engine Light (in some cases, but not always illuminated before failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; costs cited range from $3,000 to $10,000. Remanufactured or salvage engines are sometimes provided but do not guarantee the defect will not recur. Some dealers initially misdiagnose as fuel injector issue or computer problem before recognizing the knocking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit settled for engines with metal burrs in oil passageways (Hyundai recalls for 2011–2014 Sonatas); 2013 Elantra initially not covered by recall. Some warranty claims denied citing out-of-warranty mileage or second ownership. Hyundai issued TSB 22-EM-007H covering rod bearing wear. Many owners report denial of claims despite diagnostic confirmation and regular maintenance records.
Metal Shavings / Manufacturing Contamination in Oil
Internal metal debris (metal shards, burrs, or shavings) left in the engine from the manufacturing process accumulate in the oil. This debris damages bearings, pistons, and valve components, often leading to piston slap, rod knock, or catastrophic engine failure. Owners consistently report that independent mechanics and dealership service technicians find metal particles when diagnosing the knocking noise.
When: Typically discovered during diagnosis when owners report noise; failures documented from 47,000 to 133,000 miles, with clustering around 95,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or ticking noise on cold start or under acceleration; Engine knocking that worsens over time; Metal particles visible in oil during inspection; Rough idle and shaking; In advanced cases, engine stalling or seizure
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple cylinder misfire, if engine light comes on)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil analysis or engine teardown reveals metal shavings. Full engine replacement necessary (cost $3,000–$10,000). Some owners report replacing engines only to receive another remanufactured engine with the same issue. Dealers acknowledge the defect but often do not assist beyond warranty period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai settled a class action lawsuit acknowledging metal burrs in oil passages on 2011–2014 Sonatas; 2013 Elantra was not initially included in this recall or warranty extension. Technical service bulletins and internal advisories exist but are not widely published. Owners report that dealership staff acknowledge the issue is well-known and common, yet deny warranty coverage if vehicle is out of factory warranty or if owner is not the original purchaser.
Timing Chain Wear / Oil Starvation to Valve Train
Severe premature wear of the timing chain and failure of the oil delivery system to valve train components (lifters, cam followers). Mechanics report lifters not filling with oil, causing damage to camshafts and rockers. PCV valve system failure is also documented. This failure mode results in the need to replace the timing chain kit, cam phasers, both camshafts, all lifters, rockers, and valve cover.
When: Reported at approximately 127,000 miles in one case; owner noted issue should not occur at mileage when other vehicles routinely exceed 180,000–200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or ticking sound from engine; Engine dies while driving; Large amount of slack or slop in timing chain; Lifters not filling with oil (verified by mechanic teardown)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires timing chain kit, cam phasers, both camshafts, all lifters, rockers, and valve cover replacement. Owner paid for engine replacement out of pocket and notes the defect should not occur at the mileage where it was found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage offered in reported case. Owners note the vehicle was previously recalled in Canada for similar timing chain issues, yet the US has not issued a similar recall for the Elantra.
Engine Stall / Loss of Power During Driving
Engine suddenly loses power or stalls without warning while driving, often while accelerating, making turns, or traveling at highway speed. Check Engine light may or may not illuminate. In many cases, the engine cannot be restarted immediately or will restart but exhibit rough idle and continued power loss. Multiple owners report this occurred while merging onto highways or at busy intersections, creating immediate safety hazards.
When: Occurs across the mileage range; reported from 53,000 to 160,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration or power; Engine stalling at stop lights or during turns; Engine dies mid-drive with no prior warning lights; Difficulty or inability to restart; White or heavy smoke from exhaust after stall; Check Engine light may illuminate after stall begins
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple misfire), Check Engine Light (often illuminated after event, not before)
Repairs/costs cited: Often diagnosed as bearing failure, piston slap, or in some cases coolant leak into engine. Repair requires full engine replacement ($3,000–$10,000) or in limited cases, valve cover/gasket repair if PCV failure is root cause. Many owners report dealers cannot duplicate the stall in diagnostics even when it occurs repeatedly during normal driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claims frequently denied if vehicle is out of factory warranty (past 100,000 miles or 5 years). Owners report dealer and Hyundai corporate responses stating they 'are aware of the problem and working to resolve it' but offer no repair assistance. One dealer stated the rough idle and power loss is 'a characteristic of these vehicles' with no known fix.
Coolant or Oil Leak into Engine / Head Gasket Failure
Coolant or excess oil leaks into the engine combustion chamber, causing white smoke, head gasket failure, and potential engine seizure. One owner reported coolant hose leaking into the engine, causing smoking and head gasket failure. Another reported oil in intake manifold being sucked into the engine during acceleration, causing immediate loss of power and heavy white smoke.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at approximately 33,000 miles (immediately after dealership oil change)
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy white smoke from exhaust or engine compartment; Engine smoking and rough running; Sudden loss of power and heavy smoke on acceleration; Check Engine light illuminated; Engine smell (burning oil or overheating)
Codes mentioned: Engine thermometer code (one case), Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement attempted as temporary fix, but full engine replacement recommended. One case involved oil change at dealership immediately before failure, suggesting service-related contamination. Repair costs and whether warranty covers the repair vary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited information; one owner noted the dealership stated they have 'seen this problem before.' No systematic recall or TSB identified in narratives for this specific failure mode, though it is described as a 'common problem' on Hyundai forums by at least one owner.
Engine Seizure / Crankshaft Lock
Engine suddenly seizes, with the crankshaft no longer turning over. One mechanic explicitly noted that while starting the vehicle, 'the crankshaft seized and the engine no longer turned over.' This represents catastrophic internal failure, often resulting from bearing failure or metal debris accumulation.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at one year of ownership with regular 3,000-mile oil change intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Strange clunking noise from engine; Vehicle stops accelerating; Engine will not start or turn over after seizure; No prior warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; no repair of seized crankshaft is possible. Cost $8,000–$10,000+. Owner with this failure had maintained the vehicle properly and had only been the second owner for one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty not applicable if vehicle is second owner or out of warranty period. No recall or extended coverage identified for this failure.
High RPM Idle / Engine Revving While Braking
Engine uncontrollably revs to over 5,000 RPM while the vehicle is braking, making it difficult to stop and potentially causing brake damage. The issue stops when the vehicle is placed in Park and restarted, but recurs.
When: Reported to occur sporadically over a few-month period; one case mentioned twice in a few months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to over 5,000 RPM while applying brakes; Difficulty stopping the vehicle due to engine revving; Issue resolves temporarily when vehicle is shut off and restarted; Recurring problem
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in narratives; owner expresses concern about potential damage to brakes, engine, and transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in the narrative.
Synthesized from 130 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
Recently my car has had trouble starting, and the engine has sounded weak while running. While out my engine light came on the dash. I took my car to the parts store and they put the computer on to read the engine light. It stated that there are misfires in the coils. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. This put people inside the car at a risk as a engine failure couldve happened…
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. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (advantage Hyundai, 440 plainview road, hicksville, ny 11801) where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified…
I own a 2013 elantra and was sent in the mail in the spring a class action lawsuit from Hyundai stating there was an engine piston knock which could lead to engine failure. There was a timeframe to submit the claim to coorprate so I brough the vehical in to be diagnosed with the engine issue. Sport Hyundai had the car for months stating they were waiting for the tool. First the wrong size was…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 130 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 79 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 51,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.