2013 Hyundai Elantra
The Verdict
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 1,282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (509 complaints) and electrical (262 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Elantra, consider the 2025 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 98% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Hyundai Elantra dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain e...
Risk
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 vehic...
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake li...
Risk
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 vehic...
Remedy
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 H...
Reported Feb 8, 2016
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 62 | 6 | 61 | 55 | 19 |
| 2001 | 122 | 25 | 128 | 35 | 17 |
| 2002 | 162 | 33 | 93 | 43 | 16 |
| 2003 | 107 | 25 | 55 | 38 | 9 |
| 2004 | 30 | 8 | 118 | 19 | 7 |
| 2005 | 31 | 10 | 79 | 11 | 6 |
| 2006 | 26 | 31 | 82 | 8 | 7 |
| 2007 | 136 | 30 | 70 | 22 | 8 |
| 2008 | 102 | 46 | 61 | 82 | 24 |
| 2009 | 170 | 25 | 63 | 18 | 8 |
| 2010 | 258 | 43 | 92 | 29 | 31 |
| 2011 | 193 | 42 | 101 | 105 | 17 |
| 2012 | 214 | 75 | 193 | 153 | 30 |
| 2013 | 509 | 219 | 262 | 258 | 34 |
| 2014 | 81 | 59 | 44 | 176 | 11 |
| 2015 | 77 | 43 | 27 | 100 | 9 |
| 2016 | 102 | 10 | 41 | 121 | 17 |
| 2017 | 316 | 39 | 90 | 296 | 23 |
| 2018 | 73 | 9 | 31 | 159 | 9 |
| 2019 | 32 | 5 | 73 | 135 | 4 |
| 2020 | 54 | 9 | 42 | 109 | 33 |
| 2021 | 68 | 8 | 31 | 16 | 4 |
| 2022 | 55 | 7 | 17 | 12 | 6 |
| 2023 | 40 | 7 | 24 | 22 | 4 |
| 2024 | 24 | 2 | 17 | 8 | 1 |
| 2025 | 14 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
By Category
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Worst Problems
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Complaints
UNKNOWN There is no incident happened.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The following day, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's dog woke up the contact around 5:00 AM, at which point the contact discovered that the vehicle was on fire. The Fire Department extinguished the fire and informed the contact that the fire appeared to be electrical; however, it was unknown whether a fire report was filed. The contact stated that the fire appeared to have originated underneath the hood, which left the front end of the vehicle completely burned. There was no other property damage, and no injuries were reported. A Police report was filed. The vehicle remained in the driveway, and the insurance company had not yet been notified of the fire. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The buckles on two of the rear seatbelts have cut through the belt horizontally - guessing from friction. I was not aware until a passenger in my back seat pointed it out to me, and it had happened on two of the three belts.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 11,511.
ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes aren’t properly working. Matt bowers Hyundai in Slidell has confirmed it is the ABS MODULE AND BRAKES FLUSH NEEDED. They are refusing to fix it for free stating I took too long to bring it in. Abs light, traction light and emergency brake light was on before failure.
I was wondering if you can help me. I have a Hyundai Elantra that had a recall for my engine to get fixed by the dealership. I’ve never got it fixed because I was unaware of a Hyundai letter that i just found on the internet that was issued by them but I never received it. I went to a mechanic the other day and he informed me that they had a recall for my engine. The problem is now that Hyundai gave a date that expired on the recall. I was wondering if you can send them a demand letter or something because I was never contacted about this. I also had a brain tumor operation and Hyundai should grant me with a medical exemption. Here’s the Hyundai notice that they never gave me,
Car developed a sudden loss of power. Would start, although roughly (took a couple of times to start), then once shifted into Drive, the engine was very sluggish, like it was stuck in a lower gear. Upon stopping and restarting the engine, the problem would sometimes resolve and the car could be driven normally, however it felt unsafe to drive at normal speeds. No warning signs appeared. After consulting with a family member with this same year and model of Hyundai Elantra, it was suggested that the crankshaft position sensor might be at fault. After researching online, we discovered that this is a common issue with 2011-2016 Elantras with a 1.8 liter engine. (Reddit forums, also this link: [XXX] ). After trying transmission and other fluid flushes without luck, we took the car to a local Hyundai dealer. They said they were unable to replicate the issue but we told them to please replace the crankshaft position sensor, which they finally did. We were charged a total of $711.40 for this repair of a simple part. Please note, another Hyundai dealer in town replaced this part for my brother's vehicle free of charge. This should be a recall item for this vehicle and it should be replaced for free. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My brake lights are not functioning. The fuses and bulbs are good and others have had this same issue occurring
My fiance and I, bought the vehicle in May 2022? from Carvana. His name is [XXX] . Mine is [XXX] (maiden - [XXX] ) Price. [XXX] passed away August 6, 2025. I wanted to mention this part before I explain the problem. His son is supposed to sign the car over to me as soon as court proceedings are finished. I love the car. But the car came from Carvana with 17K miles. It currently has 42,000K miles on it. I only drive it around town. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city is notorious for pot holes. However, I do not think this is a pot hole issue. Around December 2025, the car steering wheel started shaking vigorously. When we purchased the vehicle, the right CV axle was needing to be replaced. Now, I am not sure what the problem is, but I hate to have to trade the car in. This was my VERY first Hyundai experience, and I want to keep the car for forever, because of my fiance. But I may have to trade her in. I have come to a few conclusions on my own. 1) tires - so I had them replaced. 2) warped brake rotors 3) worn suspension components 4) worn electric steering column coupler. I wanted to give you the VIN because since it is an older vehicle (but like new to me), it may have had a recall. I do not want to keep this vehicle if it is a problem. But I also do not want to give it to anyone else since my fiance bought it for me. TO whome this may concern - if you happen to actually read these "complaints" could you give me a call at [XXX] [XXX] ) or my email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I would honestly like to know if this is a huge issue with the car. At least that way I can prepare myself to sell it. I am overall very pleased with the car, except this issue is a big one, and [XXX] is not here to guide me into a decision with it. Thank you kindly, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it was locking up. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under a recall. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, and it was determined that the wax coating was sprayed over rust. The contact was a photographer and took photos of the findings. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The airbags failed to deploy when I was in a car accident on 03/31/26. I was rear ended while at an intersection. The car that rear ended me had airbags that deployed upon impact. My car was the only car in which the airbags did not deploy despite the high impact. Not only was I rear ended, but I was slammed into another vehicle in front of me and into a streetlight/streetpole. My car is now totaled. My car sustained the most damage and my body. The airbags are available for inspection upon request. I would have filed this request sooner, but I am still hurt and I am still undergoing treatment for my injuries. My safety was put at risk by the lack of protection from the airbags in my car. I could have died. I’m alive, but I also sustained serious injuries from the lack of deployment. My body hit the steering wheel upon impact. My head, chest, back, neck, shoulders, right arm, right hand, wrist, and right leg/ankle were all injured due to this accident. If my airbags had deployed, my injuries would’ve been lessened and they could’ve been prevented altogether. I was rushed to the hospital at the scene. I’m still currently receiving treatment for the injuries I sustained from this crash and lack of airbag deployment. No, the problem hasn’t been reproduced nor confirmed by the dealer. No one has inspected the vehicle. An adjuster from the at fault party has only taken pictures of the exterior of the car, but they didn’t inspect the car. There were no warning lamps, no messages, no symptoms, no problems whatsoever prior to the failure. They first appeared the day of the accident on 03/31/26. My family and I’ve had this car since 2012/2013 and it has never been in a major crash like this. The airbags have never deployed and they failed to deploy the day of this crash. There were no recalls on my car prior to the accident. All recalls have been serviced. My family and I’ve never been notified about airbag defects or airbag recalls on this car since we’ve purchased it.
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 purchased. Not listed as an official recall so not covered under warranty repair and the only course of action I have been given is install a new motor quoted at $15K from local Hyundai dealer. Further research shows that driving should be limited to avoid further engine issues/fires. Occurrence since January 2026. Progressively worsening. Cause for concern. Is there an official recall on for the piston flap pending? Unsure if accident noted below is due to the issue.
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 knock). The dealership recommended full engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. There was no evidence of sludge or lack of maintenance noted during inspection. The most recent oil change had been performed less than 1,000 miles prior to the failure, indicating the issue was not caused by lack of maintenance. This condition creates a safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership and has not been repaired due to cost.
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 engine and oil lights all flashed at the time of the incident, not before. Fortunately, we were able to pull over to the side of the highway, and a tow truck brought the car to a service center. The initial diagnosis was that the seal on the crankcase failed. The service center, and now the Hyundai dealer, do not know the cause of this catastrophic damage that may result in the need for a full engine replacement.
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 told no repair assistance would be provided. My primary concern is safety. While there are currently no warning lamps illuminated, the engine is producing a consistent knocking noise. If this condition progresses to piston or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation, it could cause sudden loss of power or engine seizure. Such a failure at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious accident risk to myself and others. Additionally, I was charged one hour of diagnostic labor, despite the dealership immediately recognizing the noise as piston slap without needing further testing. This raises concern that: The issue is well-known, The condition was identifiable without extensive diagnosis, Yet I was still billed for a full diagnostic hour. Given that this is acknowledged as a known issue, I am requesting: A formal review of this case by your product safety and quality department. Clarification on whether this condition has been the subject of technical service bulletins, extended coverage programs, or internal advisories. Consideration of goodwill repair assistance due to the potential safety implications. Reimbursement of the diagnostic charge, as no true diagnostic procedure appears to have been required. Written confirmation that continued operation of the vehicle in its current condition does not present a safety risk. I am prepared to provide service records, invoices, and any additional documentation needed. Given the potential safety implications, I respectfully request a response within 48 hours. I am hopeful the manufacturer will stand behind the safety and reliability of its product and address this matter promptly.
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 most cars, this has been the general consensus. Personally with my car no, having done research outside of just my car: UNKNOWN there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem. I was first told about this issue during the 2nd week of February of 2026, With the oil change paperwork of when I found out about the issue
[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 to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger nearby vehicles, residences, and public safety. I am filing this complaint to document the unprepared safety defect, dealership misinformation, and ongoing community fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1282 total