2013 Hyundai Elantra Problems
What owners have reported about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 1,314 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, steering and engine.
1,314 complaints 4 recalls, 1 park outside 1st worst of 17 Elantra years
Top 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
Brake problems
282 complaints (22%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
Steering problems
271 complaints (21%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and steering wheel / handle bar.
Engine problems
235 complaints (18%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and catalytic convertor.
Airbag problems
168 complaints (13%) name the airbags.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (772 of 1,314). The amber line is the middle value, about 47,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Control unit / module
Park outsideThe Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge.
Recall 23V651000 · Sep 2023Pedals and linkages
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature. 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, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018.
Recall 17V769000 · Nov 2017Brake pedal pad can stick brake lights on
Crash riskA worn brake pedal stopper pad can let the brake light switch stay extended after you release the pedal. That can leave brake lights on when you are not braking, confusing drivers behind you, and it can let the car be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake, both of which raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part free of charge, and owners will be notified starting around September 30, 2016.
Recall 16V574000 · Aug 2016Side / window
A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment. 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. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Recall 13V115000 · Apr 2013Get an email when your 2013 Hyundai Elantra gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Elantra years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2013 Hyundai Elantra problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 1,314 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, steering and engine.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners most often report problems with the brakes, steering, engine and airbags. 282 complaints (22%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 14,000–103,000 miles, with a middle value near 55,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
4. Control unit / module (23V651000); Pedals and linkages (17V769000); Brake pedal pad can stick brake lights on (16V574000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.