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2013 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2013 Elantra has 1,345 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, the most of any Elantra model year[1][2]. It also has 4 recalls, so check that the recall work was done before you buy[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 1,345 complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 95 mention a crash, 31 a fire and 68 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.
The largest groups by count:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes[9] | 291 | 29 | 8 | 13 |
| Steering[10] | 273 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine[11] | 241 | 7 | 15 | 3 |
| Air bags[12] | 171 | 42 | 0 | 45 |
| Electrical system[13] | 155 | 7 | 13 | 1 |
We read a small sample of complaint texts in the four biggest groups. Counts below are out of 12 texts per group, so treat them as a rough picture only[9][10][11][12].
- Steering. In a sample of complaints we read, 8 of 12 describe a car that wanders, pulls to one side or needs constant small corrections to stay in its lane[10]. Some owners say this started soon after purchase and that the dealer found nothing wrong[10]. The group median mileage at failure is 41,000[10].
- Brakes. 8 of 12 sampled complaints describe grinding or squealing, and several link it to rusty rotors[9]. 4 of 12 describe brakes that felt like they gave out[9]. The group median mileage is 55,000[9].
- Engine. 6 of 12 sampled complaints describe stalling, cutting out or rough idling[11]. 3 of 12 describe a fire or burning smell[11]. The engine group has the most fire mentions of any group, at 15[11]. The median mileage is 65,500[11].
- Air bags. 9 of 12 sampled complaints say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[12]. 2 of 12 mention a warning light for the passenger air bag[12]. This group has the most crashes and injuries listed, 42 and 45[12]. The median mileage is 70,000[12].
These reports are allegations. NHTSA data cannot tell us how often each problem happens across all cars, and counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[2], newest first.
- ABS module (23V651). Brake fluid can leak inside the anti-lock brake module and cause an electrical short. The risk is an engine compartment fire, while parked or driving. This recall covers about 1,649,478 vehicles across several Hyundai models[3]. Hyundai says dealers will replace the ABS fuse for free, and owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until that is done[3].
- Brake pedal pad (17V769). The brake pedal stopper pad can wear down. Then the brake lights can stay on, and the car can be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake. The risk is a crash. This recall covers about 390,467 vehicles and expands 16V574[4]. The fix is a new stopper pad, free of charge[4].
- Brake light switch (16V574). The same pedal pad problem, for 2013 Elantras built December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013[5]. About 64,500 vehicles are covered[5]. Dealers replace the pad with an improved part, free of charge[5].
- Headliner bracket (13V115). A support bracket in the headliner can come loose when the side curtain air bags deploy. If it hits someone in a crash, it can cause a cut. About 186,250 vehicles are covered, built from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013[6]. Dealers add adhesive strips to the headliner at no cost to the owner[6].
Build dates limit some of these recalls, so a given car may or may not be in one.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the Elantra with the 1.8L four-cylinder at 28 city, 38 highway and 32 combined mpg, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100[7]. That is the same for the automatic and the manual[7][14]. The Elantra Blue has the same ratings[15].
| Version | City / highway / combined mpg | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Elantra, automatic[7] | 28 / 38 / 32 | $2,100 |
| Elantra, manual[14] | 28 / 38 / 32 | $2,100 |
| Elantra Coupe, automatic[16] | 27 / 37 / 31 | $2,150 |
| Elantra Coupe, manual[17] | 28 / 38 / 32 | $2,100 |
| Elantra GT, automatic[18] | 27 / 37 / 30 | $2,250 |
| Elantra GT, manual[19] | 26 / 37 / 30 | $2,250 |
All versions use regular fuel and front-wheel drive. The EPA cost estimate uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new, not the price when the car was new[7].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gave the 4-door an overall rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover[8]. Its rollover risk is 10.9%[8]. The 5-door hatchback has the same ratings[20]. The 2-door version is not rated[21].
Engine and size
The EPA lists the 1.8L four-cylinder at 145 to 148 hp, depending on version[22].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so they can differ slightly from US cars[23].
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 112 | 1 |
| 1996 | 100 | 3 |
| 1997 | 115 | 3 |
| 1998 | 55 | 0 |
| 1999 | 128 | 2 |
| 2000 | 197 | 1 |
| 2001 | 315 | 6 |
| 2002 | 342 | 6 |
| 2003 | 234 | 5 |
| 2004 | 182 | 5 |
| 2005 | 137 | 4 |
| 2006 | 155 | 1 |
| 2007 | 267 | 6 |
| 2008 | 315 | 7 |
| 2009 | 286 | 4 |
| 2010 | 455 | 4 |
| 2011 | 462 | 8 |
| 2012 | 676 | 5 |
| 2013 | 1,345 | 4 |
| 2014 | 396 | 2 |
| 2015 | 263 | 3 |
| 2016 | 300 | 2 |
| 2017 | 795 | 4 |
| 2018 | 335 | 1 |
| 2019 | 266 | 1 |
| 2020 | 262 | 3 |
| 2021 | 161 | 7 |
| 2022 | 159 | 8 |
| 2023 | 169 | 4 |
| 2024 | 62 | 2 |
| 2025 | 34 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 | 2 |
NHTSA has 1,345 complaints for 2013[1]. That is the highest count of any Elantra model year it lists. The next highest are 2017 with 795 and 2012 with 676, and 2014 has 396[2].
2013 has 4 recalls[2]. Several other years have more, including 2011 with 8 and 2022 with 8, and 2012 has 5[2].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read the comparison as a rough guide. On raw counts, 2013 is the highest[2].
Should you buy a used 2013 Elantra?
The 2013 Elantra earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA for the sedan and hatchback, and the 1.8L sedan is rated at 32 mpg combined[8][20][7]. Against that, it has the most owner complaints of any Elantra year, led by steering, brakes, engine and air bag reports[1][2][9][10][11][12]. These are unverified reports, but the volume is worth taking seriously. Before buying, check that any recalls that apply to the car have been done, test the steering on a highway and listen for brake noise on a longer drive[3][4][5][6]. A pre-purchase inspection would help check what we cannot see here.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
- By complaint count to NHTSA, the largest groups are brakes (291), steering (273), engine (241) and air bags (171)[9][10][11][12]. In the complaints we sampled, owners describe steering that wanders, brake noise and air bags that did not deploy in a crash[10][9][12].
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4: an ABS module fire risk (23V651), two brake pedal pad recalls (17V769 and 16V574) and a headliner bracket (13V115)[3][4][5][6].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2013 Elantra get?
- The 1.8L sedan is rated 28 city, 38 highway and 32 combined mpg by the EPA[7][14]. The GT is rated 30 combined[18][19].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,345 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra (95 mention a crash, 31 a fire, 68 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Elantra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V651, filed September 22, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V769, filed November 30, 2017: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V574, filed August 2, 2016: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V115, filed April 1, 2013: Structure. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Elantra, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 291 complaints name the brakes component group (29 crashes, 8 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 273 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 241 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 15 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 171 complaints name the air bags component group (42 crashes, 0 fires, 45 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 155 complaints name the electrical system component group (7 crashes, 13 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Elantra, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Elantra Blue, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Elantra Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Elantra Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Elantra GT, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Elantra GT, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Hyundai Elantra with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 145 to 148 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA 4 DR SEDAN AUTO L/GL/GLS/LIMITED: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,789 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA 4 DR SEDAN MANUAL L/GL/GLS: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,723 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA COUPE 2DR GLS/SE: length 179 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,782 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA GT 5DR GL/GLS/SE: length 169 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov