CarComplaints.com Notes: We're not used to seeing any major problems with Hyundai, which makes the early signs of trouble with the 2013 Elantra very surprising, in a bad way.

Early trends show problems with the steering wandering / pulling to one side along with premature tire wear. Elantra owners have tried sensor adjustments, wheel alignments, even replacing axles, most with no luck. Hyundai has made vehicle buybacks through arbitration, but that rarely works out well financially for owners in the end.

Also there is a pattern of complaints about the 2013 Elantra brakes grinding at very low mileage. It seems there was a bad batch of OEM pads & rotors, but so far Hyundai is not doing a recall. Instead Hyundai issued a TSB & dealers have been replacing pads & rotors on a per-complaint basis.

The final straw is that for several years in a row, Elantra owners report significantly lower gas mileage than the EPA estimates, & there's a small trend of engine problems.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
26 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,417 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems

brakes problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 3 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #106

May 302022

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed a loud ticking noise from my engine 6 months ago and took it to my mechanic assuming it needed an oil change sooner. However the noise became much worse the past month and a half and again took it to my mechanic which found it is an issue inside the motor itself and they could not figure it out except many 2013 Hyundai Elantra's have in fact had engine failure and recommended I take it to a dealer. I instead took it today to NTB assuming it was another issue with tires and unable to accelerate which almost caused me an accident on the interstate. NTB found that this is a serious issue with the engine and confirmed Hyundai is aware of the issue but will not issue any recalls due to this. My car is only 9 years old and when I bought it brand new there were already many recalls that was repaired. When I called the Hyundai dealership near me, I was told no recalls were issued but they are aware of the problem and just for me to bring it in it will be extremely costly just to look at it, and around $5,000/$7,000 to replace the engine if this is the issue which was confirmed by 2 auto shops. I have found many reports and documentation of engine failure with not being able to accelerate and my car has done this 3xs on an extremely busy interstate in which I was almost rear ended and would have been killed. I will once again contact the Hyundai Dealership near me with hopes of receiving a free inspection of the engine. I will also be sending information to our West Virginia Attorney General and close friend Patrick Morrisey along with documentation of recent and previous repairs of Brakes and countless purchasing of tires as well as having to replace tie rods numerous times. This also includes my cruise control will accelerate which I have received a ticket even when I told the officer my cruise control was stuck and no matter what I tried it would not shut off including when I stopped and put my car in park. My ultimate concern is the engine. The contact has stated that as of December 2022 the issue with the v

- Falling Waters, WV, USA

problem #105

Jan 042021

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I had trouble getting the vehicle to stop completely, very scary and nervous. I had the brake pads replaced and the master cylinder. The vehicle continued with the same problem, now they say it is the ABS. The vehicle has just passed 100K miles. I understand that there has been mfg brake problems with this make, model and 2013. I want Hyundai to rectify this problem before an accident happens.. please advise asap.. [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Roundrock, TX, USA

problem #104

Dec 302020

Elantra

  • 55,000 miles
I was in motion and my emergency brake did not work. I continue down hill and to avoid on coming traffic, ,I turn to the right to hit the fence. My air bags never open. Tha K god I always were my seat belts.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #103

Feb 012020

Elantra

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brakes don't want to stop even after I've got them repaired brake lights keep going out even after the bulbs has been replaced

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #102

Dec 012019

Elantra

  • miles
For the brakes and lighting issue, my brake lights go bad every couple of months and need changed. I believe this is possibly to do with the recall for brakes. I have had people on many occasions stop me in traffic to let me know an entire side of lights were out at once. I have been pulled over more than once as well for my brake lights in the four years I've had my car. I always keep spare lights in my car for this reason. I called a&B Kia, where I bought my car, who said my car was not part of the recall. However, with the many issues I've had with my brake lights I believe it is related. More recently than my brakes, my cruise control has stopped working. Within the past year it has slowly went from working sometimes to not working at all. Other functions on the steering wheel, such as volume and radio controls have not been affected.

- Martins Ferry, OH, USA

problem #101

Nov 162020

Elantra

  • 139,285 miles
Purchased what I believe is a lemon from the stamford Hyundai. Vehicle was not inspected and recall issues not addressed. Another car that hit mine stated that my car brake lights indicated I stopped when I actually released the brake pedal. I believe that the dealership over charged me for a defected vehicle and failed to address the brake pedal issue which caused my lane change accident. I would really appreciate it if someone can assist me with this serious infraction. Again my vehicle was in motion but the other driver said it appeared to be. I wasn't informed by the salesman of any defects or issues. The day of the accident I was driving in brooklyn NY on remsen avenue. Impact occurred on remsen and kings highway. Any assistance with this will be appreciated. I purchased this car cash $6405.70 when the asking price was 4670. I've been ripped off and could have gotten killed. Help please.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #100

Sep 112020

Elantra

  • 51,486 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to hydroplane. The contact lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a wall. All the air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the back broken, burn to neck, buries all over the body, and lacerations to the head. Medical attention was contacted and as took the contact to the hospital however the contact had to be transfer to another hospital where she received medical attention between Sept 9/11/2020 to 9/14/2020. The contact was in the trauma unit. The vehicle was towed by the police to a lot where it was deemed a totaled loss. Geico also confirmed that the vehicle was destroyed. The dealer (thomas Hyundai 10325 mt savage road, cumberland, md 21502) was contacted about the repairs that were performed on the vehicle 3 weeks prior to the failure that occurred and informed the contact that the ECM was updated and the brake pedal stopper was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that 0 recalls were under the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,486.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #99

Jun 302020

Elantra

  • miles
Brake lights stayed on killing the battery. After paying for a for a new battery and $100 for a diagnostic test it was stated that the brake stopper needed to be replaced. After I paid for this service a recall was made. I filed a claim to be reimburse but have been ignored.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #98

Aug 242020

Elantra

  • 88,000 miles
I have experienced loss of control of this vehicle several times, including today. As I have faithfully maintained my car, I have come to the conclusion the design of the car is the issue. Specifically, when I attempt to apply the brakes, the car will not brake properly and is very hard to control. Today, I experienced the car hydroplane and thank goodness no other car was in front of me or on the side because it took me at least two minutes before I could gain control again. This occured when I made a right turn while driving about 25mph and no puddles of water were present. Early April, I had a similar incident where I had to pump the brakes several times, although my brakes were replaced a few weeks prior. Back in December 2019, I had a similar incident on the highway I-95 while driving home. I have it documented through aaa. My tire blew and the car failed to stop. I took it to my dealer and advised what happened and they insisted my tires and brakes were fine. I did some research online today and found I am not the only customer experiencing this issue. I saw several customers stating they received a recall notice, however, I have not received one. I am very concerned for my safety to the point I no longer want to drive this vehicle.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #97

Aug 132020

Elantra

  • 144,000 miles
I had a accident tried to brake quick my brakes skipped and I ended up hitting a van because I couldn't stop

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #96

Jan 022019

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this vehicle back in January of 2019 & when I purchased it the steering wheel made a clicking sound. I mentioned it to the car dealer & was assured it was nothing. After having my oil changed I was told my steering column needed to be replaced. This is quite disheartening as I have had the car for just one year & a half at this point. I was told to research for recalls in relation to this particular issues as it has been reported for other vehicles of the same make, model & year. I am afraid my car steering will go out while driving.

- Parkville, MD, USA

problem #95

Jun 212020

Elantra

  • miles
I got my car brake release light fixed because it was recalled in 2018 2 yrs later same issue brake light is still on even when the car is off

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #94

Apr 022019

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Brake lights keep intermittent working and burning out. Steering wheel makes clicking noise. Keep having to replace tires in front. Even after alignment, car still pulls.

- Jesup, GA, USA

problem #93

Jan 012018

Elantra

  • miles
1-the airbag light stays on all the time ! 2- the car was recalled for a break issue, since I took it to the dealer the paddle feel loser(( I need to push the break two times to get the clippers works! I have changed the break clippers and the same problem!!!!

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #92

Jan 152020

Elantra

  • miles
My Elantras brake lights are always on. My traction control light, eps light, ABS light, and brake warning light are always on as well. I see where my vehicle is shown that the recalls have already been repaired on my car and I do not believe that is true or this would not be happening. My brakes lights constantly being on is a major problem because that can cause confusion on other drives and especially when I'm really using them to slow down. I'm always having to constantly replace the light bulbs on the left hand side of my vehicle as well which is odd. I'm very concerned and frustrated and wish I would receive assistance in fixing the problem. I have not been in any wrecks with my vehicle either. I also had someone check my car for any codes and vehicle speed sensor came up as well as brake switch.

- Chadbourn, NC, USA

problem #91

Jun 112019

Elantra

  • miles
My steering column makes an awful noise like a clicking noise the whole time I'm driving it really scares me but I have to drive it bc it's my only means of transportation. Now my break lights all the way across doesn't work and it's not a fuse.last thing is my airbag light stays on also which scares me.please some one help get these issues resolved quickly I'm the second owner so I probably haven't gotten the recalls about these issues.please please help me.thank you

- Gloverville, SC, USA

problem #90

Dec 252019

Elantra

  • 82,321 miles
Just bought the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 12/21/2019, after about 100 miles of driving we noticed the steering wheel is off center. While driving in town and on highway shifting lanes it didn't want to go and it will pull hard left or right almost causing to run off the road. 12/25/2019, while on the way home I almost struck another car. More noticeable from 30 to 55 worse over 55. Driving on dirt road feels like it wants to fish tail. Steering is sticky yet a lot of play. Intermittingly while braking it sounds like scrapping like when your brakes are bad. Braking slowly or abruptly makes no change. Wet roads is worse with braking.

- Cottondale, FL, USA

problem #89

Dec 122019

Elantra

  • 127,000 miles
My brake lights went out at same time, so I was researching what to do and read about the one recall (#146) that I had done already. It said something about starting your car without depressing the brake pedal. I do not depress the pedal when I start my car. Is this an issue?

- Placerville, CA, USA

problem #88

Oct 082019

Elantra

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds, the ESC and traction control warning indicators illuminated when the brakes were applied. The contact had to pull over and manually pull the brake pedal up to resume driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V769000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

- Ferris, TX, USA

problem #87

Jul 102019

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 81,800 miles
Car was parked and locked with all systems off. Later I noticed brake lights on. Called Hyundai and informed them inquiring if there was a recall about this problem. They told me to take to dealer and have them perform diagnostic to determine cause. They said it was brake light switch.dealer changed switch(2),relay. Problem still exist.

- Dalzell, SC, USA

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