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:
6 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,985 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 8 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #71

Feb 012018

Elantra

  • 66,000 miles

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

Car had been making an awful sound, ticking almost for a while... took it to the garage and it was diagnosed as the engine completely shot. They said there were 12 other Elantras at their garage alone waiting to be repaired for the exact same issue. They said certain years they've noticed are being affected, but it doesn't matter the mileage, they're getting cars with even just 20K miles coming in need of a new engine. Estimated the part at $2400, don't have that to spare.

- Wellsville, NY, USA

problem #70

Feb 062018

Elantra

  • 64,999 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound in the engine. The vehicle was taken to wilkins Hyundai (750 N york rd, elmhurst, il 60126, (630) 279-3000) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the engines being on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,999. The VIN was not available.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #69

Feb 222018

Elantra

  • 57,000 miles
2/23/2018 at highway speed near 70 mph, in spring valley, ca. Making sweeping right turn, engine suddenly stops, coast to road shoulder, engine fails start attempts, tow truck called. At tow impound yard 3 days of engine attempt failed. End of 3rd day impound, tow manager started car, ran okay, but car was towed to dealer to assure engine okay. The dealer found no fault with the vehicle. A consumer reporter publication, had 18 same year same model Hyundai with high speed right turn engine failures, but no fix of the problem by dealer or private mechanics for the 18 Hyundai owners. It appears Hyundai is hiding this right turn fault from nhsa, and the public. 18 had repeat incidents after the initial failure.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #68

Feb 052018

Elantra

  • 87,200 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, there was an abnormal noise from the front of the vehicle. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to patriot GMC Hyundai (2001 SE Washington blvd, bartlesville, ok 74006) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 87,200.

- Chanute, KS, USA

problem #67

Feb 032018

Elantra

  • 96,631 miles
I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Elantra as a new vehicle back in November of 2013. I recently decided to upgrade my vehicle to a SUV. After purchasing the new vehicle, my intention was to sell my old vehicle (the Elantra) to my fiance. Prior to completing the title transfer, I received a recall notice on the Elantra and brought it in to to have the recall work done on 2/3/18 (there were 96,631 miles on the car at this service). When I brought the vehicle in for the recall work, the car was making a slight ticking sound from the engine compartment. The dealership proceeded to complete the recall repair, and also inspected the vehicle. They informed me that I had some bulbs out and that I would need new tires soon. They failed to address the ticking noise from the engine.we proceeded with the title transfer on 2/7/18. My fiance decided to go ahead and bring the vehicle back in to walser Hyundai on 2/12/18 to have the ticking noise addressed. We were then informed that the car is in need of major engine repair and the cost of the repair would be $5,900. I inquired about the powertrain warranty which would cover such repairs up to 100,000 miles and was told that because we transferred the title that they would not honor the warranty. We would not have proceeded with the title transfer until the issue was resolved. I have reason to believe that the dealership neglected to address the noise because they knew what the issue was (this is a common issue with this year and model vehicle), saw the car was almost past the 100K mile limit for the warranty figured that by the time we brought it back in, the car would be over the mileage limit for the warranty. I did file a complaint/case with Hyundai and they again told me that they will not cover any of the cost of the repair.

- Zimmerman, MN, USA

problem #66

Feb 202018

Elantra

  • 32,575 miles
After an oil change at a Hyundai dealer, I did a quick acceleration from the dealership onto a busy road. The car immediately loss almost all power, with heavy white smoke coming out of the rear of the car. I immediately pulled to the side of the road. The car smelled likeke burning oil/a very hot engine. I parked the car and walked back to the dealership. They explained the problem on oil in the intake manifold and it was sucked into the engine during acceleration. They stated that they have seen this problem before. I bought the car new and this is the first time that I had this problem. It was fortunate that when I pulled out into traffic I had enough space that I did not get rear-ended, since it was a busy road. My vehicle has 33575 mile and up to now, no problems. I went on the Hyundai form and this is a common problem. It is a safety problem. Any loss of acceleration when needed is dangerous.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #65

Aug 152015

Elantra

  • 50,000 miles

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

They is movement in the emergency brake and a thopping when you let up off the brake. Flashers freeze when its cold.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #64

Feb 012018

Elantra

  • miles
Making a noise

- Kankakee, IL, USA

problem #63

Jan 152017

Elantra

  • 121,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to prestige Hyundai (768 E chester St, kingston, NY 12401, (845) 339-3313) where it was diagnosed that the lower bearing in the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

- Elizaville, NY, USA

problem #62

Jan 182018

Elantra

  • 65,000 miles
"takata recall". I went in to find a car. Ran into my Hyundai Elantra. Ran great did my routine maintenance. Did all my routine checks. Now I'm having to fix or replace my engine do to not covered under warranty. 64,000 miles 2nd owner. I noticed the ticking when I pulled into my driveway with my children and parked, the tick never went away and not one check engine light or oil light came on. Now that this became an issue for me, I notice it's happening everywhere.

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #61

Jan 222018

Elantra

  • 76,000 miles

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

The engine seized while driving on the highway and the car stalled out.

- Corinth, NY, USA

problem #60

Oct 152017

Elantra

  • 50,000 miles
When attempting to start vehicle the "P" does not show in the information panel and the car will not start. Vigorous shaking of the gear selector sometimes allows the "P" to illuminate and then the car will start. The vehicle is not in motion and has been parked in garage. This started in October and happens more and more frequently.

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #59

Aug 142017

Elantra

  • 20,000 miles
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 and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

problem #58

Nov 012017

Elantra

  • 90,000 miles
I took my car to the shop today because it had this horrible ticking sound in the engine. I found out a need a new engine

- Brookville, PA, USA

problem #57

Oct 112015

Elantra

  • 45,368 miles
Update to ticket # 1119161 - 4 separate appts, with,90 plus days accumulated total at a hyunda service center expanding 21 months and 15000 miles. 43 days at current service dept with no update, vehicle continues to stall while driving, electrical malfunctions continue to expand after interior was soaked from a confirmed/repaired defect in sunroof frame. Beyond the ability of service technicians to diagnose, engineer inspected and confirmed vehicle stalling while driving and messed up interior July 2016 from sunroof leak, repairs have been made but vehicle continues to stall while driving, in addition electrical malfunctions continue to devolop that Hyundai will not resolve, vehicle was in buyout review with Hyundai but was stopped due to my complaint filed which South Carolina Consumer Affairs requesting a repurchase that Hyundai denied. Vehicle is not safe nor am I being told what's going on. If technician cant diagnose a confirmed issue by their engineer then why is vehicle still at service center and why are they not calling to advise after 43 days.

- Ladson, SC, USA

problem #56

Jul 182017

Elantra

  • 28,000 miles
Car stutters, rpms drop, and car stalls when it comes to a complete stop at stop sign or traffic light. This happens when driving without warning in all conditions-- hot/cold, morning/evening, etc. Following this, car will be difficult to restart and slow to accelerate; then rpms raise to 5 and car goes into gear. This has been happening since April 2017 and has been to the dealer 3 times. (4th time tomorrow)

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #55

Mar 152017

Elantra

  • 24,000 miles
Pin came out from bottom of engine

- Calverton, NY, USA

problem #54

Dec 012014

Elantra

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. While exiting the highway and decelerating from approximately 60-35 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 15 mph on its own. The vehicle was towed to shaffer Hyundai where it was diagnosed that the throttle bar failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting an odor of burning oil. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled and the oil and battery indicators illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the webb Hyundai dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repaired shortly. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #53

Feb 092017

Elantra

  • 54,000 miles
My 2013 Elantra (appx. 54K miles) began making noises when turning while driving and when stalling. Twice the vehicle lost acceleration and shut off while driving on local streets. I took the vehicle to the dealer service department in February 2017 and they indicated there was no oil in the car and the engine needed to be replaced. It had been less than 5K miles since the last oil change. The repairs and rental are both covered under warranty. After replacing the engine and a few other parts, I was told my vehicle was ready for pickup in March 2017. I got in the car and noticed a noise. The advisor and tech said its because of a new pump and will go away after driving a few miles. Immediately after driving off and entering the highway I heard a dragging noise and the engine light came on. I turned around and went back to the service department. They kept the vehicle and placed me in another rental. It is now May 2017 and the car is still in the service department. The engine has been replace twice and other parts have been replace multiple times as well. I was told by the service manager that Hyundai has sent out an engineer to look at the vehicle. At this point it appears they do not know the problem and/or cannot fix the problem. I am no longer confident in the safety of my car and Hyundai vehicles over all.

- Jessup, MD, USA

problem #52

Mar 112017

Elantra

  • 63,000 miles
I bought a 2013 Hyundai Elantra limited new. 3 years later the car stalls out when stopped and it difficult to start. Have taken the car to the dealership so many times (10) within a 2 month period, I use the loaner more than my own car. The last time I picked it up they had changed out the timing cover with oil pump, cam shaft and timing chain. Called me to come pick my vehicle up as it was ready. When exiting the dealership, I came to the stop light and the car stalled once again with it being difficult to start. Turned around and the vehicle would not drive faster than 20 mph. The service manager came out and asked what was wrong. I asked him to get in the vehicle that they had just fixed. He drove it and they now have my car once again and I'm driving the loaner. They can't seem to find out what the problem is and say they keep calling the manufacturer for input. Apparently no one knows what is wrong and I will not buy another Hyundai as it seems they can't repair their vehicles with these similar problems.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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