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

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 11)

problem #211

Jun 042024

Elantra

  • miles

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

While pulling out onto a major main road, my car just stopped. The RPM's remained on zero after I restarted the car. I had to get it towed. The engine light was on, and it had trouble restarting. The code read camshaft. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and no other codes registered. It shut off two times after the camshaft was replaced. I took it back to the mechanic and it shut off on him 5 times. This car is unsafe. I am afraid to drive it, especially with have a young child.

- Washington, Pa, PA, USA

problem #210

Jun 042024

Elantra

  • miles
My car had trouble starting then shut off while driving. Engine light was on and the RMP's stayed at zero. Code was for camshaft. Camshaft was replaced and the car shut off three more times while driving. I only have 83,000 miles on my car.

- Washington, Pa, PA, USA

problem #209

May 132024

Elantra

  • miles
I took my car into Hyundai due to the recall sent out to car owners. I had my ABS and Brake light that went on randomly around September. I scheduled an appointment and took it in to get it checked. Hyundai sent me away stating there were no parts to fix the issue and told me to pay for a diagnostic if I needed it looked at and to wait until the recall is remedied. Two months later my car exploded and caught fire while parked on my property putting my life and home at risk. As well as my neighbors lives who came in to help me Put out the fire.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

problem #208

May 172024

Elantra

  • miles

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

Engine has "piston" slap or knocking, a precursor to catastrophic engine seizure, diagnosed at Joe Machen's Hyundai at 132k miles on [XXX]. Engine could seize causing rapid deceleration at any moment, while pulling out into traffic or travelling at high speeds on the highway. First noticed a clicking or ticking noise the engine made when it was cold around 130k mi, which goes away as engine warms up. Sound has gotten louder and more persistent and has turned into a knocking. Dealer told me that the entire engine needs replaced, which is prohibitively expensive. So I'm driving it now until I can get a new car or engine replacement. I've submitted a claim to the dealer and Hyundai corporate, but was denied. I don't believe that Hyundai is taking responsibility for the safe operation and reliability of their cars. I have also not found the dealer to be a support and advocate. There was a limited class action lawsuit where Hyundai settled for some faulty engines where there were metal burrs leftover in the oil passageways during manufacturing that causes engines to fail even when oil changes were done regularly [XXX] ). However, I don't think anything close to the number of engines with actual problems have been addressed. Mine wasn't in the recall but has the piston slap. I got regular oil changes with average 4,405 mi interval through today, while 7,500 mi interval is recommended in manual. I have another friend with a 2017 Elantra that failed at 95k miles, and another with a Kia that failed. Since Hyundai/Kia are very common cars, and owners often don't have the ability to replace the entire engine, and sometimes get no warning, the engine manufacturing defect needs to be looked into further by the NHTSA and Hyundai/Kia as a grave safety concern. Hyundai/Kia need to act promptly to prevent death and injury to their customers due to catastrophic engine failure. We don't feel safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Columbia, MO, USA

problem #207

Feb 242024

Elantra

  • miles
Complaint: Failure to notify or reave owned the car since October 2013 and have been notified of other defects through recalls from HMA. Which were serviced and completed on [XXX], 2023. 1.Recall 170: BRAKE PEDAL STpair while under service at a Hyundai dealer of a potentially hazardous defect. Foremost, Hyundai Motors America (HMA) never notified us of the potentially hazardous defect with motor. We hOPPER REPLACEMENT, [XXX], 2023 2.Service Campaign 933Service2011-13 ELANTRA, (UD), A/T SHIFT LEVER CLIP INSTALLATION, [XXX], 2023 3.Service Campaign 993ServiceIBU/BCM ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND DECAL APPLICATION, [XXX], 2023 In conclusion, while driving in Bellevue, NE on [XXX], 2024, the motor developed piston slap, rod knock, and loss of power. Had this occurrence happened on a wet, snow or hail covered road whether on an incline, decline or level surface, physical injury would have been likely. Realizing that the vehicle would not make the return trip to Kansas City. MO, the vehicle was traded in at loss for a Chevrolet Bolt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #206

Aug 292023

Elantra

  • miles
My engine will not turn over 70% of the time. My radio switches on and off on its on and changes stations randomly. Even with new brakes, it sounds like they are constantly grinding. When my gas gets low the issue gets worse to the point i can't arm my car. I have a small child and my car started smoking. I was also stranded for almost an hour because my car would not start. I just got off the phone with pearson hyundai and they told me there is no remedy for this issue and just wait. This issue started mid last year when my engine started to shake at a stop light. I have had 3 mechanics look at my car and they won't touch the issue due to the recall.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #205

Jan 062024

Elantra

  • miles

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

My 2013 Hyundai starter would not stop trying to start the car even when the ignition was off and the key was not in the ignition. Then it got so hot it caught fire and destroyed the alternator as well as the starter. It was so hot it melted the alternator. Also the plastic that is used to hold the headlamps and other engine parts has disintegrated. I barely touch what's left and the plastic crumbles apart. My car no longer has the plastic under the hood. I use tape to hold up the lights. Car was stopped and in a parking lot when this happened.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #204

Feb 292024

Elantra

  • miles
After taking my 2013 Hyundai Elantra in for service at a local mechanic due to hearing a new engine sound but no check engine light, I was informed that there was a much bigger problem involving a misfiring cylinder requiring a brand new engine replacement. My mechanic directed me to take in my car to a local Hyundai dealer where I was made aware that this was a known issue with Hyundai Elantras but was never made a recall leaving owners to hope that their vehicles fell under an arbitrary warranty extension that was put out by Hyundai [XXX] ) If undiagnosed or not replaced this can cause an engine seizure which could in turn lead to collisions, accidents, injury or death. I have entered my VIN into the website provided which tells me that my vehicle qualifies, however after taking my car into the dealership I was informed that my vehicle will not be covered since I bought the car pre-owned and it has been over 8 years since the manufacture of my vehicle. So because I fall out of that range I'm unable to have a known issue fixed that should be a recall" How does that make sense" My car has now been at a local Hyundai dealer for over two weeks with Hyundai Corporate kicking the tires on getting back to the service department on if they will cover any portion of the new engine. This has caused major issues and impediments in my daily work and personal life as I've had to rearrange and work around transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #203

Nov 272023

Elantra

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Westchester, OH, USA

problem #202

Feb 152024

Elantra

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the oil level was significantly low, although an oil change was performed two weeks prior to the failure. The mechanics determined that the timing components, timing cover gasket, water pump belts, valve cover, spark plugs, and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Monroeville, PA, USA

problem #201

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles

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

Due to the nature of the manufacturer's recall; (Hyundai Elantra 2013- Manufacturer Recall Number 251 "URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED" & NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) that has been issued to my car, I am now at risk and in danger, both physically and financially. This recall notice has made me aware that I can no longer park my car safely in my garage, nor in my driveway, without putting myself, my family and all neighbors residing in the surrounding houses at risk of causing a residual house fire. In addition, I fear for the safety of all innocent bystanders while driving this vehicle where other cars are present due to the fact that this potentially immanent electrical shortage may occur while parked or driving on the street. Since this issue has caused me to take these measures to protect myself and others, I have come to the realization that I must now look into selling and replacing my beloved car, however as stated above, the urgent recall notice that now exists on this vehicle will make it impossible to obtain a fair asking price from any potential buyers, leaving me unable to compensate for the financial investments I've made in regards to purchasing and maintaining this vehicle over the years. This issue now deems my car essentially worthless in its current state, and with no remedy available, I'm unable to sell this vehicle for any sum that's close to the fair market value that I deserve. Thus far, I have been fortunate enough to not experience any malfunctions that have led to a fire, BUT with a remedy not being available to solve this issue I'm left with the constant stress & fear that I may cause harm to myself or others by simply going about my daily tasks, and have no way to financially recover from the necessary purchase of a substitute vehicle that is required for me to get to work, tend to my family, and ultimately pay my bills. I hope I have made you aware how crucial it is this gets resolved promptly before substantial harm does come to me.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #200

Apr 012023

Elantra

  • miles
Car unable to pass smog check engine issues. Wheels no good.

- Henderson , NV, USA

problem #199

Jan 132024

Elantra

  • miles
there is no fix for the car and i cannot park the car where it would not injure persons or property the solution is for hyundai to replace the car or give me a free rental car till there is a fix -2013 elantra is subject to fire

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #198

Jun 012023

Elantra

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shut off while idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

- West Harrison, IN, USA

problem #197

Nov 012023

Elantra

  • miles
Car has a ticking sound, car has died on me multiple times. The vehicle has stopped moving regardless of pressing on accelerator and died leaving me stranded, feeling unsafe. I have been driving at 40 mph and then seem to lose power, making it to where can only go 10 to 20 mph or totally dying. I was also having issues with key fobs not working. Door would open, unlock and then not, car stalling. No lights illuminating on dash. Battery in fob replaced after car being towed to shop after stalling, dying issue and I was basically told they didn't know what was up with the stalling, maybe fobs. I had an oil change done and full diagnostic, sent on way without answers. Happened again, electrical issues, fob not working, stalling, start hesitation and dying, no power. I had it towed to different shop and was told had couple of codes showing up even though no check engine light on, they stated a caliper was leaking along with other oil leak and crankshaft sensor needed replaced, which got fixed. The car has 98000 miles on it (around there) and I see safety recall posted. I finance this car and have literally only had it not even 5 months. I do not feel safe driving it. I've been stranded, at times key fobs and locks act up on it still, the ticking is definitely a concern, RPMS off and revs up at times while also lacking pick up and go. I contacted my local Hyundai and they stated no resolution on safety recall yet, can schedule an appointment and pay for diagnostic, which would make my 3rd diagnostic over the last month or so. I need something remedied. I transport myself and at times my children and I do not feel safe in this vehicle which again purchased just about 5 months ago from Car Max. Help please!

- Keizer, OR, USA

problem #196

Oct 192023

Elantra

  • miles
My car keeps breaking down whenever I slow down or press on the brakes. I have a malfunction indicator lamp and I was notified via letter to call Hyundai asap to get a service so that my car doesn-??t light on fire. I went to a mechanic who told me the engine is bad and it-??s also a real from Hyundai. I called numerous times, and every time I am told there-??s nothing they can do about it at this time. They keep telling me to wait and they don-??t give me any options. This is a frustrating situation. I drive two small children in my car and I don-??t want anything to happen to them because the Hyundai dealership refused to fix their mistake.

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

problem #195

Oct 132023

Elantra

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The contact stated that failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred while her daughter was driving, stopped at a stop light, and in the middle of the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Montebello, CA, USA

problem #194

Oct 022023

Elantra

  • miles
UNKNOWN - The safety of myself and my kids are being put at risk with the recent fire risk recall not being resolved by Hyundai immediately. I do not feel safe driving this car and I have notified/called my insurance company/my finance company, and the local Hyundai dealership for assistance and no help was provided to me. I need this resolved immediately.

- Pineville, NC, USA

problem #193

Oct 032023

Elantra

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost all motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle then stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 155,000.

- Florence, AL, USA

problem #192

Mar 292023

Elantra

  • miles
The engine in my 2013 Elantra started making noises and the car stopped while my son was driving. He was able to get it to a nearby parking lot. We ended up driving it 1 mile to the mechanic who said -??it might be time to get rid of this car-??. It needs a new engine. Mechanic talked to the local Hyundai dealership, gave them the VIN and dealer said I would likely be eligible for an engine replacement under a recall or a factory warranty. I towed it to the dealer to do their own -??diagnosis-?? before they could give me the official word that my engine would be replaced. Dealer kept my car for five weeks. They ultimately provided an estimate of $3K worth of repairs that have little to do with the engine failing. I'm not sure they even looked at the engine. They told me the car has too many miles and would no longer be eligible for an engine replacement. I ultimately had the car towed back to my mechanic. The mechanic is estimating about $8K-$10K worth of parts and labor to replace the engine. The mechanic does not suggest using a used engine. My car is displaying the same issues as the other engine recalls, but my particular model is not covered (yet). The 2014 Elantra is part of the engine recall. My 2013 Elantra is not covered but is still displaying the same symptoms, and the engine knocking noise and engine failure are the same. The "Check Engine" light is on. I have this car parked in a parking garage, unable to be driven, while I pay off the remaining balance to Carmax. My mechanic says it could "blow up" if I drive it, and at a minimum, the engine can fail while driving causing a safety risk to the driver and passengers and any surrounding vehicles or pedestrians. I can provide mechanic's contact information if needed.

- Carmel, IN, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?