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:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,122 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Aug 292023

Elantra

  • miles

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

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 #24

Sep 102023

Elantra

  • miles
- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no -

- Lebanon, NJ, USA

problem #23

Nov 092022

Elantra

  • miles
My car tends to shut off on its own while driving. I-??ve fixed the fuel pump thinking that can be the issue due to the car passing -??green-?? on the machine stating everything is good. No lights on my dashboard, engine tends to shake. RPM arrow is all over the place. The car is well taken care of. I-??m spending a lot of money on mechanics fixing things that clearly aren-??t the issue with the vehicle.

- Pawtucket , RI, USA

problem #22

Aug 082022

Elantra

  • miles

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

The vehicle developed a fuel line leak (diagnosed by ASE certified technician). The problem was first noticed when the odor of fuel filled the cabin. This may or may not be similar to the same issue arising in 2013 Sonata models for which a recall was issued. I have tried to locate a replacement part (Hyundai part# 31310-3X400) but am informed that these are on "indefinite backorder" or "discontinued" rendering the otherwise serviceable vehicle unsafe to operate

- Byron, GA, USA

problem #21

Apr 292022

Elantra

  • miles
The steering wheel is loose. It rattles when I drive especially when I drive over rough areas like train track, pot hole or something like that. I can tell it is very loose when I am making turns. There is also issue with fuel smell inside my car. I frequently smell gas. To the point where I have to let the window down to let air in. The gas fumes are strong. The gas issue has been a problem for 2-3 years.

- Marietta, GA, USA

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problem #20

Jun 282021

Elantra

  • miles
After the completion of my work shift, I return to my vehicle and discovered a fire has taken place. Lucky, the fire didn't get out of control and wasn't active at the time. The passenger seat was completely burnt including the seat covers and the items in the seat. The items in the seat included: Steak & shake leftover trash, and a perfume bottle. This fire also damaged a door dash bag that I had in the back passenger seat. Not to mention, the impact of the fire that created black duct all over the vehicle windshields, radio, seats, dashboard etc... No police report, nor fire report has been reported at this given time.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #19

Oct 252020

Elantra

  • 75,000 miles

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

My 2013 Hyundai Elantra with approx. 75,000 miles, and no mechanical or cosmetic issues, caught fire while parked and turned off for 10 minutes at tavern in the square restaurant in lowell, MA. Patrons who were parked nearby heard what sounded like electrical sparks and then witnessed smoke coming from the hood which then burst into flames. They ran in to retrieve my family and I and the fire department came within 10 minutes to extinguish the flames but the car was completely destroyed by that time. I have videos and pictures that can be forwarded to you. I have attempted to contact Hyundai customer service but was on hold for 40 minutes and immediately disconnected before speaking to anyone. This has been extremely stressful emotionally and financially. The car was in our garage just 30 minutes prior and this could have been much worse. There is obviously a history of issues with some other Hyundai vehicles which I wasn't aware of until now but I don't see that my car was listed as a possible recall for electrical fires. It was my only mode of transportation and every penny I earned was used to purchase this vehicle less than one year ago. I do not have insurance that would cover this situation so this is a total loss. Please let me know how to proceed and also where to forward the video and photo details.

- Pelham, NH, USA

problem #18

Aug 202020

Elantra

  • 130,000 miles
Motor blown when vehicle had 130000 miles after regular oil changes.

- Kings Mountain, NC, USA

problem #17

Sep 212020

Elantra

  • 71,000 miles
2013 Hyundai Elantra. While stationary, in city street, turning or not not turning, uncontrolled engine racing to at least 5000 RPM. To stop racing without an accident, I have to put the car in neutral and a) engine speed may go back to normal or B) repeatedly step on gas pedal to disengage racing engine. Or C) turn off engine key and try to restart. This has occurred numerous times

- Coconut Creek, FL, USA

problem #16

May 062020

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 102,100 miles
I was getting off the freeway on the off ramo and came to a red light. When the light changed green my car died and I was in left turn lane. I couldn't move the car forward. I didn't have ac and the car would not start at all.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #15

Mar 032020

Elantra

  • 100,000 miles

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

The car feels like it can't get power shakes slow to accelerate for half a block then acceleration. It's happened 5 times today. Other days it sounds like it's not running smoothly and then does ok after awhile. This happened with car in park, backing up, going forward, 2 different stops at lights and 2 more stops til I got home.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #14

Sep 122019

Elantra

  • 156,000 miles
We were driving to take one of my kids dr appointment. We stopped to get drinks for the road. We turned the car off came back to leave and it would not start fix the problem that it said and that didnt fix it. When you go to start it it wants to turn over but cant catch everything still works the way it should pistons move have power to everything, timing chain didnt jump the spark plugs still all get spark.

- Drasco, AR, USA

problem #13

Oct 142019

Elantra

  • 3 miles
I've been driving this vehicle as a secondary owner since 64K miles, it's now at about 71K. I keep up with maintenance regularly, but lately it's developed a bit of a noticeable ticking especially when cold, and idles pretty rough when cold, seems to get better as the vehicle heats up. 3 times, all spaced out by a couple of months I've also experience a refusal to start, trying again usually gets it to start but one of those times it almost sounded like it was misfiring since it seemed to stumble and nearly stall. I've taken it to two shops and not one of them and has been able to determine the underlying issue like it's not even there, one of them only suggested a battery replacement which funny enough seemed to help it until recently, will be taking to Hyundai soon perhaps but I see a trend of very similar symptoms on here.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #12

Jun 282019

Elantra

  • 35,311 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that a raw fuel odor entered the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to round rock Hyundai (2405 N interstate hwy 35, round rock, tx 78664, (512) 920-5397) on November 15, 2016 to be diagnosed, but they could not duplicate the failure. The failure continued and the vehicle was taken to automax Ford (3301 E central Texas expy, killeen, tx 76543, 254-699-2629). The dealer ran a full fuel system diagnostic, but they were unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The failure recurred. The contact called the manufacturer and was provided case number: 15964028. The failure mileage was 35,311.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #11

May 112019

Elantra

  • 41,237 miles
I'm having serious engine problems at only 44K miles including failed ignition coils & sparkplugs-now engine still misfiring & coils going bad one at a time. I'm a single mother & cannot afford engine repairs especially with this low of mileage on the vehicle & after just purchasing it used from carmax in amherst, NY at end of January, 2019. I was told by the repair shop that the ignition coils are defective. Thank you.

- Clarence, NY, USA

problem #10

Apr 252019

Elantra

  • 160,000 miles
About 3 months ago my 2013 Hyundai Elantra became sluggish in accelerating. It has gradually gotten worse. I tried fuel cleaners, premium gas, and now a tune up replacing coil packs and plugs. The vehicle crawls and does not accelerte as quick as it should. It cuts off or refuses to move when given gas at all stops. I switch off then on at red lights as it seems to want to take off when the engine is started. When I reach about 50mph the RPM hand guns and the bottoms out to stay at zero with no change in acceleration. There is now a whirring noise sporadically coming from the engine. After the ti E up the issues continue with cutting off, rough idling, extremely slow snail accelleration with the engine light on.

- Mccormick, SC, USA

problem #9

Mar 142016

Elantra

  • miles
I have taken my Hyundai Elantra into red mccombs Hyundai in san antonio tx. On I-10 West several times only to be told that there was nothing wrong wit the struts. And they did work on the surging part of the engine but it still surges when speeding up. I was told by Firestone that the struts needed to be replaced, and I was told by two different mechanics here in kerrville, tx the same thing but they said I was under warranty and should take it back to the dealer and insist they repair it. So I'll try one more time. The front end makes a loud clicking sound when taking off and feels like it bottoms out when you hit a bump. It is a bit nerve racking. The last mechanic told me to take it back to the dealer on 3/14/2016. This problem is two years old now, [xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Kerrville, TX, USA

problem #8

Nov 072015

Elantra

  • 58,000 miles
Car starts but won't stay on, new battery installed, still doesn't turn on, in garage and is being towed to dealership. Windowshied fog constantly, and all F a sudden after 10 minutes and only way to defog---open windows., happens every am as driving to work on freeway or home at nights. The car is well maintained. Gas mileage is not 33 miles per gallon. Disappointed. Also sun roof doesn't close, was fixed, and still doesn't close all the way without me doing fancy maneuver with switch. Concerned- major safety issue!!

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 272015

Elantra

  • 45,235 miles
I have owned my car for a little over 3 years now. I started having problems with my fob not unlocking my car. I would had to press the unlock button several times to unlock. Then I also started having problems with not being able to turn on my car(with the push start) because the brake pedal was really stiff. I had to press hard on the brake in order to successfully turn on my car. Recently I've had a check engine light come on sporadically. Sometimes the light comes on and off while during my drives in the city. Two days ago, I attempted to turn on my car and the car began to start, but continued to make the ignition start sound for several seconds--about 10 seconds-- than usual. This was of course not the norm, so I pressed the start up button to turn off the car. When I attempted to turn on again, it turned on fine with the check engine light on again. I went to pep boys and meneike to check this out and they said that I had a P2096 problem. This code was followed with the description as follows: Post catalyst fuel trim system too lean bank 1. essentially I was told that the ratio of oxygen and fuel, the engine take is off. They thought it was a leak that would cause the lack of fuel going into the engine, but when they investigated it, they didn't find a leak. As of now, I don't have a real diagnosis for my car. I'm not sure if all of these problems correlate or have a domino effect on each other, but the issue will take a while to take care of.

- Northridge, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 122015

Elantra

  • 10,000 miles
Driver was making a left turn into a parking space on 2nd floor of parking garage. As the left turn was made, the Elantra GT suddenly accelerated by itself into a wall, hitting a pole and the wall. Hyundai is investigating. Dealer is useless. Right now unsure how to proceed. Exterior can be fixed, but what about the problem?

- Honolulu, HI, USA

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