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 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,992 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 1 of 8)

problem #143

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles

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

It has been 7 months since this recall NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 and Hyundai has still not implemented a remedy I just checked their website and there has been no filter information given since the fire hazard warning. It makes me very uncomfortable knowing my car could catch fire at any time. 7 months is a long time to wait for a remedy

- Brick Township, NJ, USA

problem #142

Apr 162024

Elantra

  • miles
Traffic ahead of me rapidly decelerated. Upon applying the brakes, the peddle froze and then went to the floor without any resistance. I attempted to pump the brakes without success. I impacted the car ahead of me at 40 mph, the posted speed limit, creating substantial damage to both vehicles. The brakes failed to operate and the airbags failed to deploy upon impact. The vehicle failed to slow down and was reacting as if the accelerator was stuck. There were no system warnings at the time of the accident or afterwards. Braking abilities resumed immediately after impact. There is no visible evidence of any fluid leaks, brake fluid or otherwise. The vehicle was last serviced by the dealership for an oil change at the end of January 2024. A brake inspection was performed at that time. I was aware of a recall notice Campaign 251 regarding the brake ABS system. When I inquired at the last service date, I was informed no fix was available at that time. Current mileage is 49,779. I am still in the process of locating a repair shop.

- Tucson , AZ, USA

problem #141

Apr 112024

Elantra

  • miles
A vehicle fire occurred while the vehicle was parked in an open carport, and caused significant fire damage estimated at approximately $2,000. No injuries occurred. Due to early actions of residents and neighbors, the fire was confined to the vehicle and it did not spread to the carport or single family dwelling. The fire originated in the engine compartment, and was probably due to an internal brake fluid leak within the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which caused an electrical failure or malfunction. The vehicle has one (1) open safety recall that is incomplete at this time, and a remedy is not yet available. The vehicle owner stated that the ABS, Engine, and Traction warnings lamps did recently come on. The insurance company involved was notified of this vehicle fire, and may have examined or inspected the vehicle.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

problem #140

Sep 232023

Elantra

  • miles

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

23V651000 This recall came out in September it has now been 8 months and no remedy has been avaible which to me is not a timely manner, it is getting costly for me to not park near buildings where I normally park or in garages, starting to have to do that and just hope that my car does not catch fire, this is getting ridicules

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #139

Sep 262023

Elantra

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Clemont, FL, USA

problem #138

Apr 012024

Elantra

  • miles
There is a known safety recall regarding brake fluid being leaked internally that has been acknowledged by Hyundai since September 2023. This can cause fires even when the vehicle is parked. NO SOLUTION has been provided except for "park your vehicle outside". This has been a known safety issue for 8 months and NO SOLUTION has been provided to us owners. Even parking outside is an issue as I live in Memphis, TN the #1 city for auto theft. Auto theft has been rampant also due to Hyundai's unwillingness to install an ignition kill switch at production. Hyundai has been grossly negligent in the production of their vehicles and cutting corners at the consumer's safety expense. Not having a soltuin

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #137

Apr 012024

Elantra

  • miles

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

REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.OWNERS CAN CONTINUE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES; HOWEVER, HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS PARKING THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURE UNTIL THE RECALL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE AND COMPLETED. There is no remedy available yet. This needs to be addressed yesterday!!

- Shelbyville, IL, USA

problem #136

Apr 012024

Elantra

  • miles
I-??m filing a complaint about the vehicle recall on my car for the anti brake lock system (recall notice NHTSA 23V651000) I have been waiting for a solution for almost 6 months without any remedy. It is inappropriate the current remedy is to park my car away from buildings in case of fire. How is one supposed to do that when you keep your car at your house and place of work?

- Laguna Hills , CA, USA

problem #135

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles
The manufacturer (Hyundai) has been ordered to recall and fix my 2013 Elantra and they are not doing so. On their website it says "Incomplete. Remedy not yet available." This recall was issued LAST YEAR, over 5 months ago! Hyundai has had 5 months to not only fix the issue, but at least notify owners of this issue. The only reason I heard about this was from the news!!! Also, the offered fix of replacing a fuse is not going to fix the actual issue - leaking brake fluid. As a parent with small children, in a one-car family, this is unacceptable. Hyundai needs to fix their mistake immediately or find a way for my family to be able to drive safely. Their statement that "if you see smoke, evacuate the car" is completely irresponsible to offer as a solution to families who need precious time to unbuckle their children from car seats. Someone is going to die due to Hyundai's negligence, it's only a matter of time.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #134

Sep 102023

Elantra

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

- Lebanon, NJ, USA

problem #133

Mar 202024

Elantra

  • miles

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

There is still not a remedy and we have been notified of this problem since November. Having to wait 6 months for a remedy and the chance that it might catch on fire is highly dangerous and scary! There is no reason that this should take so long. Can the manufacturer not do something about this.

- Pageland, SC, USA

problem #132

Sep 272023

Elantra

  • miles
The manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this problem NHTSA Recall Number 23V-651 (Hyundai Recall Number 251). I received the recall notice in September of 2023 and it is now March 2024. The manufacturer has been non-responsive when I have attempted to have questions answered or a timeline provided. I would like NHTSA to force a response or provide me with an alternative method of being reimbursed for this issue since the manufacturer does not appear interested in fixing it.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #131

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles
This complaint is made regarding Hyundai recall 251 concerning the ABS module. I am the original owner of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra automobile. As of 12 March 2024, Hyundai Motor America has not been responsive to my inquiries when a remedy will be available. I have made numerous inquiries to the Hyundai dealer where I purchased the car, and to Hyundai Motors America. I have been forced to park the vehicle outside of my garage though a Colorado winter for fear of a fire caused by the ABS module malfunction. Hyundai's lack of action is aggravating for the extra wintertime vehicle maintenance this has caused. More importantly, I am reluctant to park this vehicle near other parked cars and buildings, and, taking the recall warning seriously, I am also unable to park the vehicle in public areas such as underground parking garages.

- Lakewood, CO, USA

problem #130

Oct 202023

Elantra

  • miles
I-??m having issues with braking and steering and I have made complaints to Hyundai and they have failed me they brush it off as though I need a new car but there are dangerous issues with this car. I also notified Hyundai Corporate Office on several occasions and a case manager by the name of Jose didn-??t help at all nothing was resolved he only left voice messages and nothing was done.

- Belcamp, MD, USA

problem #129

Nov 012023

Elantra

  • miles
Nothing has happened yet but: The anti-lock brake system is faulty. Hyundai says the brake system could explode into flame either parked or when driving. We were told to park the car at a distance from other cars. My apartment complex has a nearly full parking lot. Wherever I park someone can park next to me. Hyundai also says it is safe to drive. It is unnerving to have this issue, when I drive the car, which I need to do, I just hope for the best. It was my retirement car and I can't afford another. A fix for anti-lock brake fire hazard issue has not happened yet, and the recall was announced November 1, 2023.

- Rhinebeck, NY, USA

problem #128

Feb 192024

Elantra

  • miles
No incident yet! Having to park my car outside because of this recall in the rain. Always have parked in my garage. I want to know when this is going to be resolved. It-??s taking too long!!!

- Roseville , CA, USA

problem #127

Feb 102024

Elantra

  • miles
While driving my vehicle I began to notice the brake indicator light would flicker when I would have my foot on the brake.

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #126

Jan 292024

Elantra

  • miles
Hyundai issued a recall related to brake fluid leaking onto an ABS module back on September 22, 2023 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V651000). To this date, Hyundai has not offered a solution and the leaking is causing the brakes to not engage as they should. (I'm having to fill the brake fluid on a daily basis). In addition to the inconvenience, it adds an unnecessary expense of purchasing brake fluid. It seems that the issue is causing additional brake system issues and that the leaking is getting worse. (I pay for a car and expect it to work correctly. If there is a problem - which happens - the expectation is that the issue is resolved within a reasonable timeframe. 4 plus months for a braking issue IS NOT reasonable). The vehicle will not pass inspection until this issue is resolved. I am requesting that either Hyundai resolves the issue or offers reimbursement if we need to get the issue fixed ourselves. Thank you for your time!

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #125

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles
Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000 This recall was issued over 4 months ago and a remedy is still not available.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #124

Sep 222023

Elantra

  • miles
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

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