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.

7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
40,350 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace engine block (1 reports)
2013 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments

problem #5

Jan 032021

Elantra 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,252 miles

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

I just bought this car, used from a certified pre-owned dealership, on Memorial Day 2020. The vehicle was at 88k miles. I haven’t even driven the car 4,500 miles in the last 11 months, and the engine is ticking. The sound comes and goes. I previously owned a 2006 Ford Focus which I drove for 14 years. I take care of my vehicles and make sure to keep up with the maintenance. I invested in this 2013 Hyundai because I thought Hyundai was a strong and lasting vehicle. I noticed the clicking sound in January and didn’t really think too much of it Bc my Ford Focus’ engine was very loud and made all sorts of growl sounds. Part of its charm in its later years imo.

2 weeks ago I received a piece of mail about a Hyundai Elantra settlement thing and I honestly didn’t think anything of it. I actually threw the piece of mail away... (dumb, I know now)... But then my engine light came on yesterday out of nowhere. No indication there might be an issue other than this clicking sound. Went to Google and found out about 2013 engine/clicking issue and I am very concerned. The clicking sound that everyone talks about with the Elantras - that’s my sound. 100% without a doubt. It’s not the rod knock, or the lift, 100% piston slap, it’s just super quiet. You can’t even hear it one you’ve been driving for 5 or 10 minutes.

I took my car into the my usual shop ASAP this morning and they didn’t really think the sound was a big issue (like I initially didn’t think it was). Said my fuel filter was super clogged - even though I had it changed by the “dealership” I bought it from, along with an oil change, at 90k miles (bought at 88k) in October 2020 and haven’t driven more than 2.5k miles since. I’ve also had a crankshaft sensor fail, and a MAP sensor fail. I have the history of maintenance and oil changes for this vehicle. This car has been well taken care of. I am worried I made a terrible and dangerous investment and I am unsure what to do.

- Kari S., West Chester, US

problem #4

Dec 102015

Elantra Gls Pzev 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

Multiple TSB's on this piece of garbage. I have the TSB on engine replacement -Nothing, even though it sounds like a diesel when we embarrassingly start it. We have the Additional Platinum coverage with Zero deductible- can't get Hyundai service to do a single damn thing, They just deny, delay and elevate customer frustrations to the point of =no confidence= and we gave-up. After multiple times complaining and bringing it down there to sit for hours at a time we dropped it off, they had our car for TWO WEEKS without an update call, and Nothing but voicemail. We drove down there, empty service. I call and watch Chris look at caller ID and dump call to voicemail. I walk in..He crapped his pants and said, yea I was going to call you. They could not duplicate the sound "?" Took service regional outside- rattle rattle rattle. Unbelievable BS from Hyundai- Never purchase a Hyundai, there is no warranty.

- Michael G., Addison Twp, MI, US

problem #3

Dec 112017

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,671 miles

My 2013 Elantra GT was purchased in May 2016 with extended warranty. In October 2017, it started to make a clicking sound. I brought the car in to the dealership in November 2017, and they told me that I needed a new engine block and that they would need to "verify" if this problem would be covered under my extended warranty. Finally, a month later, in December 2017, it was approved for work to be conducted in April, when the dealership was supposed to receive the parts.

During the 5-month wait, my engine failed a couple of times while driving on the highway. I called the dealership and they told me to bring in the car. I did, and they said that my engine was now only working as a V3 and not a V4, as it should be. They replaced my fuel injectors and the related pieces (which I had to pay for since they said it was unrelated to the original engine problem).

I have recurring engine failures and the clicking sound from the engine is getting louder and louder. This problem is affecting other parts of my car that may not be covered under the extended warranty, and then who will be liable to fix those problems??

It is now June 2018 and I still have not received a phone call or an appointment to have my engine fixed. I am extremely disappointed in Hyundai Canada's lack of consideration for their customers and the lack of customer service at the dealership.

- Julia C., Montreal, QC, Canada

problem #2

Jul 012012

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

The motor makes a TAK TAK TAK sound when the car is shut off. We have seen a spark, also trying to pin point where it is coming from. I've made several trips to the dealer for them to check the car and we were told each time they can't hear anything, and to feel free to come back if it continues. After several visits to the dealer they agreed to keep the car and check it out some more only to call us and say they still can't hear anything. I've taken a video of the car making the sound and sent to the dealer and we never received a call back on it.

The car, also when you crank it, makes a sound like it has a belt issue. The dealer advised this was normal for a Hyundai. We have asked about the RPM's surging while diving sometimes and were told once again they can't find anything wrong with the car..

- melindaal, Satsuma, AL, US

problem #1

Sep 242012

Elantra Coupe Se 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 1,750 miles

Bought the Hyundai elantra new off the lot with 43 miles, trading a honda civic si 2007 for it. big mistake. Since I've had the car, I been to the dealer twice with issues. First issue a strange hiss noise from the exhaust, when accelerating. Dealer said that was normal, never have had a car do that but then again I've had hondas. Second trip back a clicking noise every time i turn the car off, dealer said that was normal. Apparently the throttle body is resetting itself. Never heard that before, but i have always had hondas. Well now i want my honda back, so i have to wait at least a year to trade for one. I always speak highly of Hyundai, just from the warranty aspect and their styling is at the top. Yes the cars lack performance but you can over look that based there Hyundai assurance, but the customer care really is shitting, I'd rather them replace the throttle body to confirm that, that is a part of what the car does than the shitting answer i was given. I could go on, but i have the vehicle so i'll make the most of it while I have it, but my next vehicle will once again be a honda.

- cavc, Chandler, AZ, US

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