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.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,640
Average Mileage:
78,350 miles
Total Complaints:
32 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (14 reports)
  2. engine replacement (9 reports)
  3. not sure (8 reports)
  4. repair engine (1 reports)
2013 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #12

Aug 082017

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,274 miles

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

I bought this 2013 Elantra gt 1.8 brand new have full record of all oil changes and repairs. I took the vehicle to Hyundai IN Milton Ontario they diagnosed my engine for $120 dollars and told me it was lower end that the engine should be replaced. They sent all my receipts of repairs and oil changes to Hyundai Canada they came back and said to many kilometres but the car is only 4 years old and all highway miles. I travel 210 km a day to work.I phoned Hyundai Canada myself and talk to complaints department and they said they can not do anything because of kilometres. I ask them if they would replace the motor and i would pay the labour but they refused.Very disappointed as i had a 2007 accent brand new and but 320000 kilometres on it engine was still good until I traded it in for 2013 elantra.The actual engine started ticking at around 160000 km but i thought maybe sticking lifter not realizing that it was lower end problem. I am frustrated because my car is in mint shape and the dealer even said that in the letter to Hyundai Canada. The Dealer told they are having to replace a lot of these engines. Why is there not a recall on this problem. Car is still running but very loud metal to metal noise all i can do is keep driving until it blows up. Still owe 1 1/2 years of payment left that sucks. If any buddy can help me please reply. P.S. do not by 1.8 elantra engine big expense hyundai dealer $8000 to replace. Its sad they can not back their problem. At least Mazda has 5 year unlimited kilometres .

- Jim B., oshawa, Ontario, Canada

problem #11

May 142017

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

I am experiencing the same stuttering and stalling as others have described. I have kept track of time of day, temperature outside, short trip vs. long, AC on or off, full gas tank vs. not full. There seems to be no common parameters. The car will begin to shake, rpms drop to 0, and the car stalls. Restarting takes a few tries, pressing hard on the gas. Tomorrow will be my 4th trip to the dealer. Twice, the check engine light also appeared. First "fix" was a "software upgrade". Second, they were too busy to complete investigation since diagnostics showed nothing. Third, an oil valve was replaced.

- gchalon, Denton, US

problem #10

Jun 092017

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

I have a Hyundai Elantra 2013. Car has always been a bit shaky but other than that the car ran pretty smoothly. I bought the car with 0 miles and did proper maintenance.

One day out of the blue, with no indication, the engine stalled in the middle of the road. Tried to turn it on but the engine didn't budge. Took the car into a local mechanic and they told me it was an engine failure and I was looking at 3k-4k in damages, so I then transported it to the Hyundai dealer hoping it was covered under their 100,000 warranty since a lot of their vehicles had similar engine problems and recalls.

It's been two days now since I have left it at the dealer and no confirmed diagnostic except that I will be needing a brand new engine and that they need more time to run tests and process paperwork.

Will post updates and outcomes asap.

Update from Jun 28, 2017: I got news today that the Hyundai will be covering the engine under warranty. Estimated 7-15 days until I get my car back. It took about a week to get it approved under warranty but they put me in a loaner vehicle in the meantime.

I didn't get a specific diagnostic or details on what went wrong, just that the engine failed and it will be covered under warranty.

What happened to the car is terrible but they did a great job of making it right. I think it has a lot to do with the dealership you take it into as well; The dealership close to home has terrible customer service which has inclined me to take it to the dealership near work, even if it's a longer drive. The customer service and overall experience has been night and day. Read up on some reviews before deciding which dealership you'll take your car into, it can save you a lot of time and trouble.

- Stephanie P., Montebello, CA, US

problem #9

Jul 042016

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,500 miles

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

Purchased my Hyundai Elantra new in 2013. Had no real problems with it, well maintained, mostly local mileage. Then in May of this year, 2016, the check engine light would come on and off. I thought I wasn't getting the gas cap on tight enough. The last of June it started with a sputtering, lagging action/sound. As if it were going to die on me but never would. It would eventually pick up speed. The problem might not happen again for several miles or not at all at that time but would happen again the next day. Anyway, I made an appt to take it in on July 12th. Mileage---approx. 61,500. My appt was at 8:15 that a.m. I had planned to have someone pick me up but the service tech told me I shouldn't be long and could wait. "shouldn't be long" turned into over 4 hrs. After the first hour, the tech came back to tell me that the engine was missing and that they'd have to put it on the computer and that would cost $39.95. Told them to go ahead. Finally, after several other customers came and went I caught the tech in the hallway and asked about my car. Was told it was going to have to have a new motor. NEW MOTOR...only 61,500, on time oil changes, am the only driver, etc. I have yet to get an answer from anyone as to what caused the motor to have to be replaced, what is wrong. Only that it will take 2 to 3 months to get it repaired. In the meantime I am having to drive a rental. I have written Hyundai asking what kind of issues and how frequent motors are failing. Can't get an answer out of them either. Apparently 2013 was a very bad year considering the number of complaints compared to other years.

Update from Jul 10, 2018: This is in response to KL. I could never get an answer as to why the engine failed. Not from the dealer and not from the manufacturer. The dealership caused more issues attempting to repair the engine. I had to have it towed back to them 3x. After the 3rd time and it still wasn't fixed, I had it towed to a dealership 90 miles away. They were able to repair the engine issue. Hyundai paid for the repairs as the mileage was only 61500 but it was the worst experience I've had with any car I've owned and that was due to the dealership and their constant screw-ups. So, in answer to your question regarding oil, no one said anything to me about any oil issues. Sorry I can't be more help.

- Cathy P., Thurmond, NC, US

problem #8

Jan 012017

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

OK so I have a 2013 Elantra. Car has been running great, no problems...up until NOW...intermittent starts...happens at home so its good. Went out one day, nothing...all lights come on..door dings that the key is in...etc, etc. Nothing turned nothing...no catch.... Paid $80 for a diagnostic...guess what! lol NO CODES!!!! Paid $50 for the Inhibitor Switch...paid $50 for installation on 3/3/2017 3/6/2017...guess what lol took 5 times for it to catch...so its not that switch... NOW WHAT....???????????? ignition? any help please !!! I hate this car but its all i got....I have 76,000 miles on it now...

- Reida W., Ukiah, CA, US

problem #7

Sep 162016

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Major engine failure for a car that is 3 years old with 75,000 miles. Their service department refused to give a detailed written estimate, and will only quote a price. Complaints to Hyundai USA have only gave us a $500 discount on a repair quote of over $3,000. NEVER BUY A HYUNDAI !!!

- badcar13, O Fallon, IL, US

problem #6

Jun 012015

Elantra ES V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

For the past three months car occasionally will not start. Lights come on, radio works, windows go up and down but the engine won't turn over. Was unable to jump start it with traditional cables and another car. Have taken it to the dealership 4 times now. The first time they didn't know what it was. The second time he tested the battery and said it was fine. The third time he said it WAS the battery and I paid for a new one. The next day the car wouldn't start again. It is now there for the fourth time and they have already called once and said they can't figure it out. I invested in an automatic car battery jumper which has saved me numerous times when I am by myself in a parking garage late at night. I too bought this car thinking it was dependable, under warranty and reliable and here I sit, never knowing when this stupid car isn't going to start.

- caroletx, Houston, TX, US

problem #5

Jun 172015

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

My 2013 Hyundri Elantra, started not starting. Had battery tested and replaced and the car still will not start. lights, radio bells and whistles seem to be working fine except that the care engine will not start it does not make a sound.

From Google and researching the issue some said it and issue with the starter connection their suggestion was to push the car backwards it will cause the starter to move and you should be able to start the car ... Can not believe this would work, but in fact after having to removing the gear lock so I could get the car out of park to push the darn car back it started.

Dealership can not find the problem or duplicate the issue to try to trace down a solution

This was my second Elantra, with that kind of customer service it will me my last.

- Margaret L., Sun City, AZ, US

problem #4

Feb 052015

Elantra Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

Driving along a busy highway during rush hour traffic. Traveling with the flow of traffic approximately 65 mph. Needed to accelerate to get over. The engine lost power, continue to run but would not accelerate. Vehicle began to slow down on its own. Luckily I was able to get over to the side of the road. Gas was low, but more than a quarter. Gas light had come on. Turned the car off and tried to turn it on again. Barely started, but would not give me the rpm need to go. Turned off again and the engine would not start. Had courtesy patrol pull over and they gave me some more gas. That still didn't work. Towed to Hyundai dealer and after awhile the vehicle started up and they could not get it to do the same thing. This is the second time, it would not accelerate but the first time it shut down. Both times there was some hesitancy in the vehicle when first starting.

- sekoujabez, Sachse, TX, US

problem #3

Jan 012014

Elantra Active 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4 miles

1) Car makes “tak tak” noise every time you try to pick up and slow down. – Explanation by Hyundai Service is its common noise when you have Air con on. (But in reality I don’t have Air Con on they still kept saying its when Air Con is on)

2) Car struggles to pick up randomly when you driving at 60km for around 30 min and if you have to overtake or approaching highway where speed is 110km car struggles , when I put my foot on accelerator it just dosen't do anything and than suddenly it will pick up - Explanation by Hyundai Service its normal as its that type of gear box when you put foot on paddle suddenly it take time to communicate to computer , but in fact I don’t put my foot on accelerator suddenly I do it gradually

3) Major life threatening issue – Car engine cuts off , this issue is going on since Dec -2013. Initially it started when I you drive car in heavy traffic for more than 45 min and if you had to stop in traffic for more than 2-3 min stationary at same spot engine will cut off and all dash lights will go off. This issue happens randomly. This happened 3 times and I decided to send car for repair and Hyundai said nothing is wrong they cant fault it and give me car back. This same issue happened again after month or so I think and send car back for repair and they said they found it what was wrong and they have updated software of car and it should fix the issue. (not sure why they didn’t found first time)

I took car back and same issue again on same day so send car back in repair and same story”We cant get it to fault so we cant do anything, please leave car here for a while and will try” So I agreed with that and gave them car but they came up with same answer. So I took my car back was driving normally for 6 month and exact same issue started again so I called Hyundai Australia and ask for their help, so they offered me same solution as Hyundai Service centre and I took that offer gave my car back in service but no positive outcome. No I was sick of giving my car in repair for this many times.

Hyundai didn’t offer nay help apart from giving me loan car. After all this one day I was driving car at 50km/h and engine cut off when car was moving and because its Automatic car I cant steer or even stop car as everything stops working and avoided horror crash, Now same story again called Hyundai Australia and they asked me to put car back in service and when I was going to give my car back and driving at 60km/h engine cut off and avoided horror crash.

They kept my car in service for a week and didn’t came back with any solution. This thing happen again when I was driving at 90km/h and 110km/h on Hume Highway and its just so risky I have avoided getting killed 4 times and every time I had my pregnant wife with me. I don’t feel safe driving my car at all and its like I spent $23000 to get just junk. Its so inconvenient at this stage as My wife is due in June and when we need all our labour bag and everything ready in car boot and need my car anytime its just not working for me. And changing car and giving back to service every month its just not good enough when you spent $23000 and when company says its 5 years warranty. I need Hyundai to replace my car.

- Manan D., Sydney, Australia

problem #2

Apr 202015

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Heard ticking/rattle after hard winter weather. Took in for service 2 months after when winter ended. Called after 4 hour review. Told technicians concerned about engine. Told calling in for warranty approval. 2 hours later told technicians have ordered new engine. Will be in in about a month. Sounds reasonable. No idea why occurred but they will fix.

Then told I can pickup the car. I said 'You just told me the engine is so bad a new one is on order'. But I can drive the car? This blew my mine. Now, if I want to sell the car I have lost value because the VIN has engine replacement. I want a loaner for free. Jury out. I am VERY disappointed.

Buyer beware. I took good care of car. Changed oil every 3 despite manual stating 5K to 7500. Don't drive crazy. Stay at 65mph. I am disappointed.

- ltstnl, Framingham, MA, US

problem #1

Mar 192015

Elantra GS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

After changing the oil every 7k miles as the book says (it says 7500 but close enough), the engine started having problems at 60k miles and when brought into the dealer, says it needs a new engine but they won't even do anything about it until we provide all our receipts of when the car was maintained, including work we did on our own, which are the majority of the oil changes. They charged $145 to look at it to determine there are shavings in the oil but won't open it up to see if it looks to be a lack of maintenance issue or not until all receipts are provided, unless we want to pay the full $5k to replace the engine.

So we are calling all stores we bought oil and filters from trying to obtain receipts from 2012 - 2015 now (we have three receipts from garages who changed the oil) trying to prove we changed the oil on time and used the correct oil and oil filter in order for Hyundai to stand behind Americas Best Warranty. Meanwhile I'm out a car. This is my first Hyundai I've ever had. I've owned Honda's, and a few Chevy's and have never had issues where the manufacturer didn't want to stand behind their product with any of those vehicles despite having 140k -160K miles on them. I've had Honda stand behind a transmission they needed to replace on one vehicle at 60k miles fully covered. They didn't say where are your service records showing you ever did anything to the transmission?

When a vehicle needs a transmission or engine below 100k miles, something is definitely not right. I expected them to try to find why it failed before going right to blame the customer or show proof you didn't do something wrong first. Open the engine and see that it should show to be clean due to having oil changes timely and this situation should have moved right along to finding the defect, fixing the problem and getting a customer on their way. Not Hyundai. The car isn't even 2 years old and has had the starter replaced under warranty and a few other things and now the Engine.

Car Buyers Beware. I am about to be buying 2 more vehicles real soon and and thank goodness I learned about the awful quality of Hyundai and how they don't stand behind their product before I bought another one and made a BIG mistake. Just praying I am able to get a hold of the receipts. I've been spending days trying to locate from stores to get copies so I might be able to prove to Hyundai that they should warranty their car.

- Michelle G., Manassas, VA, US

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