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.

8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
17,950 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. dealer for buy-back (1 reports)
  3. recalibrate the right angle sensor (1 reports)
2013 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments

problem #12

Oct 012014

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,210 miles

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

I have a 2013 Hyundai elantra GT , and I noticed that it pulls to on side. I took it the shop and I was told that I needed new tires and an alignment. Well I bought new tires and got an alignment but it's still doing the same thing. I have to keep my hands on the wheel at all times.

What is really going on with this model??

- Teresa J M., Lawmdale, NC, US

problem #11

Feb 132016

Elantra 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,496 miles

After merging on a 3 lane highway travelling at 100 km/h in the centre lane, the car suddenly pulled drastically into the lane to the left and immediately jerked into the right lane; then back into the left lane, and then into the right lane before the driver was able to gain control of the steering. She proceeded at 30 km/h to the next exit and parked it. This happened about 8:45 am on a Saturday morning when the traffic was light. Under normal conditions, there would certainly have been a serious accident or fatalities. It was cold that morning but the highway was perfectly dry. The Hyundai dealer road tested the vehicle (something I consider to be irresponsible) and didn't replicate the problem nor did scanning for codes identify the problem. The only explanation given was that there must have been black ice which is absolutely not the case. Hyundai claimed to never have heard of such a steering problem and returned the car without repair. This car was driven by a mother with a special needs child. She was traumatised when the car took over the steering and is terrified to drive it again. Having a car for her child is an absolute necessity. If anyone can shed light on this steering problem it would be greatly appreciated. It is hard to believe that Hyundai isn't aware of this situation.

- ritaon, Smiths Falls, ON, Canada

problem #10

Sep 202015

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,857 miles

My father noticed that while driving the car from Texas to Colorado that the car could not stay straight in the right lane on I-35 North where it turns into I-135. He also noticed it on I-70 West. When the car began to pull to the left he would turn the wheel slightly to the right and the car would then pull to the right. The car cannot stay straight while driving on highways. I took the car to Phill Long Hyundai and they tested the alignment and said that it was good. I left the car with them because they were busy and said that they had to have a tech look at on 10/28/2015. They called me to inform me that the part would not be in until 10/29/2015. I dropped off the car to them on 10/29/2015 and I picked up the car on 11/02/2015. While driving the car home I noticed that the issue had not been fixed and the car still either pulls to the left or the right. There is an issue with this models electronic steering that Hyundai needs to be aware of and a mandatory recall must be made before there is a serious accident in which if I am involved in I will take action against Hyundai motor USA.

- Daniel T., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #9

Jan 122015

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,555 miles

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

On my way to my father's funeral we noticed we couldn't control the vehicle and almost had an accident. We had to stop and stay in a motel overnight. The next day we brought it to a garage to see if there was ice in the tires and see if they were balanced. The mechanic checked everything and said that the problem was in the power steering. We couldn't go very fast and were scared to do the rest of the trip. We finally decided to get it towed to the nearest dealership they changed a part and said it was fixed. When we came back to get the vehicle it was fine for about 60 kilometers. Now the problem is different, it seems like the wheels are locking and the car is swerving from the back... I don't know what to do anymore. I go and visit my daughter and grandchildren at about an hour away and now I'm afraid to drive it....

- Monia R., Val-d'Or, QUÉBEC, canada

problem #8

Oct 102012

Elantra Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31 miles

I am leasing this car and cannot wait to turn this car back to the dealer! I experienced the car drifting to the left within the first 2 miles of driving the car the day after I drove it off the lot. I brought the car back to the dealer less than 24 hours after driving off the lot, October 10, 2012. They found the steering wheel was off center and set the steering wheel to center. The steering was ok for about a week before it started to drift left again. Brought the car back to the dealer on October 16, 2012 (370 miles) also because ESC light came on. Was told no problems with alignment of steering and that I just needed to get used to the different type steering on this car. They also has to replace the brake switch. Drove the car for another 5 months (to get used to the different type of steering) and the drifting to the left was getting worse. Brought the car to dealer again on March 22, 2013 (2,714 miles) was told steering system is of electronic design and much more sensitive to steering movement (really?). Not satisfied but waited until June 2013 to bring car back to dealer and requested a service tech drive with me at this time (to prove I was not imagining the drifting to the left) June 26, 2013 took service tech with me and showed him that the car drifts to the left. let him drive also and he experienced same. I was told to contact Hyundai Customer Service Line. Called Customer Service line and was told that I would receive a call with a date that a representative from the corporate office would be at the dealership I purchased the care from. Never received a call. I am at a loss on where to go with this. If anyone has any solutions on how get this fixed, please share. I will be going back to the dealer within the next week to have this issue addressed AGAIN. In addition to having the brakes fixed as I am also experiencing severe grinding at 9800 miles. ARGH! I hate this car and have never had such a horrible experience with a brand new car!!

Update from Aug 23, 2014: Family Hyundai kept my car for 5 days this time around. They replaced the brake pads and cleaned rust from the rotors. Brake issue has been fixed. They had to clean an intake valve due to it had oil in it from the last oil change which was done by them. Regarding the steering and the drifting to the left. This issue is still unresolved. They adjust the road force in my tires and said they believe it had fixed this issue. It did not. Car still drifts to to the left! At this point I believe they do not know what to do or how to fix it. They are trying to tell me that it does not drift when they road test it and that I just need to get use to the steering on this car. Really??? I've driven the car for two years. I wave the white flag on this and will not take it back to them again. Guess I just have to get use to the steering on this car.

- gg0902, Tinley Park, IL, US

problem #7

Feb 102014

Elantra Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

I bought a 2013 leftover Elantra Limited & when driving it the 1st week, I noticed that everytime I hit a bump or uneven roadway, the car swerved to the right. its very scary , you feel like you have no control of the car. I was away on vacation, so I was not using my car & when I came home & used the car again, the same problem. I don't know what to do because reading other complaints ,I realize the dealership will do nothing. This car was bought February 8, 2014.

- Roberta L., Manalapan, NJ, US

problem #6

Mar 262014

Elantra 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,629 miles

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

I've had my brand 2013 into dealer twice. The first problem was quite surprising. While putting my permanent plates on, I realized I forgot my screwdriver. The front bumper on the Elantra is very low so I was sitting on the ground with my foot partially under the bumper. When I got up my shoe caught the lip of the bumper and literally cracked the bumper leaving a two inch tear in the bumper. I was infuriated how cheaply made a bumper that is supposed to withstand a 5mph collision and remain intact couldn't withstand my shoe getting caught. Well, this only time Hyundai stepped up( there's more). They replaced the bumper and paint at no charge

There was an additional problem which is really the main problem. The car has no sense of control. It uses some kind of electric power steering instead of hydraulic power steering. The car wants to wander to the left when the wheel is let go of on level roads, particularly at highway speeds. It's been to the dealer twice. The first time the dealer service put it on the rack and checked alignment specs, wheel balance and air pressure. Said everything was in spec. i was in a loaner for five days while they replaced the bumper and checked the steering.

No sooner than I drove it home I noticed the very same thing. It pulled to the left. Now I was hot. The following week I took the cat back. Again they put me in a loaner, which happened to be a same year Elantra with just a couple of hundred miles less on it. Behold! This car did the exact same thing! Only it wanted to wander to the right. You have to constantly compensate steering for this. The car has no feel for 'center' like hydraulic power assist steering, it just seems to want to go wherever it wants, and this could potentially dangerous, not only on dry roads, but in more hazardous conditions as rain and ice. You are constantly compensating for this which makes the car tiresome to drive. This time I was told everything was in spec, the ECM had generated no steering sensor codes and for giggles they rotated the tires. It was fine. He even had a District service manager ride in the car with him. Nothing wrong. Ha! Two Hyundai service guys in a Hyundai in for warranty work. Like they're gonna say "Yes, we are aware of this problem, like we saw with the 2011-2012 Sonata/Elantra models." I drove the the care home only to experience the same drifting/wander.

I have started a case with Hyundai and was given a case number while they look into it.I dubiously accepted the phone rep's reply "Don't worry, we'll take care of you." We'll see.

The car also makes a funny whizzing noise when first started in the morning, or started at various times throughout the day. I was told it is the intake runner valve purge. It is annoying, and I've never had any car make such a noise when started. People who have ridden in my car ask what is that noise and that I should take it back to have it checked out. I assure them I have, and that it is normal. It doesn't sound normal.

This is my third Hyundai, and I've never had a lick of trouble from my first two. The second, an Elantra, I drove to 125,00 miles, with just basic maintenance, until I was t-boned and the car was totaled out. It ran like a champ. just kept going and going.

At only 1800 miles on the car, the honeymoon is definitely over and divorce/annulment is on the horizon. The car is not safe, and I will go all the way for buyback while the vehicle is still in its infancy and I still have a chance of coming out of this with with my shirt and the opportunity to obtain a new vehicle.

Stay away from the 2013 Elantra, At this point, since the 2104's are out, they are blowing the 13's out. They are not a good deal at any price.

- Sam V., Arlington, TX, US

problem #5

Jul 052013

Elantra Limited 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,988 miles

can not keep car going straight , i have been driving 40yrs

I have been driving for 40 yrs and have driven Trucks, cars you name it. I have a fleet of 4 autos 2010 Chevy Colorado, 2010 Mazda miata, 2008 Kia Sportage and the dreaded 2013 Elantra Limited. I can not keep it between the lines and the dealer just said You will get used to it. This past week we drove on Vacation to check the mileage( It was poor not close to the 2007 Civic I traded in) It also displayed 3 times to almost pull the wheel the opposite way when I was driving. For a few miles it will drive fine then it wonders without the steering wheel moving.Then it resists correction. I am calling the dealer again.

- Jerry F., Columbus, IN, US

problem #4

Jul 112013

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,286 miles

Simply put. The steering wheel went out of center. Vehicle alignment was fine really. If you brought your steering wheel to the center position, the vehicle pulled right. Keep it at it's left favoring position and you went perfectly straight. No other abnormalities about the issue. Took vehicle to the dealer I purchased from and had the steering wheel centered by calibrating the right angle sensor. Small time nuisance that is a simple fix, just have to take the time out to stop in at the dealer for them to take care of it.

- safety sieve, Laurel, MD, US

problem #3

Dec 052012

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 600 miles

New car was pulling right the day I drove off lot, thought it was one of the steering modes being heavy but quickly ruled that out.

Dealer aligned 3 times, still pulls RT, then replaced rear axle and still pulls RIGHT!

I have found many a blog on this particular car/issue occuring since 2007.

Hyundai probably wont recall as problem cannot be fixed as it is likely a quality control issue. This is unfortunate because it is a nice car in all other respects.

I want to get rid of this car sooo BAD !

- zokk, Carlsbad, CA, US

problem #2

May 142013

Elantra Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65 miles

Purchased car 5.14.2013 noticed it drove differently thought it would take some getting use to. Noticed on 06.12.2013 that steering wheel was not centered and vehicle pulled to right. Took into Hyundai dealership on 06.14.2013 was told that there was a problem but no repair available. Requested dealership to buy back and they are forcing me to go thru arbitration.

Update from Mar 20, 2017: Tulsa dealership that is no longer in business finally repaired problem in June 2013 after it had been into 2 different dealerships 4 times. Well it worked until I put new tires on. They have charged me for alignment and did not repair it still pulls. They are refusing to repair. car has 45k miles on it now. I want to cry everytime I drive it. I will never buy a Hyundai again.

- Susan M., Tulsa, OK, US

problem #1

Oct 302013

Elantra GT 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,763 miles

Bought a new 2013 elantra GT,hatchback. Noticed a pull to right in first week of driving, eventually had 3 alignments and dealer also rec. replace rear axle, and did to no avail.

Finally the dealer bought back the car after 3 months.

THIS CAR IS A LEMON ...This issue is widespread with elantra and un-fixable...IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT.

Buyer BEWARE of Hyundai

- zokk, Carlsbad, CA, US

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