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:
8 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,345 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 8 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #128

Jul 102019

Elantra

  • 35,100 miles

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

My vehicle's steering wheel 'shudders' upon turning, whether stationary or moving, on a city street or highway. I believe the eps to be the problem and am afraid the steering will seize up while I am driving, potentially causing a safety hazard both for myself and for others. This has occurred each time the car has been in use since July 10, 2019, without exception.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

problem #127

Jan 012015

Elantra

  • 13,000 miles
"takata recall"my steering wheel column rattles and shakes when I am driving. It sounds like the steering wheel is going to fall off. The steering wheel feels loose. This has been going on two years after it was bought. The faster you go the worst it gets. It happens in the city and highway.

- Harlingen, TX, USA

problem #126

Jul 082019

Elantra

  • 89,823 miles
Clicking sound in the steering column. The dealer says that the problem is the steering coupler...a $4 part. Then the dealer said that the fix is not under warranty and that it would cost $410 to change this $4 part. This fix is in fact listed as a recall on the same year Elantra sedan and the sonata models. Since this is a safety issue why is the repair covered on those vehicles mentioned above but not on the Elantra GT"?? if it is a covered repair on an Elantra sedan why would it not be a covered repair on a Elantra GT sedan"

- Rockledge, FL, USA

problem #125

Aug 102018

Elantra

  • miles

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

Driving, in motion, on a city street, or highway within a 5 degree turn, right or left from center, steering wheel has a clicking noise like something is loose. This noise does not seem to affect the steering of said vehicle but is very annoying and loud which makes a distraction while in motion.

- Northport, AL, USA

problem #124

Dec 122018

Elantra

  • miles
2013 Hyundai Elantra, every time I steer to the left or right, there is a lot of play in the steering. It makes a loud clunking noise while turning. This happens regardless of the vehicle being turned on or off and in any gear. I contacted the service dept of the Hyundai dealer, they immediently knew what the issue was. He said it was more than likely a steering cuppler and/or steering bushing. My car is a 2013 and only has 59K miles. This is very little. I have done my research and there are more than 120 complaints with the same issue. There should have been a recall on this a long time ago as a steering problem is a very serious issue and very dangerous for anyone with this problem.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

problem #123

May 012019

Elantra

  • 39,555 miles
Takata recall the engine surging, knocking, RPM was going up, and down, then would cause the car to take off from the light like a jet in which almost caused me to get into car wrecks, it would go below 40mph, while RPM would be up at 5 while on the highway then not go forward. The car shakes so bad due to the surging of the transmission

- Albq, NM, USA

problem #122

Apr 082019

Elantra

  • 63,000 miles

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

Steering problem: When driving, the steering wheel catches near the center position, taking some additional force to move it. It is relatively easy to over come, but it feels as though it is getting worse. My Hyundai dealer has not responded to my inquiries. The potential for a steering lockup may exist, thus this alert.

- Windsor, CT, USA

problem #121

Nov 012018

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,600 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking and rubbing noise, which was a distraction while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a new rubber coupling for the steering wheel was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure more than twice and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was less than 62,000.

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #120

Mar 232019

Elantra

  • 39,600 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the stabilitrak and traction control warning indicators flashed, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise when turned in either direction, and the vehicle accelerated slowly when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Rancho grande motors (1404 auto park way, san luis obispo, ca 93405, (805) 543-4745) was notified of the failures. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 39,600.

- Morro Bay, CA, USA

problem #119

Mar 012019

Elantra

  • 70,000 miles
The steering wheel makes a clicking sound when steering wheel is turned right and to the left when car is stationary and driving at a slow pace. Steering wheel clicks noted when driving over bumps in the road and backing up such as small uneven surface like backing into and out of garage.

- Bluffton, SC, USA

problem #118

Mar 112019

Elantra

  • 90,100 miles

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

There is already an Elantra & sonata steering coupling recall extended warranty issued but my car isn't under warranty?

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #117

Mar 052019

Elantra

  • 82,000 miles
Steering wheel shaft broke while turning into parking lot.

- Blackwood, NJ, USA

problem #116

Feb 112019

Elantra

  • 130,000 miles
My 2013 Elantra sedan built in Alabama on June 14, 2013, and equipped with a 1.8L engine. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership because it cut off on me while driving in the middle of a canyon, in traffic. The brakes did not work. The cars steering locked up and could not control the car more than to veer it off the road with the forward momentum from coming down a hill. I was told the engine needed to be replaced due to the oil level being too low. I had just had it replaced and checked about a week before. Then I was told it was a connecting rod that had broken. I've left the car at the dealership at the moment because I feel like this is a manufacturing defect and will not pay out of pocket for a repair that would be covered in Canada.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

problem #115

Feb 062019

Elantra

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel could not control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 132,000.

- Harris, AL, USA

problem #114

Jan 182019

Elantra

  • miles
Takata recall when turning the steering wheel I realized that the eps control module needs to be replaced. The steering wheel makes a lound noise when turning.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #113

Jan 022019

Elantra

  • 62,500 miles
Vehicle steering wheel makes noise and jerks when turning, either at a stand still or driving. I am in fear of my life. Hyundai responded via email and better business bureau. Their email dated 1/9/19 indicates my complaint is about "campaign txx7, " and that "wear of the coupling does not affect the ability to steer or control the vehicle and is not a safety issue." My mother in law also has a 2013 Elantra where the part and labor were covered under an extended warranty and the issue is widely effecting vehicles based on a google search. They want $125 to look at my vehicle and I advised them they should have done a robo call to potential victims informing of them of this well known issue. That process would have cost them nothing. My mother in law spent about $1,000 in repairs to fix the issue before my car, shortly thereafter, had the same problem and I googled it learning how prevalent it is. Her mechanic called Hyundai who acted like they haven't heard of the problem until the extended warranty was brought up to them. She was fearful to drive her vehicle and borrowed a car to go to work while she had the worn coupling issue. Hyundia is putting peoples' lives at risk downplaying, not informing, and refusing to acknowledge the depth of the problem. Both my mother in laws car (now fixed) and now mine, are difficult to steer while driving at any speed.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #112

Dec 102018

Elantra

  • 92,000 miles
'takata recall' I was driving to work on the highway going 65 mph and lost control of my vehicle. To regain control I hit my brakes and continue my journey to work. This has happened multiple times and now I'm scared to drive my car so I carpool with a friend to work which is ridiculous. I don't feel safe to drive my own car

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #111

Dec 142018

Elantra

  • 70,000 miles
Free play in steering wheel between 11 and 1. very dangerous on skinny freeway lanes...vehicle almost drifted into barrier wall on grooved pavement in construction zone without ability to safely correct and maintain lane. In researching, appears as recall on other models, but not on this model. Scheduled for service on 12/17/18 at dealership to replace the $2 faulty part. Not looking forward to the labor bill to repair vehicle to safely maneuver the daily freeway traveling condition. This is clearly a safety issue that could potentially cost lives and needs to be addressed with the manufacturer.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #110

Dec 072018

Elantra

  • 90,000 miles
The steering wheel started making a clicking noise while driving and when stationary. I researched online and saw it is a common complaint on Hyundai cars. We brought the car into the dealer and were advised it was the coupling. Hyundai recalled the sonata and replaced the coupling but did not issue a recall on the Elantra. The cost to replace this defective part $350

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #109

Nov 072018

Elantra

  • 11,750 miles
While driving at a moderate speed of 45 mph my 2013 Hyundai Elantra 2 door coupe suddenly experienced excessive play in the steering wheel. This sudden failure caused the steering to hesitate and be a little erratic. Fortunately I was able to go the few miles to home without incident. Upon taking the car to my local Hyundai dealer, they immediately knew what caused the problem without even examining the car, a defective steering coupling in motor driven power steering (mdps). My vehicle has only 11,750 miles and is four months past the five year overall warrantee when the steering failure occurred last month. It certainly was not due to excessive ware. Some car owners were advised by letter from Hyundai and Kia of the pending problem I was not. Any steering defect is potentially very dangerous and this one is pervasive across product lines. This problem is serious enough that it is recognized by an extended warrantee by Hyundai and Kia in various models of Elantra, sonata, forte and other models produced from 2007 ' 2015. Search website 'Hyundai steering coupler'. this problem is also recognized by the manufacturer's online website Hyundai-forums.com as far back as 2007. The old part was replaced by a newly engineered part in 2015, part number 56315 2K000fff. However, this safety action does not apply to my Elantra 2 door coupe, which uses the same part. Perhaps this is due to insufficient complaints filed, or lower production, and limited years that the coupe was produced. This safety information needs to be disseminated to all Elantra owners.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

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