8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,840
Average Mileage:
89,550 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace engine (3 reports)
  3. replace short block (3 reports)
  4. had to replace engine (1 reports)
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Owner Comments

problem #10

Jan 012022

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 114,806 miles

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

I just purchased a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and have had it for about 2 and a half months. I purchased through a buy here pay here, so the car is financed, I still owe 10k before interest on a 5 year loan. I didn't notice the ticking at first with it being a new to me car, I just assumed it was a little louder than most cars. After getting bored and looking up forums on my car I learned of the notorious "tick of death" that is very common on this years engine, and instantly realized what I had been hearing. I plan on calling the dealer i bought from to see if this is covered because the car came with a 2 year warranty from them. If they won't help me, I'll try Hyundai and see if they can work with me somehow.

- Anthony O., Frankfort, US

problem #9

Jan 012021

Elantra GT GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,536 miles

Noticed ticking on startup that got louder when accelerating, and subsided when coasting. Took it to a local mechanic, they said take it to Hyundai. Hyundai included it in a recall and replaced the short block which also includes an oil change, filter and a few other small parts. They did not replace the timing chain or tensioner, which can be a problem in older vehicles, but having a new engine block certainly adds some peace of mind for myself and maybe a potential future buyer!

- Arden S., Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #8

Nov 072018

Elantra GT GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,794 miles

Hi! I hope you will take action, so here is what can do to solve this problem extremely easy:

You only have to call Hyundai customer relations services (look up their number online), explain the problem with your engine, and they will give you a case number and also they will tell you to take you vehicle to get a diagnostic done to see if it need a lower engine block replacement. Once they confirm that you need a engine block replacement, you will give them the case number that was given to you by Hyundai and if they refuse to help you then you will call them again and ask them to communicate with the dealership where you took your vehicle. Please make sure that you have the number of the service manager to give to Hyundai Costumer relation services. I had the same problem and my car was completely fix at no cost to me!!!

This is a manufacture defect - when the engine was built, they left particle debris at the bottom of the engine. This is a problem that many car owners face over the time this happens. Remember you still have a powertrain on that vehicle. When i was facing this problem I told the Hyundai people that I would take my story to the public media they quickly call the dealership and dealt with the problem. DON'T LET THE DEALERSHIP TELL YOU ANY BULL**.

- Adenna N., Ottawa, ON, Canada

problem #7

Feb 162021

Elantra GT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,444 miles

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

It was in the negatives when I started noticing the loud ticking coming from the engine compartment. I want to say it was around mid February. I took it to get an oil change and they said it could be carbon buildup so they cleaned up the everything and put in new oil and it still didn't fix the problem. I read online that the engines in these cars were somewhat defective or something and the problems that arise from this sound exactly like whats happening to my vehicle. Loud ticking coming from the engine brought on by the cold. It doesn't necessarily start until I press on the gas and then gets worse the faster I go.

- Summer F., Wilton, US

problem #6

Mar 302020

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,000 miles

click to see larger images

loud ticking loud ticking loud ticking loud ticking loud ticking

In March of 2020 the engine blew. We had a ticking or knocking going on, starting around 90,000 miles. I had it looked at and everyone said they couldn't find anything wrong. Then in March of 2020 I was driving and it stalled and I couldn't get it started. I had to have it towed.

It had 150,000 miles on the car. Replace the engine in May 2020, order it in April 2020. Had that engine for 7 seven months and the same thing happened. Bought the engine from Quality used engines with 5yr or 50k mile parts and labor and now they won't stand behind their engine.

My car now has 160091 for miles. Put 10091 for miles with this engine. Had to have it towed again. This happened in Nov. 2020. Now the car sits. I still owe on the car. Can't afford another engine. The cost of the replacement on the first engine was $2970.00. Now the dealer wants $10,000.00 for engine and labor. Tried to refinance for another engine but they wouldn't do it. I'm a 70 years old and can't afford another car on my social security retirement.

- geelongden, Prentiss Twp, US

problem #5

May 272019

Elantra GT 1.8L 4c

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

It's in the dealership right now. Bought this car used with 69,000 miles on it last year. It's made a ticking sound for the last few months. Took it to the Honda dealer where we bought it and they said "there's nothing wrong with it". Took it to the Hyundai dealer after noticing it's worse and they said it probably needs a new engine. It needs things for inspection but she literally told me "no use spending money for new tires, brakes, etc. right now if you have an engine that's about to blow up." My son's first newer car with a 10k loan on it and the engine is shot!! Luckily we bought a warranty from the dealer, a Powertrain Warranty that will hopefully cover a new engine!!

- Lisa A., York, PA, US

problem #4

Apr 072019

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,603 miles

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

After 75000 mostly trouble-free kilometers, a loud clattering sound was heard coming from the engine when I turned it off at a highway parking area. Car took two attempts to restart but made it home. Next day, engine stalled while going downhill at low speed, shortly after leaving home: I managed to stop the vehicle and (after a couple of attempts) restart it and get it back to the driveway.

The day after, it started and I was able to take it into the dealer for a diagnosis, which was that--essentially--the entire lower half of the engine needed replacement. This will be covered under the 7-year extended warranty, but apparently this dealer already had five other Elantras with the same fault also awaiting repair. A month has now passed (and my car has been on their lot the whole time): they are still waiting on the parts, and now have thirty (yes, thirty!) other customers, all with Elantras, and all (apparently) with this same fault. In a small town.

They estimate they will be able to repair two a week, so I'm looking at probably another month or so before I get it back. They have no loaner vehicles available (due to the volume of customers with Elantras with this defect), and the extended warranty will cover a rental vehicle, but only for a maximum of five days. This is insane in the circumstances. (Fortunately, I've been able to borrow a colleague's car, but that's not the point.)

- Robert B., Corner Brook, NL, Canada

problem #3

Mar 142019

Elantra GT Limited 3.2L

  • CVT transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I too am not fond of the Hyundai Elantra. I have had issues with the car making very loud engine noises. Sometimes it sounds as if the engine is trying to jump out of the car. There is also a very loud ticking noise in the engine. I have an appointment this month to see what the issue is.

- Cindy H., Nutter Fort, US

problem #2

Mar 112019

Elantra GT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,888 miles

Absolutely stunned by the lack of communication and uncaring attitude of the service department of Integrity Hyundai in Lethbridge, AB. During a BC holiday return trip my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT lost power on the Coquihalla highway at 130km/h. Late saturday, so no one can take it in because the mechanics are all gone. Take it to a previous dealership we'd dealt with in Kamloops, BC for an electronic diagnosis. They tell me it's an O2 sensor, but I can't get one til Tuesday at the earliest. We pay a ton of money to fly my wife home for work on the Monday and my son and I stay two extra days in Kamloops. Turns out it wasn't the O2 sensor at all.

March 11 2019 Hyundai diagnosed the problem, told me I needed a new short block (does that mean all the parts that are actually coming in contact with each other (piston slapping valve) will NOT be replaced ?!) Why would I be happy about that ?

Then they ask me for all my service receipts, inferring I may not take care of the care that drives me over 40000km per year running my business and servicing my clients over a 7 1/2 hour drive span in southern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia. I deliver the receipts and they submit them for a judgement by Hyundai Canada as to whether or not they'll cover the repair. She also suggests that I don't drive out of town until it's fixed. (remember the span of territory I cover regularly ?)

No communication for a week from Integrity Hyundai so I call to find out the verdict. She tells me it's going to be covered (Yay!) and that the parts have been ordered. (would It not make sense to let the customer know ?)

One week later, March 19th, without any communication from Integrity Hyundai, so I call again to check on the status of the repair. I'm assured by a service representative that they'll have the parts "definitely by the end of the month". So now, over a week has gone by since diagnosis and I'm still driving a ticking time bomb. Will it lose some power, all it's power, or will it burst into flames ?

On March 27th, again without any further communication from Integrity Hyundai, I walk into the dealership to inquire when they expect to have my replacement parts. This time I'm told, by the same service representative who previously assured me that it would "definitely be by the end of the month", "probably mid April". Sweet mother of God ! For real !?

He tells me Hyundai keeps changing the availability of the parts and when they'll ship and that there's nothing he can do about it. Then he walks away. Absolutely incredible lack of compassion or understanding of what an imposition this is for me and my customers. No discussion of what they might be able to do to at least put me into a reliable vehicle so I can continue my duties and service my clients. (ever heard of a RENTAL CAR!!??)

So here I am still driving a car that could potentially die at any moment, leaving me stranded or worse, with no firm time line for a fix and apparently no importance in the eyes of Hyundai. There must be millions of other people banging down their doors looking for a vehicle they have no idea will eventually leave them in the lurch and fighting for resolution.

Hey Hyundai, there are scads of other dealerships and car manufacturers out there, so if you think you have a monopoly, think again. You've just lost this customer forever because I have no faith that the new engine you install will not contain the same pedigree as the mistake you installed the first time round.

Integrity is a word that means a great deal to me in the conduct of my business. Obviously it holds no such import with Integrity Hyundai in Lethbridge, AB.

- Kurt R., Lethbridge, AB, Canada

problem #1

Feb 252019

Elantra GT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

My 2013 Elantra recently developed a loud engine tick which I thought was due to the cold weather. I decided to get it checked out anyway so I made an appointment with my local Hyundai dealer. I had done extensive research before taking the car in, and to my dismay there were HUNDREDS of reports of engine problems in this model car...enough to issue a recall but none has ever been issued.

Hyundai "prides" itself on it's awesome warranty, but this only applies to the first owner of the vehicle. (I purchased the vehicle off from a three year lease apparently making me the second owner although I am the first one with a title...details!).

I was told by the service technician the worst.. a new engine at the cost of $6500 not including the 2 months the engine would take to get in and the rental car cost of $30 per day. The technician did tell me that Hyundai MIGHT cover it so he submitted the claim with all of my service records.

2 days later we heard back from Hyundai...they were willing to cover 50% of the repairs and rental car which still puts my cost at over $4500 after the rental car and the bill I will mention later. I countered their claim twice, sent two emails to headquarters and they were not willing to budge. (My car is worth $6500 BTW, so 3/4 of the cost of the car in engine repair after Hyundai's "generous" offer!). Also, the "new" engine put in by Hyundai would have a guaranty of 1 year or 12,000 miles from my dealer, not Hyundai. Hyundai offers NO guarantee on the engine that is put in.

To make matters worse, when I picked up the car from the dealer my bill was $450! That covered their "diagnosis" plus a view pictures of the oil pan and the top of the engine to send to Hyundai. Keep in mind they could not "determine" what was wrong with the engine, they just knew I needed a new one!?!?

Now...I am fortunate. My car is paid off and I can afford another one. Imagine being told this news when you are only half way through a $16,000 loan?!?! Not to mention that a well cared for engine should last more than 78,000 miles.

I can't risk putting in a salvage or re-manufactured engine as I know the history of this line of engine plus I would hate for some other person to get stuck with this problem. Currently, I am selling my car to a salvage yard for parts. I have received quotes because of its good condition (minus the engine) of around $3000. I am taking my money and avoiding Hyundai for the rest of my life. Not to mention I will tell EVERYONE I know about how terrible their cars are.

- Cassie K., Neenah, WI, US

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