2013 Hyundai Elantra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra: 4 recalls, 1314 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure, Airbags Vehicle recall #13V115000 · 2013 · 186,250 vehicles
What's wrong: A support bracket attached to the headliner May become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Why it matters: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it May cause a laceration injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #16V574000 · 2016 · 64,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Why it matters: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights May stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #17V769000 · 2017 · 390,467 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Why it matters: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights May stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles
What's wrong: The anti-lock brake system (ABS) module May leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 31 mention a fire, 66 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (271): the most common themes are steering problems (225), noise or vibration (102).
- Engine (233): the most common themes are noise or vibration (81), stalls / loses power (63), warning light on (51).
- Airbags (168): the most common themes are warning light on (50), fails to deploy (34).
- Brakes (164): the most common themes are noise or vibration (37), brake failure / soft pedal (20).
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 1314 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 35 Elantra model years for complaints (5.3× the average Elantra year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (158 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 45,301 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (653 complaints, 4 recalls), 2014 (385 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners have filed 1314 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (271), engine (233), airbags (168).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Hyundai Elantra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.