2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

4 recalls and 1,314 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

4
recalls
1,314
owner complaints
93
complaints mentioning a crash
31
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · reported September 22, 2023 · Hyundai Motor America · 1,649,478 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 17V769000 · reported November 30, 2017 · Hyundai Motor America · 390,467 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. 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.
The risk
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 retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 16V574000 · reported August 2, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America · 64,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
The risk
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 retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.

Structure · Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 13V115000 · reported April 1, 2013 · Hyundai Motor Company · 186,250 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 24, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 78,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the engine compartment and there was grey smoke coming from the electrical box behind the ABS Module. The…

Sep 10, 2026 · Air bags

Drivers air bag high resistance too high (2nd stage) B149000- PODS(passenger occupant detecting system) sensor (Bladder) Defect Start with replacing the clock spring assembly maybe be other problems. Airbag uncertain if operational. Not covered by Hyundai's Clock Spring Extended Warranty despite fitting within model…

Aug 31, 2026 · Unknown or other

UNKNOWN There is no incident happened.

Aug 20, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 120,000 miles · fire reported

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The following day, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's dog woke up the contact around 5:00 AM, at which point the contact discovered that…

Jul 24, 2026 · Seat belts

The buckles on two of the rear seatbelts have cut through the belt horizontally - guessing from friction. I was not aware until a passenger in my back seat pointed it out to me, and it had happened on two of the three belts.

Elantra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2010 3380459
2011 5433178
2012 46544712
2013 41,3149331
2014 23863516
2015 3262278
2016 2293225

Across all years, the 2013 Elantra has the most complaints (1,314). All Hyundai Elantra years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent reported on September 22, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners have filed 1,314 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (271 complaints), followed by engine (233).
How many 2013 Hyundai Elantra complaints mention a crash or fire?
93 of 1,314 complaints report a crash and 31 a fire; 66 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 24, 2026.