Problems · by component

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT electrical system problems

150 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT cite electrical system, 12% of all 1,293 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
150
12% of all complaints
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“This seems to be a very common and serious issue with Hyundai vehicles. 2013 Hyundai Elanta, believed to be a frequent crankshaft position sensor issue. When driving the car, they vehicle will feel that it is losing power. When coming to a stop the engine will idle so low that it feels like it will stall or it does stall. The tachometer registered zero RPM's, even when accellearting. Attempting to accelerate up any incline and the car can not provide enough power. Sometimes the car will crank up, other times it will require time to restart. The car has stalled and low power idling multiple times, but it did happen in the middle of a 4 way intersection twice, and when the issue is present. Although we've been fortunate, no accidents have occurred, it is very unsafe for the owner and other drivers. This occurrence has happened several times over the past year. Two times it was immediately brought into the dealer service, the second time it did stall with the service member there. Both times they were unable to diagnose the problem and stated no error codes were reported. You have already issued a Recall for this same issue with a different model. Oct. 13, 2017 –…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11673718
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact pressed START/STOP button several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black, and the radio and clock were inoperable. The contact stated that on other occasions, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2025Electrical systemODI 11665743
“I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short circuiting the ECU and starter as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2024Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineFire reportedODI 11619075
“On Saturday September 14, 2024 After working a full shift i started my 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA and the ecs light came on. which locks your power of steering. After several restarts to disengage the light. I called the tow truck pay the $80 for it to be brought to the dealership and was told that they can work on it on Tuesday. On Monday I received a phone call on stating I will be paying $3000 out-of-pocket.Even tho I have extended warranty nothing would be covered.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11615164
“I was driving under 10 miles an hr because the roads were still wet from the night before as i am on the ramp to get on the highway barely turning the wheel it locks all the lights come on the dashboard such as abs and i crash into a railing because i couldn't move anything. Again only last week after this has been supposedly resolved driving barely going 2 miles my bf was actually driving and again roads were wet same thing all the abs sensor lights come on the dash the wheel locks and the car doesn't move, it's scary and ridiculous the amount of others I have found experiencing the same issue and from that accident I can barely drive now my anxiety and ptsd from the event has even affected my work so now I am losing money I didn't think I would ever fear being in a car and I hope you guys fix this so no one experiences what I am currently experiencing.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11614022
“There is a on going issue with clock spring failing on 2011-2014 Hyundai models. My model is not covered under their extended warranty cause I have a hatchback version of the Elantra, which uses the same parts. I have already replaced my clock spring at 2019 and again the issue has come in 2024. My air bag light is on, my car horn doesn't work and buttons on the steering wheel. Feel like this is a huge safety issue as I cannot communicate with other drives with my horn and I do not have a safety net of air bags deploying when a accident happens.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2024Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11604708

Showing 6 of 150 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.