Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Hyundai Elantra problems

Owners filed 1,330 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between May 2012 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is steering (271).

Complaints
1,330
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
95
Reported by owners
Fires
31
Reported by owners
Injuries
68
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering271
  2. Engine235
  3. Air bags169
  4. Service brakes165
  5. Electrical system155
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic116
  7. Suspension99
  8. Wheels81
  9. Exterior lighting73
  10. Power train57
  11. Tires57
  12. Structure51
  13. Vehicle speed control50
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)46

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201218
201371
2014146
2015112
201677
201788
2018122
2019152
202093
202171
202253
2023110
2024158
202535
202624

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

271 reports8 crashes2 fires
“My fiance and I, bought the vehicle in May 2022? from Carvana. His name is [XXX] . Mine is [XXX] (maiden - [XXX] ) Price. [XXX] passed away August 6, 2025. I wanted to mention this part before I explain the problem. His son is supposed to sign the car over to me as soon as court proceedings are finished. I love the car. But the car came from Carvana with 17K miles. It currently has 42,000K miles on it. I only drive it around town. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city is notorious for pot holes. However, I do not think this is a pot hole issue. Around December 2025, the car steering wheel started shaking vigorously. When we purchased the vehicle, the right CV axle was needing to be replaced. Now, I am not sure what the problem is, but I hate to have to trade the car in. This was my VERY first Hyundai experience, and I want to keep the car for forever, because of my fiance. But I may have to trade her in. I have come to a few conclusions on my own. 1) tires - so I had them replaced. 2) warped brake rotors 3) worn suspension components 4) worn electric steering column coupler. I wanted to give you the VIN because since it is an older vehicle (but like new to me),…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Steering, Suspension, Electrical systemODI 11740407

Engine

235 reports7 crashes15 fires
“I was wondering if you can help me. I have a Hyundai Elantra that had a recall for my engine to get fixed by the dealership. I’ve never got it fixed because I was unaware of a Hyundai letter that i just found on the internet that was issued by them but I never received it. I went to a mechanic the other day and he informed me that they had a recall for my engine. The problem is now that Hyundai gave a date that expired on the recall. I was wondering if you can send them a demand letter or something because I was never contacted about this. I also had a brain tumor operation and Hyundai should grant me with a medical exemption. Here’s the Hyundai notice that they never gave me,”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026EngineODI 11743363

Air bags

169 reports42 crashes1 related recall
“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 year. Unacceptable and needs to be replaced by free and expanded within coverage by Hyundai corporation.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Air bagsODI 11763304

Service brakes

165 reports27 crashes3 fires
“ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes aren’t properly working. Matt bowers Hyundai in Slidell has confirmed it is the ABS MODULE AND BRAKES FLUSH NEEDED. They are refusing to fix it for free stating I took too long to bring it in. Abs light, traction light and emergency brake light was on before failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Service brakesODI 11749410

Electrical system

155 reports7 crashes13 fires
“[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11715202

Service brakes, hydraulic

116 reports1 crash5 fires2 related recalls
“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 vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS Module and wiring harness needed to be replaced, and brake fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11766713
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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