Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 1,335 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering.

4recalls
1,335complaints
95crashes reported
31fires reported
68injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Steering268 · 20%
  • Engine236 · 18%
  • Service Brakes165 · 12%
  • Air Bags141 · 11%
  • Electrical System136 · 10%
  • Unknown Or Other128 · 10%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)116 · 9%
  • Suspension96 · 7%
  • Wheels81 · 6%
  • Exterior Lighting70 · 5%

What owners report

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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

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 year. unacceptable and needs to be replaced by free and expanded within coverage by hyundai corporat

Service Brakes, Hydraulic Fire

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 the vehicle was on fire. the fire department extinguished the fire and informed the contact that the fi

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.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering ELANTRA, ELANTRA GT. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.