2013 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1,314 complaints with NHTSA, including 93 crashes, 31 fires, 66 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (271 reports).

NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.

4Recalls
1,314Owner complaints
93Crashes reported
5/5NHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Elantra?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls

ABS Module Can Leak Fluid and Short Out, Causing Fire Risk

Recall 23V651Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehicles affected

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module in these Hyundai vehicles may leak brake fluid internally.

Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Unlock Without Brake

Recall 17V769Nov 30, 2017390,467 vehicles affected

A worn brake pedal stopper pad can keep the brake light switch plunger extended after the pedal is released.

Brake lights may stay on; car can shift out of Park

Recall 16V574Aug 2, 201664,500 vehicles affected

A worn brake pedal stopper pad can let the brake light switch plunger stay extended after the pedal is released.

Air Bags:Side/Window; Structure

Recall 13V115Apr 1, 2013186,250 vehicles affected

Most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems

Problem areas named in the 1,314 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering271
Engine233
Air Bags168
Service Brakes164
Electrical System155
Unknown Or Other123
Service Brakes, Hydraulic116
Suspension99
Wheels76
Exterior Lighting74

What owners report

2026-09-24, 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 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.
2026-09-10, 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 corporation.
2026-08-31, Unknown Or Other
UNKNOWN There is no incident happened.
2026-08-20, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 fire appeared to be electrical; however, it was unknown whether a fire report was filed. The contact stated that the fire appeared to have originated underneath the hood, which left the front end of the vehicle completely burned. There was no other property damage, and no injuries
2026-07-24, 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.

2013 Hyundai Elantra safety rating

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWDNot ratedn/an/an/a
2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★ 5-star454 (10.9% rollover risk)

2013 Hyundai Elantra questions

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra: ABS Module Can Leak Fluid and Short Out, Causing Fire Risk; Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Unlock Without Brake; Brake lights may stay on; car can shift out of Park; Air Bags:Side/Window; Structure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on 1,314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (271), Engine (233), Air Bags (168).

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 Hyundai Elantra up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Other 2013 Hyundai models