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2013 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Elantra years.
One of the Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. All Elantra years
2,622 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Elantra?The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 2622 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and steering.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Elantra years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Elantra?
Across the 31 Elantra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 60 (1998) to 2,622 (2013). With 2,622 complaints, the 2013 Elantra sits above the model's median of 267.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 Elantra
service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Campaign 17V769000Hyundai 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.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 16V574000Hyundai 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.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 13V115000Hyundai 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 23V651000Hyundai 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra. See the full Elantra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Elantra listings typically run $9,966–$20,299.
Other Elantra model years
Compare every Elantra year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elantra against its rivals
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