Fresh from a full redesign a few years prior, the 2013 Elantra was offered as a sedan, coupe, and five-door hatchback. Popular when new, the compact car has, unfortunately, since been tainted with a high number of owner complaints as well as a handful of recalls.
Key Points
- The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has three recalls and over 950 registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Common complaints center around power steering issues, and engine fails could lead to the need for a replacement.
- NHTSA complaints show some concerns over electrical problems, with Hyundai recalling the Elantra twice over a brake light problem.
- Compared to its rivals, the Elantra has an average number of recalls, but far more complaints from owners.
- Safety ratings for the 2013 Elantra are high, but two open investigations over engine fires and faulty throttle response are worth keeping an eye on.
2013 Hyundai Elantra was Recalled Three Times, Twice Over Brake Lights That Fail to Turn off, and Once Over Defective Airbags
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has three recalls, with one addressing a flaw with an earlier recall.
Hyundai recalled some 2013 Elantras over side curtain airbags that have an improperly installed support bracket that may move during deployment. If it strikes an occupant during a crash, it may cause lacerations.
Later, the Elantra was recalled again over a brake pedal pad that can deteriorate and cause the brake lights to remain on even when the pedal is not depressed.
The faulty lights prevent other drivers from knowing when the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Battery drain may also happen due to the brake lights failing to turn off.
Also, the malfunction can lead to the transmission inadvertently being shifted out of “Park” and opening up the potential for rollaway.
Hyundai Issued Over 150 Technical Service Bulletins Over Minor Issues Like Steering Failures and Engine Piston Slap
Over 150 technical service bulletins were issued to Hyundai dealers instructing how to fix the 2013 Elantra’s less common issues, including a faulty clock spring.
In early-2021, Hyundai began installing an updated clock spring with a 15-year warranty extension.
Hyundai also replaced the entire electric power steering assist system over owner complaints about a sticking feel.
Elantras fitted with the standard 1.8L inline-four engine and operating in cold-weather states were also issued a warranty extension to cover repairs related to piston slap noise.
2013 Hyundai Elantra Owners Lodge Complaints About Malfunctioning Airbag Lights and Power Steering Problems
Of the 950 NHTSA complaints, 150 of them are about the 2013 Elantra’s airbags. Owners mention a recurring issue with airbag warning lights randomly illuminating and staying lit for a while before turning off on their own.
The issue may be related to a faulty clock spring, which Hyundai may replace as part of the previously mentioned technical service bulletin.
Also, owners say power steering assist failure may result in limited or no assistance, making the car difficult to steer at lower speeds.
Car Complaints calls the 2013 Hyundai Elantra a “Clunker” thanks to its unusually high number of complaints from vehicle owners.
2013 Hyundai Elantra Has a Good Overall Safety Record, but Two Open Investigations are Worth Keeping an Eye On
In general, the 2013 Elantra is a safe car, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a perfect five stars from the NHTSA. However, the model has two open investigations to consider.
The first looks into Theta II motors and non-crash fires, including some due to engine failure. Despite being addressed in recalls, reports of engine fires are still rolling in.
The second open investigation for the 2013 Elantra is over a throttle control system that may unexpectedly surge, or stall.
The third investigation over a previously mentioned problem with an improperly installed airbag support bracket has closed.
2013 Hyundai Elantra’s Safety Awards Offset its Handful of Reported Problems that Have Mostly Been Fixed Via Recalls
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra’s few reported problems range from unreliable airbags to engine fires.
But for a car that’s been on the road a decade, it’s not bad when you consider it has only three recalls and three investigations.
And the 950 consumer complaints address issues that have been mostly resolved through recalls.
Plus the 2013 Elantra has won reputable safety awards. So, despite a few issues, it’s a certifiably safe, reliable, affordable car.
Photos: Hyundai
