The Lemon Index2013 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is worse than average by owner complaints: 424 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 141, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 30 to 32 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Worse than average. 1.4× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,345 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 82K miles on the car (816 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 11K–78K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 39K–101K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 38K–97K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2023
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.
- brakes 2017
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
- lights 2016
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2013
A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 157 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may…
- In the steering rack
- Electronic power steering (eps) warning indicator lamp will illuminate when sensing discrepancy
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment2012–2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Elantra GT 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While traveling on the interstate, if you hit a bump, the rear end sways. Sometimes it sways so much it feels as if I am not in control of the vehicle. It seems to happen at speeds over 45 mph. The car doesn't feel safe to drive.
2013 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 10576774
More owner reports
Continuous issue with control of car when windy or wet roads. Any time I'm on an uneven patch of road or a bump, it's like I lose control of my car. Car wanders out of control on wet road or when windy.
NHTSA complaint 10604460
My car drives funny over the road and on hill and steering really feels bad like something wrong with the car this is driving in my Town. I just brought the car fom the dealer what can I do?
NHTSA complaint 10925567
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 141; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (18%), suspension (18%) and wheels (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra get?
30 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,500 and 82,800 miles. The middle report was at 45,500 miles, from 816 complaints.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2014 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works