The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Elantra · 2013

2013 Hyundai Elantra. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index141100 = average car
Complaints424NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold247,912U.S. model year
Per 100K sold171complaints
Year rank#21 of 21#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.8L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD28 / 38 / 32Regular$1,950
1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD28 / 38 / 32Regular$1,950

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,500 and 82,800 miles. Median 45,500, from 816 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Steering41,00011,000–78,100173
Engine65,50039,500–101,000154
Airbags70,00038,800–97,300107
Brakes36,7009,600–81,40088
Electrical55,50018,000–86,50094

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Steering18%
Suspension18%
Wheels15%
Brakes13%
Tires12%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1,345953150054

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 23V651000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. Hyundai 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.

    Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

  • 17V769000 Nov 2017 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Pedals And Linkages

    Defect. Hyundai 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.

    Risk. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condit

    Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.

  • 16V574000 Aug 2016 Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch

    Defect. Hyundai 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.

    Risk. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condit

    Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.

  • 13V115000 Apr 2013 Air Bags / Side/Window

    Defect. Hyundai 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.

    Risk. If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

    Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities20212023
ClosedEngine fires20212024
ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment20122013

Manufacturer communications 157

Hyundai filed 157 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Elantra 2 DR FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Elantra GT 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20105884132,246Steering
20114086186,361Steering
201281179202,034Electrical
2013141424247,912Steering
20143692222,023Steering
20152967241,706Engine
20163884208,319Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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