My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1.8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.
NHTSA ODI 11697517
Home · 2013 Hyundai Elantra Gt · Complaints
These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.
Newest first · 1,293 complaints · page 1 of 52
My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1.8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.
NHTSA ODI 11697517
This seems to be a very common and serious issue with Hyundai vehicles. 2013 Hyundai Elanta, believed to be a frequent crankshaft position sensor issue. When driving the car, they vehicle will feel that it is losing power. When coming to a stop the engine will idle so low that it feels like it will stall or it does stall. The tachometer registered zero RPM's, even when accellearting. Attempting to accelerate up any incline and the car can not provide enough power. Sometimes the car will crank up, other times it will require time to restart. The car has stalled and low power idling multiple times, but it did happen in the middle of a 4 way intersection twice, and when the issue is present. Although we've been fortunate, no accidents have occurred, it is very unsafe for the owner and other drivers. This occurrence has happened several times over the past year. Two times it was immediately brought into the dealer service, the second time it did stall with the service member there. Both times they were unable to diagnose the problem and stated no error codes were reported. You have already issued a Recall for this same issue with a different model. Oct. 13, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective crankshaft assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Transportation Safety Administration. There are so many others that have reported this same issue and have been corrected with the replacement of the crankshaft position sensor. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11673718
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was very loose. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact was forced to grip the steering wheel with force with the front of the vehicle abnormally shaking. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the shaking of the front of the vehicle increased. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,501.
NHTSA ODI 11670358
Hi I recently brought my car in for recall repairs involving the ABS fuse and brake pedal stopper. Right after the service, my traction control light came on, and the car struggled to move forward. I took it to a mechanic who said the front brakes were locked. When I brought it back to your service center, I was told the hydraulic calipers were bad and that the brake pads and rotors were rubbing against each other. I was also told it’s just an "unfortunate coincidence." However, since I had no brake issues before the recall work, I’m very concerned that something may have gone wrong during the service.
NHTSA ODI 11668720
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact pressed START/STOP button several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black, and the radio and clock were inoperable. The contact stated that on other occasions, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA ODI 11665743
It seems like this vehicle was sold new in 2013 with 16" wheels, but the tire placard indicates 17" wheels. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure the wheels haven't been changed since the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot.
NHTSA ODI 11665194
Brake failure. Corroded brake lines. There is a recall in Canada for this model year for the same exact issue [XXX] ). Why did NHTSA not force a recall for the same issue at least in cold-weather states? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11663905
I took my car to Millennium Hyundai in Garden City, New York on June 22, 2024 to fix NHTSA recall # 23V651000 (manufacturer recall # 251). The dealer claimed the repair was completed and I have documentation to this effect (see service summary, attached). However, neither Hyundai nor the dealer ever updated the NHTSA database to show that this recall repair was completed, so my car still shows that it has an open recall. I do not want this to be an issue when I sell the car. The dealer refuses to take responsibility for updating the database. Either the dealer did not complete the repair as required, or the dealer is refusing to update the database as required. Either way, the dealer is clearly not in compliance with NHTSA regulations and requirements. Please take whatever actions are necessary against Millennium Hyundai. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI 11663147
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI 11656765
I have had a Fire Risk Warning Safety Recall on my car for 1.5 years and there is no remedy for it. This puts my safety at risk daily, as well as everyone around me.
NHTSA ODI 11656887
Clock spring failures are a well known issue with Hyundai/Kia models from the early 2010s. Hyundai has offered an extended warranty on most models, but has excluded the GT models, even though they use the same parts. My clock spring has failed, disabling the horn and driver air bag functionality.
NHTSA ODI 11651234
I own a 2013 Elantra Hyundai. I have owned the car since 2019. A few days ago, I was unable to open my trunk with the electronic key. I had my battery replaced at a dealership. My trunk still wont open. I checked Google website. Consumer Report reported a recall in March 2024 for latch to be replaced. Am asking that the recall be honored. Please advise. My email is: [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11651306
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI 11647853
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the tapping sound continued. The engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer determined that a software update was needed. The dealer informed the contact they were waiting on a technician. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI 11646771
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,606.
NHTSA ODI 11643438
2013 Elantra coupe se.The car wanders on the highway like a boat constantly left and right all over the lane and if/when you hit a dip or bump it REALLY throws the car around! There's Obviously issues with the suspension on a MULTITUDE of these model/year vehicles if not ALL of theml. It is VERY dangerous and needs to be addressed and recalled. I do not have an alignment issue as the tires brakes rotors and calipers are all new no dragging /pulling etc and the tires are properly pressured as well. Extremely well maintained car by the owner EXTREMELY poorly Engineered by the Maker! The steering coupler has been replaced also taking the play out of the wheel as those things are a small rubber "cog wheel" that wears completely to nothing causing severe play and a clunking noise in the wheel between the turning of left or right as that component acts as a spacer/gear/vibration absorber between the steering shaft and the steering assist helper motor gears these cars ALSO were sold knowing they were piston slap engines yet Still never issued a recall until YEARS and multi millions of complaints later only to only cover certain years and models yet they All had the same engine. Imagine the IDIOCY! I will NEVER purchase a Hyundai or a Kia EVER again rest assured! I do my research and homework on every potential item I'm looking into possibly getting yet Nowhere at the time was there any info regarding they were piston slap engines turning these out by the multi millions and trying to hide the fact until they no longer could. Disgustingly Sad that they do not stand behind there product!
NHTSA ODI 11636901
Air bag light is on constantly, goes off if my steering wheel is turned a certain way. But will come back on immediately after if turned and will not go off of dashboard
NHTSA ODI 11633926
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI 11633166
My engine is ticking. The auto shop told me that my motor is shot and the same thing happened to my sons car. We both have the same car same year. There has been a law suit for this issue.
NHTSA ODI 11629824
Airbag light and steering wheel control malfunction due to clock spring. Known issue can cause airbag not to deploy. Dealer refused to fix issue.
NHTSA ODI 11626200
The air bag warning light is mostly ON, but turns off intermittently. I was told this is a safety issue and will cost hundreds of dollars to fix. I am very anxious about this. I did not find any recall notices but did see many complaints about this issue for 2013 Hyundai Elantras.
NHTSA ODI 11622843
My steering wheel is making.a clunking noise and I called Hyundai and informed them and they told me the extended warranty has expired since last year. Lots of Hyundai 2013 consumers complained about this issue and it’s an expensive fix. Please advice [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11621603
I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short circuiting the ECU and starter as well.
NHTSA ODI 11619075
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became loose while depressing and the steering wheel was abnormally stiff. An unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the driver saw an abnormal amount of smoke coming from under the hood and had inhaled smoke while attempting to exit the vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire moments later when the driver safely exited the vehicle. The local fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No police report was filed. The driver sustained minor injuries but no medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA ODI 11617715
On Saturday September 14, 2024 After working a full shift i started my 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA and the ecs light came on. which locks your power of steering. After several restarts to disengage the light. I called the tow truck pay the $80 for it to be brought to the dealership and was told that they can work on it on Tuesday. On Monday I received a phone call on stating I will be paying $3000 out-of-pocket.Even tho I have extended warranty nothing would be covered.
NHTSA ODI 11615164
Working with the data? Download all 1,293 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026