Home · 2013 Hyundai Elantra Gt · Complaints

What 1,293 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Gt

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.

All (1,293)Crash / fire / injury (122)Brakes (271)Steering (266)Engine (223)Airbags (166)Electrical system (150)Suspension (98)Wheels (81)Lights (70)Tires (57)Transmission & drivetrain (54)

Newest first · 1,293 complaints · page 2 of 52

Sep 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakesCrash

I was driving under 10 miles an hr because the roads were still wet from the night before as i am on the ramp to get on the highway barely turning the wheel it locks all the lights come on the dashboard such as abs and i crash into a railing because i couldn't move anything. Again only last week after this has been supposedly resolved driving barely going 2 miles my bf was actually driving and again roads were wet same thing all the abs sensor lights come on the dash the wheel locks and the car doesn't move, it's scary and ridiculous the amount of others I have found experiencing the same issue and from that accident I can barely drive now my anxiety and ptsd from the event has even affected my work so now I am losing money I didn't think I would ever fear being in a car and I hope you guys fix this so no one experiences what I am currently experiencing.

NHTSA ODI 11614022

Sep 9, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The car failed to go into the park. The vehicle was in park and continued to roll, and we placed the emergency brake on. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership replaced it with a new shift cable clip, and now the car operates. We noticed the vehicle had a previous recall that was repaired in 2019. The shift clip repair is for the same clip that failed, resulting in being unable to shift in gear. When asked why we were charged for a recall repair that didn't last, we were told we could only fix a repair once and that we needed to pay. The concern is if this vehicle was Parked on an incline I could roll forward running into something and someone. From the record there was roughly 40k miles between recall repair and the failure of the clip that was supposed to fix this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11613546

Sep 9, 2024Airbags1 injury

My daughter had a tire blow out which caused the passenger side airbag to deploy. A piece of trim approximately 32 inches long flew off from the passenger's side hitting my daughter in the head and causing a concussion and requiring an emergency room visit.. Hyundai performed an investigation and stated the airbags deployed like they should have but refused to acknowledge the cause of my daughter's injury and would not discuss it further.

NHTSA ODI 11613635

Sep 3, 2024Brakes

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11612266

Aug 23, 2024Airbags

At approximately 67,000 miles the airbag light on the instrument cluster has become permanently illuminated. This appears to be a common issue, causing Hyundai to extend the warranty on the clock spring; however, the GT model is not covered by this technical service bulletin. This issue may impact the deployment of the airbags and so should be a safety recall rather than a TSB which doesn't even cover all affected models.

NHTSA ODI 11610573

Aug 15, 2024BrakesDriver assistance

In the winter of 2024 I became aware, during a routine pre-trip inspection under the hood of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, that the level of brake fluid was low enough not to be visible in the "overflow" container. About a quarter of a quart of brake fluid was then added. I then began checking the brake fluid level often and noticed that over time, I had to add brake fluid at least once a week. The problem increased to the point that I was going through a quart of brake fluid each month. In the meantime, I attempted to get various mechanics to find the leak but had a hard time convincing anyone I was leaking brake fluid as THERE WAS NEVER A WARNING LAMP OR MESSAGE ACTIVATED. After paying for other "suggested" repairs such as replacing brakes the leak continued and at times the brakes became squishy until finally a mechanic acknowledged a leak coming from the area of the ABS module actuator which he said was "fried". My car had to be in a Hyundai shop 90 miles away for three weeks awaiting the ABS actuator part and repairs as I was advised the vehicle was dangerous and I could lose the use of my brakes. Again, this issue would have never been highlighted if I had not been diligent about checking the brake fluid and could have ended with much more serious consequences than inconvenience and expense. Again, there was never a warning light indicator to emphasize a potential hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11608706

Aug 9, 2024Brakes

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 made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11607469

Aug 9, 2024Brakes

Hyundai recall 251 happened in Sept. 2023 and a remedy was not made available until summer 2024. This was a "park outside due to fire risk" recall and a completely unacceptable amount of time to put families in danger. Fast forward to when the remedy was available. I went to my dealer, ALM Hyundai West, who completed the recall. A week later I checked the Hyundai website and the recall was not marked complete. ALM told me I needed to come back in so they could confirm it was done correctly and take pictures. I wasn't happy but I went back and they took their pictures. That was a month ago. My recall is STILL not marked as complete and ALM is so disorganized, I am not sure if my car was actually fixed at this point.

NHTSA ODI 11607552

Aug 8, 2024Brakes

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11607229

Aug 6, 2024LightsBrakes

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the brake pedal stopper was fractured, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis and an unknown repair were completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,500.

NHTSA ODI 11606692

Aug 5, 2024SteeringSuspension

Steering has become loose and unsafe due to coupler malfunction. Unable to control wheels while driving and clicking noise while turning.

NHTSA ODI 11606522

Aug 1, 2024Brakes

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11605863

Jul 26, 2024Electrical systemAirbags

There is a on going issue with clock spring failing on 2011-2014 Hyundai models. My model is not covered under their extended warranty cause I have a hatchback version of the Elantra, which uses the same parts. I have already replaced my clock spring at 2019 and again the issue has come in 2024. My air bag light is on, my car horn doesn't work and buttons on the steering wheel. Feel like this is a huge safety issue as I cannot communicate with other drives with my horn and I do not have a safety net of air bags deploying when a accident happens.

NHTSA ODI 11604708

Jul 26, 2024Engine

I was driving down a busy highway when my car decided to die I pulled into the turning lane cause that was the closest thing to me I turned my car off and went to turn it back on in hopes that it would just fire back up and smoke went rolling from my engine. I ended up having to contact a tow truck along with an officer to block the road come to find out my engine was completely blown, I contacted the service department along with warranty services and everything and nobody is willing to assist with this issue. Apparently This is an ongoing issue with Hyundai cars.

NHTSA ODI 11604723

Jul 25, 2024Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

We received the recall notice, advising us to call Hyundai to make an appointment to correct the safety problem. We made an appointment to fix the problem at their Richmond, CA location. When we went there, they told us that they could not fix it because their system was down. We made another appointment in Vacaville, CA. When we arrived there on the day of the appointment, they told us that their system was down. We do not know what to do now.

NHTSA ODI 11604623

Jul 17, 2024Steering

The steering wheel clicks and feels loose when it moves. The repair is to replace the Steering Coupler a piece of plastic for $5 but it will cost $300 or more for my mechanic since it is a 2-3 hour job. This should be replaced by the Dealer for free since the part is made to wear out and be defective

NHTSA ODI 11602937

Jul 10, 2024Engine

The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT failed due to a known piston-slap issue, and it is available for inspection for a limited time before being sold to a junkyard. This failure occurred suddenly while I was on the highway, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk as I had to maneuver the car to the side of the road amidst heavy traffic. The problem has been confirmed by both the Hyundai dealership and an independent service center, who diagnosed the piston-slap issue and found the engine filled with sludge, a known issue with these engines. Despite having 28 documented service records and regular oil changes, Hyundai denied the warranty claim, citing engine neglect. Hyundai representatives have inspected the vehicle and provided a technical bulletin documenting this defect. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms indicating a problem with the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11600819

Jul 5, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair were initially not yet available. The contact then stated that the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received a second notice that stated that parts for the recall were available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer were the recall repair was performed; however, the ABS warning light remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the contact was informed that only the ABS fuse was replaced and that a diagnostic test needed to be performed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ODI 11599275

Jun 27, 2024Brakes

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11597258

Jun 24, 2024Brakes

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 contacted, and it was confirmed that the dealer was unable to address the recall due to a hacker issue with the computer system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnection.

NHTSA ODI 11596202

Jun 22, 2024Brakes

I (finally) received a letter with instructions for what to do to make an appointment to get my car fixed so it doesn't catch on fire per Recall 251, but I was unable to do so. I followed the instructions exactly. When I go to the website [XXX] and enter my VIN number, the recall appears. But then when I try to schedule an appointment, that recall does not appear as an option to create the appointment for. They did not test this system at all, and they did not list any other ways to make the appointment in the letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11595913

Jun 20, 2024Electrical systemEngine

While pulling out onto a major main road, my car just stopped. The RPM's remained on zero after I restarted the car. I had to get it towed. The engine light was on, and it had trouble restarting. The code read camshaft. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and no other codes registered. It shut off two times after the camshaft was replaced. I took it back to the mechanic and it shut off on him 5 times. This car is unsafe. I am afraid to drive it, especially with have a young child.

NHTSA ODI 11595618

Jun 13, 2024Electrical systemEngine

My car had trouble starting then shut off while driving. Engine light was on and the RMP's stayed at zero. Code was for camshaft. Camshaft was replaced and the car shut off three more times while driving. I only have 83,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ODI 11594306

Jun 12, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

As the original and sole owner of this 2013 Hyundai Elantra, I was notified of Campaign # 23V65100, by letter, from Hyundai. I set an appointment with Suburban Hyundai, Troy, MI after confirming with said dealership that needed part(s) were on hand. I arrived as scheduled on [XXX] 2024 for needed repair. Service department examined vehicle and determined that my vehicle did need ordered repair: but stated they do not have the part(s). I inquired as to: a. Why they do not have the part when they knew fully well that that was what was needed to enact the repair.;b.Why they did not tell customer, after taking one day off from work and driving 50 miles round trip...that they do not carry the parts they are mandated to replace. Suburban Hyundai stated that they would call me in 7-10 days when the part arrived, so I could get repair completed and, of course, take another day off from work, drive 50 miles, and fear my garage does not burn down as I have a contract with State Farm Insurance that I will park my vehicle in an enclosed garage each night for storage. Also, Hyundai and Kia have a distinct reputation for vehicle theft, and leaving my vehicle parked on-the-street is a sure way to have a vehicle stolen! I then called Elder Hyundai in Macomb, MI, they stated that Hyundai does not yet have a solution to fix the ABS Fire and Fuse issue and that a "parts kit", as I was told by Sean, Svc. Manager at Suburban Hyundai, does not yet exist. I feel defrauded by Hyundai Manufacturing and Suburban Hyundai in particular. Do I need to park my vehicle at the Grosse Pointe Woods, Fire Station? I called the Hyundai Corporate Number regarding recalls and could not, in any way, connect with a person or voicemail to leave a message a response: can this/will this repair be made and: why must I now face another day off from work and another 50 mile drive, to what effect? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11593885

Jun 12, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was loosened, and felt as if the steering wheel would detach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was a manufacturing defect and took the vehicle to a local dealer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593904

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Hyundai Elantra Gt verdict →