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)

150 of 1,293 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 2 of 6

Nov 25, 2023Electrical systemEngine

My car keeps breaking down whenever I slow down or press on the brakes. I have a malfunction indicator lamp and I was notified via letter to call Hyundai asap to get a service so that my car doesn’t light on fire. I went to a mechanic who told me the engine is bad and it’s also a real from Hyundai. I called numerous times, and every time I am told there’s nothing they can do about it at this time. They keep telling me to wait and they don’t give me any options. This is a frustrating situation. I drive two small children in my car and I don’t want anything to happen to them because the Hyundai dealership refused to fix their mistake.

NHTSA ODI 11556762

Nov 11, 2023Electrical systemAirbagsBrakes

I got a recall letter in the mail and Burns Hyundai does not want to give me a service or loaner vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11554659

Oct 2, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

Driving the vehicle on 9/23/23 traveling at ~ 35 mph. Suddenly, the breaks were applied (not by input from me) and the car came to a screeching halt. The car had to be towed via flatbed rate ($100 charge) because all four wheel brakes were locked and could not be disengaged by me nor the tow truck driver. The car was towed to Napleton's Auto Park in Urbana IL. The ABS/HECU module has been confirmed to be at fault by the dealership mechanics. Presently, I am waiting to hear back from the dealership IF/WHEN the vehicle will be repaired under warranty. Thankfully the incident did not occur at highway nor interstate speed nor did I have my wife or kids in the vehicle. 2013 Elantra Purchased New.

NHTSA ODI 11547729

Sep 28, 2023SteeringElectrical system

TPMS light is flashing due to failure in electrical panel, despite tire pressure being normal. Additionally, the steering wheel makes a clicking noise that increases when accelerating above 10 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11547086

Jul 23, 2023Electrical systemAirbagsDriver assistance

The airbag light is on and no fuses are out and cruise control and other buttons on steering wheel is not working. If airbags are faulty or do not deploy it is a huge safety concern. Someone could be killed or extremely hurt. It has not been confirmed by a dealer but willing to take it in to be checked. It has not been checked yet by a professional. My warning lamps have been on for about two weeks now.

NHTSA ODI 11533964

Jul 3, 2023Electrical system

I took my car in to the dealership to have the anti-theft software update, I was told that the update would prevent my car from getting stolen using the USB method. Two weeks later, my car was stolen the police found it, and they had used the USB method to steal it so the software update did not work and the dealership isn’t taking accountability. This is an issue that needs to be looked into as they’re saying the software update will help, but it is not helping with all the car theft.

NHTSA ODI 11530213

Jun 7, 2023Electrical system

THIS IS THE 2ND TIME this happened. On june 6 while driving i put on A C and it did not go on, along with the lights, windshield wipers. I stopped for a doctors appointment and returned in about an hour , the car started , sounded sluggish and the same problem, no AC . lights, windshield wipers. then about 15 minutes later i pulled my car aside, shut it down , started it and all was working properly. It has happened more than once last time was about 2 months ago and i do not know it until i try to use the electrical items. car started up right away. if it was raining, and i stopped for an errand and tried to use the windshield wipers i would be in trouble as i would not be able to drive home.

NHTSA ODI 11525775

May 2, 2023Electrical systemEngine

I dropped my 2013 Hyundai Elantra Limited off on 4/3/23 for an oil change and to diagnosis and repair my engine stalling and engine boggling and repair headlight restoration. When I picked up my car I was told that they found metal shaving in my oil and on the oil dip stick and that I would need a new engine. Might I add, I don't have any lights blinking or remaining on such as my oil, engine, etc. I have kept up with all my maintenance over the years and have had my car service when it was due. While driving my car, it'll lose power and jerk forward. Other times, the car will start up with no RPMs registering while the car is moving up to 60 miles. The car has also displaced the sluggish barely moving forward action when the car's RPMs are not registering. The car back fires and putts along and during a traffic lights or stop sign the car will shut off. It even started shutting off while back-up into my parking space. There is clearly something wrong with these engines and should be covered under the manufacturer warranty. I am still in disbelief about my vehicle and have been getting the run around from a couple different Hyundai dealerships saying my particular engine was discontinued and I should check with the service department to see if my car qualifies for the manufacturer warranty repair but no one will answer the phone so I decided to call another dealership well outside my area for service. This car is by far DANGEROUS to drive and without having any codes generated or light indicators advising me of an engine issue is extremely upsetting. I use my vehicle to take my mother to her many doctor appointments, my grandson to various places and I use the car to get to and from work each day. Well before all of these issues, my break lights and some other lights in the rear continued to blow and had to be replaced and no one said anything about there being an issue and I did not have the appropriate direction to submit an issue.

NHTSA ODI 11519966

Apr 8, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Check engine light on. Vehicle jerks while I am driving.

NHTSA ODI 11516140

Mar 27, 2023SteeringElectrical systemEngine

I have replaced the lights and battery many times and something keeps draining it. The outside brake lights sometimes stay on. So does the front running lights. The car sometimes wants to stall and when I press on the gas pedal it finally catches but still seems like it is going to shut down. The steering column has a really bad clicking in it and doesn’t seem to be tight anymore.

NHTSA ODI 11513945

Nov 12, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel system

My car tends to shut off on its own while driving. I’ve fixed the fuel pump thinking that can be the issue due to the car passing “green” on the machine stating everything is good. No lights on my dashboard, engine tends to shake. RPM arrow is all over the place. The car is well taken care of. I’m spending a lot of money on mechanics fixing things that clearly aren’t the issue with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11493289

Oct 7, 2022SteeringElectrical system

My 2013 was stolen because of defective car . The manufacturer choose to sip safety for dollars they could have place a immobilizer in all Hyundai form 2011 until current but did not in the United States, but in Canada it is a must have item.

NHTSA ODI 11488343

Sep 14, 2022Electrical systemLights

I have had multiple headlights, turn lights and brake lights burn out - started less than a year of car ownership; with at least one outage every 2-3 months - both driver and passenger, and rear lights. Not just bulb replacements, I’ve had Expensive replacements for harnesses on both sides too, but issue keeps returning. Currently driver brake light went out, can’t see a Hyundai mechanic for another month due to they and surrounding Hyundai dealers are fully booked. The car is faulty. I am the original owner.

NHTSA ODI 11484516

Aug 28, 2022Electrical systemAirbags

The airbags on the side of the driver's seat is very dangerous and can implode just by slamming the car door. I've also had an on-going issue with the break line ( lights ) the passenger side break light will not turn off, this issue is also very dangerous for myself and other drivers who do not know when I'm using the breaks due to this issue. I've brought the vehicle to Hyundai North Houston to have the break light inspected, ( that was about a week ago ) however I was told that they could not give me a loaner vehicle and the next appointment to inspect this vehicle would be as early as Aug 31,2022 and as late as September 2022. I've had technicians jump the battery several times due to this light not turning off. Many of the techs says it's the breakline and possibly a fuse that need to be changed. I also brought the vehicle to the purchase location ( Carmax/North Houston ) for inspection and service, but they did not address this as a problem during that time. The vehicle also seems to overheat more than what is normal and profusely leak water.There is also a problem with the tire sensors. The vehicle was given to me at purchase with the tire sensor lights on. I've had the sensors checked out and was informed there is no issue, now the sensor light does not illuminate even if the tire pressure is low. This vehicle has many dangerous driving components and should be investigated immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11481605

Jun 7, 2022Electrical systemBody & structure

In July 2015 with 25k miles, the interior of the vehicle was leaking water from the sun visor as well as under the glove box. When I made a left turn I could hear water swishing from one side to the other, then saw water coming out from under the glove box area. Water also dripped from the drivers sun visor. I took it to the dealer in Troy MI and they blamed me for having dirty drain holes in the sun roof as well as having a wind deflector on the sun roof which caused dirt to build up and clog the drain holes. The sun roof and wind deflector were factory installed as I bought the vehicle brand new in 2013. The dealer did not remove the headliner to see if any mold was visible. They used an air compressor to clean out the clogged drain holes and charged me for the service even though the vehicle was still under warranty (dealer said it was not covered under warranty). I am not aware of the issue happening again, or if it did happen it wasn't enough water for me to notice. I however have and do smell mold in my vehicle daily. Today, June 7, 2022, with 116k miles, after leaving my car parked outside overnight with heavy rain I again experienced water build up inside the car. I saw water coming out from under the glove box and heard it swishing around. I called the dealer in Troy MI and was told they cannot service my vehicle, it is a 4 month wait for diagnosis. I called a second dealer in Macomb MI and was told the vehicle could not be looked at until August and all expenses would be my responsibility. The service tech stated the car would need to be torn apart (dash, door, headliner, etc) to find where the water was coming from. A dealer in Southfield MI would be able to service the vehicle two days from now, I'm suppose to drive two days with water swishing around? What electrical safety issues are at hand here? It seems as though HYUNDAI has a defect in the design or part(s) which is causing this issue. I am also concerned with mold growth from back in 2015.

NHTSA ODI 11468006

Mar 29, 2022Electrical system

Immobilizer malfunctioning while driving which causes vehicle to lose power unexpectedly while no key is detected.

NHTSA ODI 11458905

Mar 7, 2022Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle within 10 minutes. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact stated she called AAA company, who came to her residence and replaced the battery. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure and had the battery replaced for a second time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed her they would not service her vehicle anymore; and she would need to seek service at another dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11455575

Feb 12, 2022Electrical systemAirbags

TWO issues, that are, at times related: * First, intermittent airbag dash warning light enabled; comes and goes, no obvious trigger (bumps, turns, etc.). This has been occurring for two weeks. // * Second, if I stop and turn off the car while the airbag light is lit, the vehicle will remain in accessory mode, with radio and climate control still on, and the dash display says to shift the car to park (it is in park) and that the key is not in the vehicle, and when I attempt to lock the car with either key fob or door lock control, it will not lock. This has been occurring for nearly a week, first on 2/1/22 as I was attending my father's funeral. I have seen that there was a recall for the airbag issue for same year/make/model, but my car does not appear to be one of those included in the recall (searched by VIN). However, the second issue is the most critical, as I am prevented from securing the vehicle if this intermittent issue occurs. I have not taken vehicle to mechanic or dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11451691

Oct 21, 2021Electrical system

Fuse system car completely shut off fuse blowing causes different things to stop working I almost got in a accident cause the fuse that ran the car blowed car stop in middle of the highway I have a Friend with same type car fuse blows out even when it's not broken

NHTSA ODI 11437617

Sep 13, 2021SteeringElectrical system

1. There is an electrical issue with the power steering. 2. This poses a HUGE safety risk, as the power steering could completely give out and we could lose control of the vehicle. 3. A local mechanic we use confirmed this. 4. No warning lights came on. We had started to hear a "clunking" or "knocking" sound when turning the wheel so took it in to get inspected.

NHTSA ODI 11432825

Jun 29, 2021Electrical systemSeatsFuel systemFire

After the completion of my work shift, I return to my vehicle and discovered a fire has taken place. Lucky, the fire didn't get out of control and wasn't active at the time. The passenger seat was completely burnt including the seat covers and the items in the seat. The items in the seat included: Steak & shake leftover trash, and a perfume bottle. This fire also damaged a door dash bag that I had in the back passenger seat. Not to mention, the impact of the fire that created black duct all over the vehicle windshields, radio, seats, dashboard etc... No police report, nor fire report has been reported at this given time.

NHTSA ODI 11422716

Jun 27, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

The car experienced (1) poor acceleration, (2) check engine light come on, (3) engine stalling, (4) Tachometer drops to zero. It was first found the MAP sensor was faulty. After the sensor was replaced, the car ran but stalled again intermittently. It was found the problem was caused by crank shaft position sensor (fault code P0335). After the senor was replaced about three weeks ago, the car has been running fine.

NHTSA ODI 11422487

Jun 9, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The contact switched to ECON mode and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and the contact was awaiting a callback from the dealer. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11420320

May 12, 2021Electrical systemAirbagsSpeed control

CERTAIN STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS -- INCLUDING THE VOLUME CONTROLS AND BLUETOOTH PHONE CONTROLS -- STOPPED WORKING. A FEW MONTHS LATER, MORE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS -- SUCH AS OTHER AUDIO AND MEDIA CONTROLS -- STOPPED WORKING. A YEAR LATER, THE ABILITY TO CHANGE THE STEERING TENSION, FROM COMFORT TO NORMAL TO SPORT, STOPPED WORKING. WITHIN THE PAST YEAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE STOPPED WORKING, AND THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY. ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2011-2014 ELANTRA VEHICLES, AND MY VEHICLE MEETS THAT YEAR RANGE AND MODEL, THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER REPLACING THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH THEIR CRITERIA. AS SUCH, THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED $480 TO FIX MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. IF MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE SAME AIRBAG SAFETY ISSUES THAT COVERED VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED AND WHICH PROMPTED THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE ALSO SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED CLOCK SPRING WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI 11416304

Apr 24, 2021Electrical systemLights

SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN 2013, WE HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PARKING LIGHTS, AND SOMETIMES HEADLIGHTS, COMING BACK ON AFTER BEING OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR WE WAKE UP TO HAVING A DEAD BATTERY. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER AND OVER. IN 2013 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED FOR SAME PROBLEM AND/OR DEAD BATTERY. NEVER HAPPENED AT DEALERSHIP. OUR SECURITY CAMERA HAS CAUGHT IT POPPING ON, OR LIKE YESTERDAY, OUT NEIGHBOR CALLED US (AGAIN) TO TELL US LIGHTS WERE ON. THIS IS WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ALL THE WAY OFF. WE HAVE TRIED TO FIGURE IT OUT BUT CAN NOT. I DID REPORT AGAIN TO HYUNDAI THIS PAST FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL 2021. AGAIN, THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF EVERY SINGLE TIME WITH LIGHTS CONFIRMED OFF TO ONLY COME ON LATER WITH CAR OFF AND STILL LOCKED. IT HAS TO HAVE KEY IN IT TO START.

NHTSA ODI 11413675

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 1,293 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

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 →