The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 320 of 1,337 complaints (24%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (45) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 676 in 2012 to 1,337 in 2013.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,337
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $1,950–$2,100
- Combined MPG
- 30–32
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–2,100 | 2,000–2,300 | 2,000–2,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–32 | 26–32 | 30–32 | 27–31 | 27–31 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23–28 / 30–38 | 23–28 / 30–38 | 26–28 / 37–38 | 24–27 / 32–37 | 23–27 / 32–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 278–342 | 278–342 | 284–301 | 285–328 | 285–328 | |
| Complaints filed | 462 | 676 | 1,337 | 394 | 263 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 21 | 49 | 95 | 35 | 27 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 9 | 13 | 31 | 16 | 8 | |
| Injuries reported | 13 | 47 | 68 | 31 | 25 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Brakes: 320 of 1,337 NHTSA complaints (24%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA rates it 30–32 MPG combined across 7 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 284 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 284 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 285 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 294 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 285 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | $2,100 (high) | 297 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 26 mpg (low) | 37 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | $2,100 (high) | 301 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 238 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 57 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 32 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 155 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 320 | 31 | 8 | 13 | 0 |
| Steering | 272 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 197 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 182 | 43 | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 61 | 19 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 56 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 116 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Other | 130 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
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.
- Consequence
- 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.
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.
- Consequence
- 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 condition increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
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.
- Consequence
- 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 condition increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; STRUCTURE
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.