Steering and brake problems
The 2013 Elantra drew more than twice the model's average complaints. The steering can clunk or lose power assist when its coupler wears, the brake pedal stopper and ABS module have recalls, and some engines fail.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,337 owner complaints and 4 recalls
539 2.3x the Elantra average
4 free to fix at a dealer
Every Elantra year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Elantra
Top problems and what they cost
Steering clunk or loss of assist
The flexible steering coupler wears, causing a clunk and sometimes loss of power steering.
Fix: Coupler replacement $250 to $500.
Steering
Brake recalls
Recalls cover the brake pedal stopper (17V769) and an ABS module that can short (23V651).
Fix: Free under recall.
Brakes
Engine failure and starting problems
Engines that knock or fail, and trouble starting.
Fix: Engine $3,500 to $6,000; starter $400 to $700.
Engine
Recalls
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 a...
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 a...
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- Confirm the brake (17V769, 23V651), air bag (13V115) and light switch (16V574) recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Elantra has 4 recalls on record, listed below.
- Turn the wheel back and forth while parked and listen for a clunk.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.272 of the 1,337 owner complaints about the 2013 Elantra involve the steering (20%).
- Check that brake lights work and turn off when the pedal is released.The brake booster makes the pedal easy to press. A pedal that goes hard, sinks or a hissing sound means the assist is failing, so stopping takes much more effort.285 of the 1,337 owner complaints about the 2013 Elantra involve the brakes (21%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Steering and brake problems. The 2013 Elantra drew more than twice the model's average complaints. The steering can clunk or lose power assist when its coupler wears, the brake pedal stopper and ABS module have recalls, and some engines fail.
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Steering clunk or loss of assist; Brake recalls; Engine failure and starting problems.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.