Is the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA reliable?

The 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA has 1858 complaints filed with NHTSA (4.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Top problems: BRAKES (281 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (271 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (236 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA?

The 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA gets 32 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1500. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA often stolen?

The Hyundai ELANTRA was the #1 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 21,732 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: very-high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA is approximately $1,833/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Hyundai ELANTRA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA has 1858 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 4.8x the segment average of 386. The most common issue is brakes problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai elantra. the contact stated that he heard a squeaking noise while driving the vehicle. the contact stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and was informed that there was rust on the rotors and the rattle clips needed to be replaced. the vehic. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 42 fire reports filed.

42 fire reports 107 crash reports 70 injuries

1858

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

4.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

281 complaints

15%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE ROTORS AND THE RATTLE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD HE MOVED HIS RIGHT FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO THE BRAKE AND HIS SHOE BECAME STUCK UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A SIGN. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT FENDER AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE D
• 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER DESIGN FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS VERY SHORT AND THE BOTTOM END OF THE WIPER BLADE LEFT A SEMI-CIRCULAR WATER STREAK RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PERSON SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ON EVE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 7 fire reports💥 28 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE ROTORS AND THE RATTLE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA

Based on 1,157 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 43K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

430

30-60K

267

60-100K

269

100-150K

156

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 171 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 54K mi · 109 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 94 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 19K mi · 79 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 60 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TIRES

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 46 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES30/11/2017

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Very high theft risk

#1 most stolen in 2025

The Hyundai ELANTRA was the #1 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 21,732 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,500

Per month

$125

Per mile

12.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,833

Full coverage / month

$153

Liability only / year

$601

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.28x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1833

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai ELANTRA Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2013 ELANTRA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1858 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE ROTORS AND THE RATTLE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGH WAY I 29 N AT ABOUT 68-72 MPH THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED ABRUPTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND WE WERE STUCK IN THE DIRECTION THE STEERING WAS PREVIOUSLY TURNED IT AND IT MADE IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO STEER IT ON TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND U
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGH WAY I 29 N AT ABOUT 68-72 MPH THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED ABRUPTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND WE WERE STUCK IN THE DIRECTION THE STEERING WAS PREVIOUSLY TURNED IT AND IT MADE IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO STEER IT ON TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND U
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC TRAVELING AROUND 60 MPH. IT FIRST BEGAN WHEN I FELT AN UNBALANCE OF THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE CAR SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT REGARDLESS OF MY EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. MY CAR FISHTAILED FOR A MOMENTS AND ALMOST CAUSED M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)