With 3 recalls and 1,317 complaints, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

1,317

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

17V7690002017-30-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

16V5740002016-02-08

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

View at NHTSA

13V1150002013-01-04

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra's biggest weak point? STEERING. It leads 1,317 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Steering181

02Engine125

03Air Bags104

04Service Brakes, Hydraulic104

05Service Brakes69

1,317 total across 1 model years (2013–2013)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy

30–32mpg combined

26-28city

37-38hwy

$1,350-$1,450/yr

Fuel economy for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra ranges from 30 to 32 MPG combined across 7 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Elantra - Automatic 6-spd

32mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city38 hwy~$1,350/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra - Manual 6-spd

32mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city38 hwy~$1,350/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra Blue - Automatic 6-spd

32mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city38 hwy~$1,350/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra Coupe - Manual 6-spd

32mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city38 hwy~$1,350/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra Coupe - Automatic 6-spd

31mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

27 city37 hwy~$1,400/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra GT - Automatic 6-spd

30mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

27 city37 hwy~$1,450/yr8/10 Clean

Elantra GT - Manual 6-spd

30mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city37 hwy~$1,450/yr8/10 Clean

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2013 Hyundai Elantra

34States

30%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Texas (13%), but the remaining listings are spread across 33 other states nationwide.

TXTexas

2,95513%

FLFlorida

2,0029%

CACalifornia

1,9628%

PAPennsylvania

1,4386%

GAGeorgia

1,4006%

DEDelaware

9734%

AZArizona

9014%

NYNew York

8614%

NJNew Jersey

7213%

NCNorth Carolina

7183%

OHOhio

7153%

MOMissouri

6873%

ILIllinois

6713%

DCWashington DC

6483%

MDMaryland

6163%

TNTennessee

4992%

INIndiana

4382%

WAWashington

4352%

RIRhode Island

4262%

OK350

CT306

NH289

AL269

OR260

UT231

MN228

WI228

CO204

VA200

MA184

NV182

MI160

LA147

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2013.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. There are 3 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

NHTSA shows 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

You'll get between 30 and 32 MPG combined from the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

STEERING problems top the list with 1,317 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.