Model year guide

2013 Hyundai Elantra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Hyundai Elantra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3,419 on record.

2013 Hyundai Elantra at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints1,323
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined32 mpg
Typical price$11,284

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Hyundai Elantra recalls 4

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #17V769000 · 30/11/2017

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 mana…

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #16V574000 · 02/08/2016

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.

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #13V115000 · 01/04/2013

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 · 22/09/2023

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 c…

Fix: 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. Hyu…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Hyundai Elantra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2013 Hyundai Elantra safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2013 Hyundai Elantra MPG & running costs

Combined32 mpg
City28 mpg
Highway38 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,900

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Hyundai Elantra worth?

Low
$9,400
Typical price
$11,284
High
$13,200

From 3,407 comparable 2013 Hyundai Elantra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Hyundai Elantra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,950
Total$16,450
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,284) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,355), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Hyundai Elantra trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · Limited · GLS/GLS Preferred/ Limited/Limited Tech GS/SE/SE Tech · Base/Style/Tech/Touch & Go
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 1.8L

2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Elantra model years

2013 Hyundai Elantra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on 1,323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 Hyundai Elantra an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Elantra at about 32 mpg combined (28 city / 38 highway).

How much is a 2013 Hyundai Elantra worth?

Comparable 2013 Hyundai Elantra listings run roughly $9,400–$13,200, typically around $11,284 (from 3,407 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.