2013 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Exhaust system
  1
• Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2013%
• 25k–50k
  3321%
• 50k–75k
  3724%
• 75k–100k
  2214%
• 100k–150k
  3724%
• 150k+
  64%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became loose while depressing and the steering wheel was abnormally stiff. An unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the driver saw an abnormal amount of smoke coming from under the hood and had inhaled smoke while attempting to exit the vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire moments later when the driver safely exited the vehicle. The local fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No police report was filed. The driver sustained minor injuries but no medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

On August 9, 2025, my 2013 Hyundai Elantra suffered catastrophic engine failure while driving. The engine seized, creating immediate danger on the road. This vehicle is under NHTSA Recall 23V651000 (Hyundai Recall 251), which warns of fire/engine compartment risks both while parked and driving. Hyundai denied my claim, citing a vendor report that found "no thermal damage" to the ABS wiring. However, the dealer's inspection confirmed internal engine failure with thermal damage, and I directly witnessed flames. The recall does not require ABS wiring itself to burn , it covers the broader safety hazard of fire and failure, which is exactly what occurred. In addition, Hyundai tried to shift blame onto owner maintenance. Their own recall language acknowledges failures occur due to the defect, not neglect. …

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the oil level was significantly low, although an oil change was performed two weeks prior to the failure. The mechanics determined that the timing components, timing cover gasket, water pump belts, valve cover, spark plugs, and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. …

The contact's wife owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking noise would emit from the engine without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the clicking noise was a knocking noise that could potentially lead to engine failure. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that metal shavings had entered the engine which caused the knocking noise. He was then informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure. An email was sent to the manufacturer to reconsider placing the vehicle under warranty however, the contact had not received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the vehicle emitted abnormal loud clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to her destination and parked the vehicle. However, while restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started after the second attempt. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a claim to the manufacturer for assistance with repairing the vehicle but the claim was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided the same diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the tapping sound continued. The engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer determined that a software update was needed. The dealer informed the contact they were waiting on a technician. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and made abnormal sounds. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was running rough and shaking. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound while turning left and right. There was an abnormal burning and melting odor detected. The contact stated that the headlight and taillights had become inoperable. The brake lights failed to turn off and burned the socket. The TPMS and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a body shop, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed an abnormal exhaust odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the Extended Warranty had expired. The manufacturer provided the contact with Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 985, A985, and P32. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the while driving at various speeds, while slowing down, the vehicle consistently lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter sensor needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 145,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the electronic traction stability warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle slowed to approximately 15 MPH and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA investigations

Engine complaints in other Elantra years