2013 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
189 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 35% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 120,000 mi.
- Brakes complaints
- 189
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 2
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 120,000 mi
Specific components reported
Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 111 |
| Service brakes | 74 |
| Service brakes, air:antilock:control unit/module | 4 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:abs warning light | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 1 |
Brakes complaints across Hyundai Elantra years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 24, 202678,000 miCTTowedBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the engine compartment and there was grey smoke coming from the electrical box behind the ABS Module. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS Module and wiring harness needed to be replaced, and brake fluid…
NHTSA complaint #11766713 · source - Filed Aug 20, 2026120,000 miFLFireBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The following day, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's dog woke up the contact around 5:00 AM, at which point the contact discovered that the vehicle was on fire. The Fire Department extinguished the fire and informed the contact that the fire appeared to be electrical; however, it was unknown…
NHTSA complaint #11758181 · source - Filed Jul 9, 2026LABrakes
ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes aren’t properly working. Matt bowers Hyundai in Slidell has confirmed it is the ABS MODULE AND BRAKES FLUSH NEEDED. They are refusing to fix it for free stating I took too long to bring it in. Abs light, traction light and emergency brake light was on…
NHTSA complaint #11749410 · source - Filed Feb 3, 2026MABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
[XXX] is subject to Safety Recall 20V-755 Hyundai Recall 251 for a defective ABS module that may leak brake fluid, cause an electrical short, and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall remains open and has not been performed. On Feb 2, I brought the vehicle to McGovern Hyundai of Arlington and disclosed an active brake fluid leak consistent with Recall 251. I also stated that brakes were recently replaced 4 weeks ago. The service advisor incorrectly said…
NHTSA complaint #11715202 · source - Filed Jan 7, 2026MOAirbagsBrakesOther / Unknown
I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to the dealership bc something broke underneath and the breaks were failing. So they fixed the problem supposedly. I only had a 30 day warranty and after the 30 days the breaks started grinding every time I…
NHTSA complaint #11709298 · source - Filed Dec 1, 2025ILBrakes
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake hydraulic system failed due to a rusted and leaking brake line running from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The damaged brake line is still on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The brake line leak caused the brake pedal to go to the floor, significantly reducing or eliminating…
NHTSA complaint #11702297 · source - Filed Aug 25, 2025ILBrakes
Under carriage steel brake line rust through at support bracket and causing a loss of brake fluid and risk of stopping condition that raise a concern of an accident and protentional risk of injury to the owner/operator and other drivers on the road. This rust condition and due to road salt condition in state that use road salt and Hyundai clearly lacks undercoating protection. This issue has been seen by other 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT owner and been clearly documented in…
NHTSA complaint #11682966 · source - Filed Aug 20, 2025FLBrakesEngineLighting
After the recall at Hyundai, my car wouldn't run and there were many lights on the dashboard. It was later checked and the instability light problem persisted. They fixed on the same time, and say something problem with the update. They later informed me that I have a problem with the brake switch, and the brake lights don't work because of it. I replaced and doesn’t work, I went back to the store and they want me to pay a fee to have it analyzed again. Even though before…
NHTSA complaint #11681766 · source - Filed Jun 23, 2025MIBrakesWheels & Tires
Hi I recently brought my car in for recall repairs involving the ABS fuse and brake pedal stopper. Right after the service, my traction control light came on, and the car struggled to move forward. I took it to a mechanic who said the front brakes were locked. When I brought it back to your service center, I was told the hydraulic calipers were bad and that the brake pads and rotors were rubbing against each other. I was also told it’s just an "unfortunate coincidence."…
NHTSA complaint #11668720 · source - Filed May 30, 2025MEBrakes
Brake failure. Corroded brake lines. There is a recall in Canada for this model year for the same exact issue [XXX] ). Why did NHTSA not force a recall for the same issue at least in cold-weather states? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11663905 · source - Filed Apr 25, 2025ILBrakesOther / Unknown
I have had a Fire Risk Warning Safety Recall on my car for 1.5 years and there is no remedy for it. This puts my safety at risk daily, as well as everyone around me.
NHTSA complaint #11656887 · source - Filed Apr 25, 2025AZBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not…
NHTSA complaint #11656765 · source
Other 2013 Hyundai Elantra problem areas
- Steering (109)
- Engine (93)
- Airbags (76)
- Other / Unknown (69)
- Electrical System (65)
- Lighting (22)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (18)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (15)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14)
- Suspension (13)
- Body & Structure (13)
- Wheels & Tires (12)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (12)
- Seats & Seat Belts (8)
- Visibility & Wipers (6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology