2013 Hyundai Elantra electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 27, 2026OKElectrical SystemSteeringSuspension

   My fiance and I, bought the vehicle in May 2022? from Carvana. His name is [XXX] . Mine is [XXX] (maiden - [XXX] ) Price. [XXX] passed away August 6, 2025. I wanted to mention this part before I explain the problem. His son is supposed to sign the car over to me as soon as court proceedings are finished. I love the car. But the car came from Carvana with 17K miles. It currently has 42,000K miles on it. I only drive it around town. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city is…

   NHTSA complaint #11740407 · source
2. Filed Apr 9, 2026MPFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.

   NHTSA complaint #11730096 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Dec 3, 2025AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle Issue Description for NHTSA Complaint: Component/System Failure: The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [insert VIN]) completely failed at 51,000 miles. The alternator also failed and had to be replaced. There was a persistent smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle, creating a fire hazard. All components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure left the vehicle completely inoperable. The gas smell created a serious…

   NHTSA complaint #11702831 · source
5. Filed Sep 24, 2025GAFireElectrical System

   During the incident, there was an aggressive flow of smoke coming from behind the steering wheel within the dashboard indicating overheating and/or a fire. My vehicle was inspected by my local dealer, Ed Voyles Hyundai, who stated that their inspection found a burning left rear tail light assembly with fluid inside of it. No warning lamps or prompts appeared during the incident.

   NHTSA complaint #11689554 · source
6. Filed Jul 15, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine

   This seems to be a very common and serious issue with Hyundai vehicles. 2013 Hyundai Elanta, believed to be a frequent crankshaft position sensor issue. When driving the car, they vehicle will feel that it is losing power. When coming to a stop the engine will idle so low that it feels like it will stall or it does stall. The tachometer registered zero RPM's, even when accellearting. Attempting to accelerate up any incline and the car can not provide enough power. Sometimes…

   NHTSA complaint #11673718 · source
7. Filed Jun 9, 202599,000 miVATowedElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact pressed START/STOP button several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black, and the radio and clock were inoperable. The contact stated that on other occasions, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed.…

   NHTSA complaint #11665743 · source
8. Filed Nov 19, 2024WAAirbagsElectrical System

   Airbag light and steering wheel control malfunction due to clock spring. Known issue can cause airbag not to deploy. Dealer refused to fix issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11626200 · source
9. Filed Oct 10, 2024GAFireBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   I was never informed through mail, email, or phone call about a potential fire hazard safety recall from Hyundai. In turn, due to my unawareness of the recall, my 2013 Elantra’s ABS pump had caught on fire, melted into the control module, and melted the ABS electrical harness to the module, short circuiting the ECU and starter as well.

   NHTSA complaint #11619075 · source
10. Filed Sep 18, 2024OKElectrical SystemSteering

    On Saturday September 14, 2024 After working a full shift i started my 2013 Hyundai ELANTRA and the ecs light came on. which locks your power of steering. After several restarts to disengage the light. I called the tow truck pay the $80 for it to be brought to the dealership and was told that they can work on it on Tuesday. On Monday I received a phone call on stating I will be paying $3000 out-of-pocket.Even tho I have extended warranty nothing would be covered.

    NHTSA complaint #11615164 · source
11. Filed Sep 11, 2024FLCrashBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    I was driving under 10 miles an hr because the roads were still wet from the night before as i am on the ramp to get on the highway barely turning the wheel it locks all the lights come on the dashboard such as abs and i crash into a railing because i couldn't move anything. Again only last week after this has been supposedly resolved driving barely going 2 miles my bf was actually driving and again roads were wet same thing all the abs sensor lights come on the dash the…

    NHTSA complaint #11614022 · source
12. Filed Jul 26, 2024TXAirbagsElectrical System

    There is a on going issue with clock spring failing on 2011-2014 Hyundai models. My model is not covered under their extended warranty cause I have a hatchback version of the Elantra, which uses the same parts. I have already replaced my clock spring at 2019 and again the issue has come in 2024. My air bag light is on, my car horn doesn't work and buttons on the steering wheel. Feel like this is a huge safety issue as I cannot communicate with other drives with my horn and I…

    NHTSA complaint #11604708 · source

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