2013 Hyundai Elantra Electrical Problems

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 notorious for pot holes. However, I do not think this is a pot hole issue. Around December 2025, the car steering wheel started shaking vigorously. When we purchased the vehicle, the right CV axle was needing to be replaced. Now, I am not sure what the problem is, but I hate to have to trade the car in. This was my VERY first Hyundai experience, and I want to keep the car for forever, because of my fiance. But I may have to trade her in. I have come to a few conclusions on my own. 1) tires - so I had them replaced. 2) warped brake rotors 3) worn suspension components 4) worn electric steering column coupler. I wanted to give you the VIN because since it is an older vehicle (but like new to me), it may have had a recall. I do not want to keep this vehicle if it is a problem. But I also do not want to give it to anyone else since my fiance bought it for me. TO whome this may concern - if you happen to actually read these "complaints" could you give me a call at [XXX] [XXX] ) or my email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I would honestly like to know if this is a huge issue with the car. At least that way I can prepare myself to sell it. I am overall very pleased with the car, except this issue is a big one, and [XXX] is not here to guide me into a decision with it. Thank you kindly, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11740407

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

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 ID

11730096

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

[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 the recall was just for a fuse and unrelated to brake fluid. The dealership drove the car for a state inspection despite knowing about the leak and open recall. They stated the brakes are bad and requested payment for a diagnostic, which I declined. No diagnostic testing was performed. The dealership informed me the required ABS module part was unavailable and instructed me to return Friday, waiting 3 5 business days. The recall repair was not completed, and no towing or alternate transportation was offered. The dealership invoice documents the incomplete repair. I live in East Boston, MA, a densely populated urban area with street parking. If the defect causes a fire, it could endanger nearby vehicles, residences, and public safety. I am filing this complaint to document the unprepared safety defect, dealership misinformation, and ongoing community fire risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11715202

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

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 fire hazard and caused me to experience health issues, requiring an ER visit. The combination of engine malfunction, electrical issues, and fuel leaks posed a risk to my safety and the safety of others while driving. Confirmation by Dealer / Mechanic: Independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed the engine failure and alternator issues. Multiple mechanics advised not to drive the car due to the fire hazard. The original selling dealer (Larry H. Miller Toyota) inspected the car and acknowledged engine problems in writing on a business card. Inspection by Manufacturer / Others: Hyundai corporate has been notified, but they declined warranty coverage as the vehicle is a second-owner car and beyond the original warranty. The dealer has also been made aware of the engine failure. Warning Lamps / Symptoms: No warning lamps indicated imminent engine failure prior to the engine dying. The first symptoms were mechanical issues, gas smell, and eventual total engine failure. Alternator failure and repeated maintenance issues occurred within 8 months of purchase. Additional Notes: Vehicle purchased at 34,000 miles; engine failed at 51,000 miles. Independent repair receipts, ER paperwork, are available to support the case.

NHTSA ID

11702831

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

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 ID

11689554

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

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 the car will crank up, other times it will require time to restart. The car has stalled and low power idling multiple times, but it did happen in the middle of a 4 way intersection twice, and when the issue is present. Although we've been fortunate, no accidents have occurred, it is very unsafe for the owner and other drivers. This occurrence has happened several times over the past year. Two times it was immediately brought into the dealer service, the second time it did stall with the service member there. Both times they were unable to diagnose the problem and stated no error codes were reported. You have already issued a Recall for this same issue with a different model. Oct. 13, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective crankshaft assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Transportation Safety Administration. There are so many others that have reported this same issue and have been corrected with the replacement of the crankshaft position sensor. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673718

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

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. The vehicle was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11665743

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

Mileage

99,000 mi

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 ID

11626200

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

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 ID

11619075

Incident

Oct 8, 2024

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 ID

11615164

Incident

Sep 14, 2024

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 wheel locks and the car doesn't move, it's scary and ridiculous the amount of others I have found experiencing the same issue and from that accident I can barely drive now my anxiety and ptsd from the event has even affected my work so now I am losing money I didn't think I would ever fear being in a car and I hope you guys fix this so no one experiences what I am currently experiencing.

NHTSA ID

11614022

Incident

Nov 17, 2003

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 do not have a safety net of air bags deploying when a accident happens.

NHTSA ID

11604708

Incident

Jul 22, 2024

We received the recall notice, advising us to call Hyundai to make an appointment to correct the safety problem. We made an appointment to fix the problem at their Richmond, CA location. When we went there, they told us that they could not fix it because their system was down. We made another appointment in Vacaville, CA. When we arrived there on the day of the appointment, they told us that their system was down. We do not know what to do now.

NHTSA ID

11604623

Incident

Jul 20, 2024

While pulling out onto a major main road, my car just stopped. The RPM's remained on zero after I restarted the car. I had to get it towed. The engine light was on, and it had trouble restarting. The code read camshaft. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and no other codes registered. It shut off two times after the camshaft was replaced. I took it back to the mechanic and it shut off on him 5 times. This car is unsafe. I am afraid to drive it, especially with have a young child.

NHTSA ID

11595618

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

My car had trouble starting then shut off while driving. Engine light was on and the RMP's stayed at zero. Code was for camshaft. Camshaft was replaced and the car shut off three more times while driving. I only have 83,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ID

11594306

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

As the original and sole owner of this 2013 Hyundai Elantra, I was notified of Campaign # 23V65100, by letter, from Hyundai. I set an appointment with Suburban Hyundai, Troy, MI after confirming with said dealership that needed part(s) were on hand. I arrived as scheduled on [XXX] 2024 for needed repair. Service department examined vehicle and determined that my vehicle did need ordered repair: but stated they do not have the part(s). I inquired as to: a. Why they do not have the part when they knew fully well that that was what was needed to enact the repair.;b.Why they did not tell customer, after taking one day off from work and driving 50 miles round trip...that they do not carry the parts they are mandated to replace. Suburban Hyundai stated that they would call me in 7-10 days when the part arrived, so I could get repair completed and, of course, take another day off from work, drive 50 miles, and fear my garage does not burn down as I have a contract with State Farm Insurance that I will park my vehicle in an enclosed garage each night for storage. Also, Hyundai and Kia have a distinct reputation for vehicle theft, and leaving my vehicle parked on-the-street is a sure way to have a vehicle stolen! I then called Elder Hyundai in Macomb, MI, they stated that Hyundai does not yet have a solution to fix the ABS Fire and Fuse issue and that a "parts kit", as I was told by Sean, Svc. Manager at Suburban Hyundai, does not yet exist. I feel defrauded by Hyundai Manufacturing and Suburban Hyundai in particular. Do I need to park my vehicle at the Grosse Pointe Woods, Fire Station? I called the Hyundai Corporate Number regarding recalls and could not, in any way, connect with a person or voicemail to leave a message a response: can this/will this repair be made and: why must I now face another day off from work and another 50 mile drive, to what effect? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11593885

Incident

Jun 10, 2024

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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The air bag warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the air bag warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11585866

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Mileage

59,000 mi

My engine will not turn over 70% of the time. My radio switches on and off on its on and changes stations randomly. Even with new brakes, it sounds like they are constantly grinding. When my gas gets low the issue gets worse to the point i can't arm my car. I have a small child and my car started smoking. I was also stranded for almost an hour because my car would not start. I just got off the phone with pearson hyundai and they told me there is no remedy for this issue and just wait. This issue started mid last year when my engine started to shake at a stop light. I have had 3 mechanics look at my car and they won't touch the issue due to the recall.

NHTSA ID

11584688

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

The bulbs are constantly blowing out, and need to be replaced. The steering wheel/column makes noises, and doesn't always lock, but when it does lock, it can be difficult to unlock it! The suspension shakes and rattles. There is a campaign for the corrosion of the undercarriage/suspension, that I was not aware of until a few weeks ago(I do have an appointment for that). The most pressing concern is with the steering(mechanic thinks it could be the coupler), and there are numerous complaints about this on various internet auto forums.

NHTSA ID

11584643

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

My 2013 Hyundai starter would not stop trying to start the car even when the ignition was off and the key was not in the ignition. Then it got so hot it caught fire and destroyed the alternator as well as the starter. It was so hot it melted the alternator. Also the plastic that is used to hold the headlamps and other engine parts has disintegrated. I barely touch what's left and the plastic crumbles apart. My car no longer has the plastic under the hood. I use tape to hold up the lights. Car was stopped and in a parking lot when this happened.

NHTSA ID

11583926

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

23V651000 This recall came out in September it has now been 8 months and no remedy has been avaible which to me is not a timely manner, it is getting costly for me to not park near buildings where I normally park or in garages, starting to have to do that and just hope that my car does not catch fire, this is getting ridicules

NHTSA ID

11582318

Incident

Sep 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on several occasions while turned off, the horn began honking inadvertently. The key fob was depressed each time to turn the horn off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a new anti-theft system needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure was not able to be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ID

11580632

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

12,000 mi

The manufacturer (Hyundai) has been ordered to recall and fix my 2013 Elantra and they are not doing so. On their website it says "Incomplete. Remedy not yet available." This recall was issued LAST YEAR, over 5 months ago! Hyundai has had 5 months to not only fix the issue, but at least notify owners of this issue. The only reason I heard about this was from the news!!! Also, the offered fix of replacing a fuse is not going to fix the actual issue - leaking brake fluid. As a parent with small children, in a one-car family, this is unacceptable. Hyundai needs to fix their mistake immediately or find a way for my family to be able to drive safely. Their statement that "if you see smoke, evacuate the car" is completely irresponsible to offer as a solution to families who need precious time to unbuckle their children from car seats. Someone is going to die due to Hyundai's negligence, it's only a matter of time.

NHTSA ID

11580458

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THIS RECALL IS NOW 5 MONTHS OLD WITH NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. As a senior citizen I am not confident driving this vehicle with the possibility of a fire while driving. I would like someone to put pressure on Hyundai to get this remedied quickly. I have another vehicle but I should not have to NOT drive this vehicle. I want my vehicle fixed!

NHTSA ID

11574673

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

While driving my vehicle I began to notice the brake indicator light would flicker when I would have my foot on the brake.

NHTSA ID

11571269

Incident

Feb 10, 2024