2013 Hyundai Elantra Fuel system Problems

A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine knock). The dealership recommended full engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. There was no evidence of sludge or lack of maintenance noted during inspection. The most recent oil change had been performed less than 1,000 miles prior to the failure, indicating the issue was not caused by lack of maintenance. This condition creates a safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership and has not been repaired due to cost.

NHTSA ID

11729406

Incident

Mar 3, 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

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

- Brake and fuel leak smell - yes - yes - no - no

NHTSA ID

11580416

Incident

Sep 10, 2023

My car tends to shut off on its own while driving. I’ve fixed the fuel pump thinking that can be the issue due to the car passing “green” on the machine stating everything is good. No lights on my dashboard, engine tends to shake. RPM arrow is all over the place. The car is well taken care of. I’m spending a lot of money on mechanics fixing things that clearly aren’t the issue with the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11493289

Incident

Nov 9, 2022

The vehicle developed a fuel line leak (diagnosed by ASE certified technician). The problem was first noticed when the odor of fuel filled the cabin. This may or may not be similar to the same issue arising in 2013 Sonata models for which a recall was issued. I have tried to locate a replacement part (Hyundai part# 31310-3X400) but am informed that these are on "indefinite backorder" or "discontinued" rendering the otherwise serviceable vehicle unsafe to operate

NHTSA ID

11481961

Incident

Aug 8, 2022

The steering wheel is loose. It rattles when I drive especially when I drive over rough areas like train track, pot hole or something like that. I can tell it is very loose when I am making turns. There is also issue with fuel smell inside my car. I frequently smell gas. To the point where I have to let the window down to let air in. The gas fumes are strong. The gas issue has been a problem for 2-3 years.

NHTSA ID

11464573

Incident

Apr 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. He stated that while driving at various speeds, he would intermittently smell a strong gasoline odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers and each dealer informed him that there were no failures with his vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11445336

Incident

Jun 1, 2017

Mileage

25,000 mi

After the completion of my work shift, I return to my vehicle and discovered a fire has taken place. Lucky, the fire didn't get out of control and wasn't active at the time. The passenger seat was completely burnt including the seat covers and the items in the seat. The items in the seat included: Steak & shake leftover trash, and a perfume bottle. This fire also damaged a door dash bag that I had in the back passenger seat. Not to mention, the impact of the fire that created black duct all over the vehicle windshields, radio, seats, dashboard etc... No police report, nor fire report has been reported at this given time.

NHTSA ID

11422716

Incident

Jun 28, 2021

MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH APPROX. 75,000 MILES, AND NO MECHANICAL OR COSMETIC ISSUES, CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR 10 MINUTES AT TAVERN IN THE SQUARE RESTAURANT IN LOWELL, MA. PATRONS WHO WERE PARKED NEARBY HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE ELECTRICAL SPARKS AND THEN WITNESSED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD WHICH THEN BURST INTO FLAMES. THEY RAN IN TO RETRIEVE MY FAMILY AND I AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITHIN 10 MINUTES TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES BUT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THAT TIME. I HAVE VIDEOS AND PICTURES THAT CAN BE FORWARDED TO YOU. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT WAS ON HOLD FOR 40 MINUTES AND IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED BEFORE SPEAKING TO ANYONE. THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY STRESSFUL EMOTIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY. THE CAR WAS IN OUR GARAGE JUST 30 MINUTES PRIOR AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A HISTORY OF ISSUES WITH SOME OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES WHICH I WASN'T AWARE OF UNTIL NOW BUT I DON'T SEE THAT MY CAR WAS LISTED AS A POSSIBLE RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL FIRES. IT WAS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND EVERY PENNY I EARNED WAS USED TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN ONE YEAR AGO. I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE THAT WOULD COVER THIS SITUATION SO THIS IS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO PROCEED AND ALSO WHERE TO FORWARD THE VIDEO AND PHOTO DETAILS.

NHTSA ID

11375940

Incident

Oct 25, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

MOTOR BLOWN WHEN VEHICLE HAD 130000 MILES AFTER REGULAR OIL CHANGES.

NHTSA ID

11372302

Incident

Aug 20, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE STATIONARY, IN CITY STREET, TURNING OR NOT NOT TURNING, UNCONTROLLED ENGINE RACING TO AT LEAST 5000 RPM. TO STOP RACING WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND A) ENGINE SPEED MAY GO BACK TO NORMAL OR B) REPEATEDLY STEP ON GAS PEDAL TO DISENGAGE RACING ENGINE. OR C) TURN OFF ENGINE KEY AND TRY TO RESTART. THIS HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES

NHTSA ID

11360322

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

Mileage

71,000 mi

I WAS GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY ON THE OFF RAMO AND CAME TO A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED GREEN MY CAR DIED AND I WAS IN LEFT TURN LANE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FORWARD. I DIDN'T HAVE AC AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324348

Incident

May 6, 2020

Mileage

102,100 mi

THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT CAN'T GET POWER SHAKES SLOW TO ACCELERATE FOR HALF A BLOCK THEN ACCELERATION. IT'S HAPPENED 5 TIMES TODAY. OTHER DAYS IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S NOT RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THEN DOES OK AFTER AWHILE. THIS HAPPENED WITH CAR IN PARK, BACKING UP, GOING FORWARD, 2 DIFFERENT STOPS AT LIGHTS AND 2 MORE STOPS TIL I GOT HOME.

NHTSA ID

11315884

Incident

Mar 3, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

WE WERE DRIVING TO TAKE ONE OF MY KIDS DR APPOINTMENT. WE STOPPED TO GET DRINKS FOR THE ROAD. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF CAME BACK TO LEAVE AND IT WOULD NOT START FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IT SAID AND THAT DIDNT FIX IT. WHEN YOU GO TO START IT IT WANTS TO TURN OVER BUT CANT CATCH EVERYTHING STILL WORKS THE WAY IT SHOULD PISTONS MOVE HAVE POWER TO EVERYTHING,TIMING CHAIN DIDNT JUMP THE SPARK PLUGS STILL ALL GET SPARK.

NHTSA ID

11299615

Incident

Sep 12, 2019

Mileage

156,000 mi

I'VE BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AS A SECONDARY OWNER SINCE 64K MILES, IT'S NOW AT ABOUT 71K. I KEEP UP WITH MAINTENANCE REGULARLY, BUT LATELY IT'S DEVELOPED A BIT OF A NOTICEABLE TICKING ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD, AND IDLES PRETTY ROUGH WHEN COLD, SEEMS TO GET BETTER AS THE VEHICLE HEATS UP. 3 TIMES, ALL SPACED OUT BY A COUPLE OF MONTHS I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCE A REFUSAL TO START, TRYING AGAIN USUALLY GETS IT TO START BUT ONE OF THOSE TIMES IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS MISFIRING SINCE IT SEEMED TO STUMBLE AND NEARLY STALL. I'VE TAKEN IT TO TWO SHOPS AND NOT ONE OF THEM AND HAS BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE UNDERLYING ISSUE LIKE IT'S NOT EVEN THERE, ONE OF THEM ONLY SUGGESTED A BATTERY REPLACEMENT WHICH FUNNY ENOUGH SEEMED TO HELP IT UNTIL RECENTLY, WILL BE TAKING TO HYUNDAI SOON PERHAPS BUT I SEE A TREND OF VERY SIMILAR SYMPTOMS ON HERE.

NHTSA ID

11268235

Incident

Oct 14, 2019

Mileage

3 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RAW FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROUND ROCK HYUNDAI (2405 N INTERSTATE HWY 35, ROUND ROCK, TX 78664, (512) 920-5397) ON NOVEMBER 15, 2016 TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOMAX FORD (3301 E CENTRAL TEXAS EXPY, KILLEEN, TX 76543, 254-699-2629). THE DEALER RAN A FULL FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 15964028. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,311.

NHTSA ID

11241745

Incident

Jun 28, 2019

Mileage

35,311 mi

I'M HAVING SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS AT ONLY 44K MILES INCLUDING FAILED IGNITION COILS & SPARKPLUGS-NOW ENGINE STILL MISFIRING & COILS GOING BAD ONE AT A TIME. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER & CANNOT AFFORD ENGINE REPAIRS ESPECIALLY WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE & AFTER JUST PURCHASING IT USED FROM CARMAX IN AMHERST, NY AT END OF JANUARY, 2019. I WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE IGNITION COILS ARE DEFECTIVE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

11207311

Incident

May 11, 2019

Mileage

41,237 mi

ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BECAME SLUGGISH IN ACCELERATING. IT HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE. I TRIED FUEL CLEANERS, PREMIUM GAS, AND NOW A TUNE UP REPLACING COIL PACKS AND PLUGS. THE VEHICLE CRAWLS AND DOES NOT ACCELERTE AS QUICK AS IT SHOULD. IT CUTS OFF OR REFUSES TO MOVE WHEN GIVEN GAS AT ALL STOPS. I SWITCH OFF THEN ON AT RED LIGHTS AS IT SEEMS TO WANT TO TAKE OFF WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. WHEN I REACH ABOUT 50MPH THE RPM HAND GUNS AND THE BOTTOMS OUT TO STAY AT ZERO WITH NO CHANGE IN ACCELERATION. THERE IS NOW A WHIRRING NOISE SPORADICALLY COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER THE TI E UP THE ISSUES CONTINUE WITH CUTTING OFF ,ROUGH IDLING, EXTREMELY SLOW SNAIL ACCELLERATION WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON.

NHTSA ID

11203790

Incident

Apr 25, 2019

Mileage

160,000 mi

I HAVE TAKEN MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA INTO RED MCCOMBS HYUNDAI IN SAN ANTONIO TX. ON I-10 WEST SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WIT THE STRUTS. AND THEY DID WORK ON THE SURGING PART OF THE ENGINE BUT IT STILL SURGES WHEN SPEEDING UP. I WAS TOLD BY FIRESTONE THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS HERE IN KERRVILLE, TX THE SAME THING BUT THEY SAID I WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SHOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND INSIST THEY REPAIR IT. SO I'LL TRY ONE MORE TIME. THE FRONT END MAKES A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN TAKING OFF AND FEELS LIKE IT BOTTOMS OUT WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. IT IS A BIT NERVE RACKING. THE LAST MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER ON 3/14/2016. THIS PROBLEM IS TWO YEARS OLD NOW, [XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF

NHTSA ID

10849949

Incident

Mar 14, 2016

CAR STARTS BUT WON'T STAY ON, NEW BATTERY INSTALLED, STILL DOESN'T TURN ON, IN GARAGE AND IS BEING TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WINDOWSHIED FOG CONSTANTLY, AND ALL F A SUDDEN AFTER 10 MINUTES AND ONLY WAY TO DEFOG---OPEN WINDOWS., HAPPENS EVERY AM AS DRIVING TO WORK ON FREEWAY OR HOME AT NIGHTS. THE CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED. GAS MILEAGE IS NOT 33 MILES PER GALLON. DISAPPOINTED. ALSO SUN ROOF DOESN'T CLOSE, WAS FIXED, AND STILL DOESN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY WITHOUT ME DOING FANCY MANEUVER WITH SWITCH. CONCERNED- MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!

NHTSA ID

10789066

Incident

Nov 7, 2015

Mileage

58,000 mi

I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FOB NOT UNLOCKING MY CAR. I WOULD HAD TO PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES TO UNLOCK. THEN I ALSO STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN ON MY CAR(WITH THE PUSH START) BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS REALLY STIFF. I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY TURN ON MY CAR. RECENTLY I'VE HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON SPORADICALLY. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE DURING MY DRIVES IN THE CITY. TWO DAYS AGO, I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON MY CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO START, BUT CONTINUED TO MAKE THE IGNITION START SOUND FOR SEVERAL SECONDS--ABOUT 10 SECONDS-- THAN USUAL. THIS WAS OF COURSE NOT THE NORM, SO I PRESSED THE START UP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON AGAIN, IT TURNED ON FINE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN. I WENT TO PEP BOYS AND MENEIKE TO CHECK THIS OUT AND THEY SAID THAT I HAD A P2096 PROBLEM. THIS CODE WAS FOLLOWED WITH THE DESCRIPTION AS FOLLOWS: POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1. ESSENTIALLY I WAS TOLD THAT THE RATIO OF OXYGEN AND FUEL , THE ENGINE TAKE IS OFF. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A LEAK THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LACK OF FUEL GOING INTO THE ENGINE, BUT WHEN THEY INVESTIGATED IT, THEY DIDN'T FIND A LEAK. AS OF NOW, I DON'T HAVE A REAL DIAGNOSIS FOR MY CAR. I'M NOT SURE IF ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS CORRELATE OR HAVE A DOMINO EFFECT ON EACH OTHER, BUT THE ISSUE WILL TAKE A WHILE TO TAKE CARE OF.

NHTSA ID

10788066

Incident

Oct 27, 2015

Mileage

45,235 mi

DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE ON 2ND FLOOR OF PARKING GARAGE. AS THE LEFT TURN WAS MADE, THE ELANTRA GT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF INTO A WALL, HITTING A POLE AND THE WALL. HYUNDAI IS INVESTIGATING. DEALER IS USELESS. RIGHT NOW UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED. EXTERIOR CAN BE FIXED, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PROBLEM? *TR

NHTSA ID

10676776

Incident

Jan 12, 2015

Mileage

10,000 mi

AS OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, I HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE (THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE FUEL AND A CHARGED BATTERY), AND WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR SWINGING OUT WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (EVEN AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 35 MPH, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE KICK FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS WORSENED WITH TIME). FOR BOTH CASES, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND AN ISSUE, AND/OR SAID ANY KIND PROBLEM WAS "WITHIN TOLERANCE." *TR

NHTSA ID

10668362

Incident

Dec 26, 2014

Mileage

46,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DISENGAGED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT THE SAME SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPRAY GUM OUT INSIDE OF THE FUEL INJECTION THROTTLE PLATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 2/9/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN

NHTSA ID

10664228

Incident

Nov 3, 2014

Mileage

98,000 mi