2013 Hyundai Elantra Suspension 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

2013 Elantra coupe se.The car wanders on the highway like a boat constantly left and right all over the lane and if/when you hit a dip or bump it REALLY throws the car around! There's Obviously issues with the suspension on a MULTITUDE of these model/year vehicles if not ALL of theml. It is VERY dangerous and needs to be addressed and recalled. I do not have an alignment issue as the tires brakes rotors and calipers are all new no dragging /pulling etc and the tires are properly pressured as well. Extremely well maintained car by the owner EXTREMELY poorly Engineered by the Maker! The steering coupler has been replaced also taking the play out of the wheel as those things are a small rubber "cog wheel" that wears completely to nothing causing severe play and a clunking noise in the wheel between the turning of left or right as that component acts as a spacer/gear/vibration absorber between the steering shaft and the steering assist helper motor gears these cars ALSO were sold knowing they were piston slap engines yet Still never issued a recall until YEARS and multi millions of complaints later only to only cover certain years and models yet they All had the same engine. Imagine the IDIOCY! I will NEVER purchase a Hyundai or a Kia EVER again rest assured! I do my research and homework on every potential item I'm looking into possibly getting yet Nowhere at the time was there any info regarding they were piston slap engines turning these out by the multi millions and trying to hide the fact until they no longer could. Disgustingly Sad that they do not stand behind there product!

NHTSA ID

11636901

Incident

Jan 19, 2025

Steering has become loose and unsafe due to coupler malfunction. Unable to control wheels while driving and clicking noise while turning.

NHTSA ID

11606522

Incident

Jun 19, 2024

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

There is a known safety recall regarding brake fluid being leaked internally that has been acknowledged by Hyundai since September 2023. This can cause fires even when the vehicle is parked. NO SOLUTION has been provided except for "park your vehicle outside". This has been a known safety issue for 8 months and NO SOLUTION has been provided to us owners. Even parking outside is an issue as I live in Memphis, TN the #1 city for auto theft. Auto theft has been rampant also due to Hyundai's unwillingness to install an ignition kill switch at production. Hyundai has been grossly negligent in the production of their vehicles and cutting corners at the consumer's safety expense. Not having a soltuin

NHTSA ID

11580636

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Without warning, car bump steers going over bumps on a curve of the road. Rear end of car will swing to the outside of curve, right or left depending on curve taken. This will cause a control problem, causing car to steer into oncoming traffic. Car will bump steer on a straight road depending on road condition.

NHTSA ID

11546506

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

Since I purchased this vehicle in 10-2012 I have had major suspension tracking issues. When driving at normal highway speeds (50-70MPH), the slightest bump in the road makes the rear of the vehicle sway and "dog walk" . This has been an issue within the first few months of ownership, but the dealership found no issues. The situation started shortly after purchase and continues the same as of today (5-5-2023). I have replaced the rear shocks with better than OEM shocks and continue to have the same situation. If the bump in the road happens to be in a slight curve (such as an expansion joint in bridge) on the Interstate, the vehicle nearly looses complete traction. This happens with new tires and on dry, warm concrete. I have spoken with other owners of similar make and year and all have said they had the same issue, even right after purchase. No warning lights, traction control lights or messages appear on display.. I have had multiple inspection stations and garages check out the suspension and wheel units, but no malfunctions or defects found.

NHTSA ID

11520689

Incident

May 5, 2023

Well not even at 100,000 miles yet suspension noise all four engine not good as its not work well with the way they have set up with no dip stick suspension clink clack crazy not even at 100.00

NHTSA ID

11490141

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

Subframe is rotted. It snapped while driving; braking the control arm in the process. The lives of my children and myself were put at risk. If we had been on a busy road or highway, ourselves and others would have been at serious risk of sever injury and/or possible death. It has not been seen by a service center, incident happened 11/29/2021. The vehicle was inspected by a personal mechanic to find the cause of the malfunction. There were know warning signs before the component failure.

NHTSA ID

11442417

Incident

Nov 29, 2021

ONLY WHEN WET BRAKING STARTS TO MAKE NOISE AND ACT LIKE IT WANT STOP. IT HAS NEW BRAKES.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11385327

Incident

Dec 25, 2020

PURCHASED WHAT I BELIEVE IS A LEMON FROM THE STAMFORD HYUNDAI. VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND RECALL ISSUES NOT ADDRESSED. ANOTHER CAR THAT HIT MINE STATED THAT MY CAR BRAKE LIGHTS INDICATED I STOPPED WHEN I ACTUALLY RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL. I BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP OVER CHARGED ME FOR A DEFECTED VEHICLE AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ISSUE WHICH CAUSED MY LANE CHANGE ACCIDENT. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE CAN ASSIST ME WITH THIS SERIOUS INFRACTION. AGAIN MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT THE OTHER DRIVER SAID IT APPEARED TO BE. I WASN'T INFORMED BY THE SALESMAN OF ANY DEFECTS OR ISSUES. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING IN BROOKLYN NY ON REMSEN AVENUE. IMPACT OCCURRED ON REMSEN AND KINGS HIGHWAY. ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS WILL BE APPRECIATED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR CASH 6405.70 WHEN THE ASKING PRICE WAS 4670. I'VE BEEN RIPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED. HELP PLEASE.

NHTSA ID

11376058

Incident

Nov 16, 2020

Mileage

139,285 mi

I HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, INCLUDING TODAY. AS I HAVE FAITHFULLY MAINTAINED MY CAR, I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THE DESIGN OF THE CAR IS THE ISSUE. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN I ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE CAR WILL NOT BRAKE PROPERLY AND IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. TODAY, I EXPERIENCED THE CAR HYDROPLANE AND THANK GOODNESS NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME OR ON THE SIDE BECAUSE IT TOOK ME AT LEAST TWO MINUTES BEFORE I COULD GAIN CONTROL AGAIN. THIS OCCURED WHEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25MPH AND NO PUDDLES OF WATER WERE PRESENT. EARLY APRIL, I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT WHERE I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES, ALTHOUGH MY BRAKES WERE REPLACED A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. BACK IN DECEMBER 2019, I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY I-95 WHILE DRIVING HOME. I HAVE IT DOCUMENTED THROUGH AAA. MY TIRE BLEW AND THE CAR FAILED TO STOP. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND ADVISED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY INSISTED MY TIRES AND BRAKES WERE FINE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE TODAY AND FOUND I AM NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. I SAW SEVERAL CUSTOMERS STATING THEY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ONE. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY TO THE POINT I NO LONGER WANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11351455

Incident

Aug 24, 2020

Mileage

88,000 mi

I NOTICED MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS MAKING A SOUND FROM THE DRIVER SIDE( IN 2018 )WHEEL WHEN I TURN AND ALSO THE CAR SWAYS WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED. I REPORTED IT TO THE HYUNDAI OF LAS VEGAS DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY HYUNDAI FROM ON 6/2017 BUT THEY SAID I HAD NO EXTENDED WARRANTY. I THEN RECEIVED A "RECALL NOTICE" FOR THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (1/29/2018) AND TOOK IT BACK TO HYUNDAI OF LAS VEGAS WHO FIXED A BRAKE PEDAL DEFECT FREE OF CHARGE. I KNOW THERE ARE 29 HYUNDAI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO THE NHTSA ABOUT THE "SWAYING MOTION" ON HYUNDAIS THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THE SUSPENSION WHICH SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL PRIORITY LIST TO IN MY OPINION SINCE I AM MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR MY USED HYUNDAI. IT WILL COST THE PRICE OF A NEW CAR AFTER I AM DONE PAYING OFF THE ENTIRE CAR LOAN I OWE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11326613

Incident

Jan 29, 2018

Mileage

67,000 mi

WHENEVER THE VEHICLE TRAVELS OVER SLIGHT BUMPS, OR INDENTATIONS ON THE ROAD, THE REAR END OF THE CAR UNSETTLES AND PUSHES RIGHT. WITH INCREASE IN TRAVEL SPEEDS, THE REAR END GET MORE UNSTABLE. AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IT BECOMES SO BAD THAT WHENEVER THERE IS ANY SLIGHT BUMPS OR SURFACE IMPERFECTION, THE REAR OF THE CAR HOPS RIGHT VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT OR STARTS TO FISHTAIL AND SOMETIMES BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE. SPECIALLY ON WET SURFACE. IT IS HARD TO GET THE CAR BACK IN CONTROL WHEN NOT CAREFUL AND MAY CAUSE A MAJOR AND FATAL ACCIDENT. WHICH CHECKING FOR THE ISSUE, IT APPEARS THAT IT IS COMMON ISSUE AMONG ELANTRA OWNERS. IN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE DRIVING, MY CAR FISHTAILED SO VIOLENTLY THAT TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL. FEW TIMES, THE CAR FISHTAILED AND ENDED UP IN RIGHT SIDE LANE WITHOUT ME WANTING IT TO DO THAT. THESE ALL HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IT IS LESS SEVERE ON CITY SPEEDS BUT STILL NOTICEABLY BAD.

NHTSA ID

11257586

Incident

Sep 21, 2019

Mileage

41,000 mi

AS WITH MANY OTHERS, MY 2013 ELANTRA LIKES TO KICK THE BACK END OUT OVER BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I PASSED AN ACCIDENT LAST WEEKEND ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE A 2013 ELANTRA HAD CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT BARRIER JUST AFTER A BRIDGE ON WET ROADS. MY CAR JUMPED OVER THE SAME BUMP ALTHOUGH I WAS AT A LOWER SPEED BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AND IT WASN'T AS SEVERE AS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF I WAS GOING FASTER. IT IS MUCH WORSE AS THE CAR GETS OLDER. IT ALSO HAS OTHER ISSUES THAT OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT SUCH AS NOT WANTING TO START (3 TIMES) AND WHITE SMOKE IF YOU ACCELERATE TOO QUICKLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NO HELP.

NHTSA ID

11209635

Incident

May 11, 2019

Mileage

114,500 mi

'TAKATA RECALL' WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IF I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP OR IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD REAR END OF CAR JUMPS AROUND. ON WET OR SLICK ROADS IT IS EVEN WORSE. FROM THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH STABILITY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNSURE AS TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS JUMPING AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT IT IS THE SUSPENSION THAT IS CAUSING THIS INSTABILITY. THE BUMPS I HIT ON THE HIGHWAY ARE NOT MAJOR BUMPS, THESE ARE JUST THE SMALL ONES THAT TRANSITION FROM SECTION TO SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY SO I KNOW IT ISN'T THE ROAD I DRIVE ON, IT IS THE CAR. ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ANYWHERE FROM 45-65MPH THE DRIVING STABILITY FEELS UNSAFE AND THE VEHICLE WAVERS BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY, HAVING TO ALWAYS CORRECT IT. WHEN IT IS WINDY IT IS EXTREMELY WORSE. I CANNOT BELIEVE HYUNDAI MADE A CAR THIS UNSAFE. DRIVING THIS WINTER I HAVE ONLY HOPED THAT THE JUMPING AND WAVERING DOESN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE TO FEEL THAT WAY IN A VEHICLE. THE COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ISSUES. THIS HAPPENS SO OFTEN AT LEAST OVER 20 TIMES IN JUST THIS YEAR I'M AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND SO ARE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE

NHTSA ID

11164059

Incident

Dec 6, 2018

Mileage

45 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT FAILED TO FULLY ENGAGE AND REQUIRED THE CONTACT TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL OR APPLY FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER (JOE PECHELES HYUNDAI, 201 GREENVILLE BLVD SE, GREENVILLE, NC 27858, 1-(866) 980-4064) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11130284

Incident

Mar 6, 2017

AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2012, A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I BEGAN NOTICING AND STILL TO THIS DAY, WHEN I HIT ANY SIZE OF BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE BACK TIRES FEEL LIKE THEY ARE COMING OFF THE GROUND AND THE REAR OF THE CAR FISHTAILS. THIS HAPPENS FROM ABOUT 45 MPH ON UP. ON THE HIGHWAY, I HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE WHEN I SEE A BUMP, AND LET OFF THE GAS. (NOT SURE HOW MUCH THAT HELPS, BUT IT'S JUST MY INSTINCT). IF THERE IS A ROW OF BUMPS/HOLES, I HAVE TROUBLE KEEPING CONTROL OF THE CAR. ALSO I HAVE TO REPLACE TWO TIRES ABOUT 24,000 MILES, AS THEY GET UNEVEN WEAR FROM A FIXED? REAR AXLE THAT IS DESIGNED TO NOT BE ALIGNED. NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED TO THE CAR FISHTAILING. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH INTENTION OF PASSING DOWN TO MY DAUGHTER, BUT WOULD NEVER LET AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF THEM DYING.

NHTSA ID

11093273

Incident

Dec 10, 2012

Mileage

300 mi

MY CAR'S REAR FISHTAILS AS I TRAVEL OVER DEPRESSIONS OR SLIGHT BUMPS IN CITY ROADS AT ANY SPEED (BETWEE 35 - 50 MPH). IT IS SCARILY NOTICEABLE WHEN I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS BALANCED. WHEN DRIVING, I FEEL LIKE I'M LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR EVEN ON SHARP CURVES, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A SERVICE CHECK 2 DAYS AGO (I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO), AND THEY SAID THAT THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN THIS CAR IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS MODEL; IT'S THE WAY THE REAR AXLE WAS DESIGNED AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK THE SUSPENSION AND STRUTS AS WELL. THEY SAID THOSE WERE FINE BUT THEY "TIGHTENED IT UP". I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS IF IT WAS FINE IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOW I'M STUCK WITH DRIVING A CAR THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN ALL CONDITIONS. MY TIRES HAVE SUFFICIENT TREAD ON THEM, SO THAT'S NOT THE ISSUE EITHER. I WANT HYUNDAI TO INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINTS OF THE 2013 ELANTRA LIMITED EDITION.

NHTSA ID

11072128

Incident

Feb 6, 2018

Mileage

88,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE ENTIRE CAR SHIFTS/JUMPS TO THE SIDE. IT IS VERY SCARY, AS I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING TO GO INTO SOMEONE ELSE LANE OR LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I AM TOLD IT IS BECAUSE IT HAS A SOLID REAR AXLE, AND THAT IT IS JUST A "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT DOES NOT SEEM OKAY.... IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, IT DID NOT JUST START HAPPENING.

NHTSA ID

11045936

Incident

Nov 14, 2017

THE REAR END OF THE CAR JUMPS AROUND AND FEELS UNSTABLE IN WIND OR ON WET OR UNEVEN SURFACES. IT FEELS LIKE I COULD EASILY LOSE CONTROL, VERY FRIGHTENING. I HAVE 4/32 TIRE TREAD LEFT ON 60K MICHELINS AFTER ONLY 32K MILES DRIVEN. THE FIRST SET OF TIRES LASTED ONLY 28K. THIS FORM WILL NOT LET ME PROCEED WITHOUT A DATE, BUT THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM, NOT A ONE TIME THING.

NHTSA ID

10960425

Incident

Mar 10, 2014

Mileage

28,000 mi

REAR TIRES GO BALD PREMATURELY AND FRONT TIRES WEAR ON THE INBOARD SIDE PREMATURELY AND THE FRONT TIRE ARE REAL PRONE TO SIDE WALL BULGING. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 37,417 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 66,388 MILES AND I'VE BEEN MADE TO PURCHASE THREE SETS OF TIRES SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE US CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE FORCED INTO PAYING FOR DEFECTS LIKE THIS

NHTSA ID

10948102

Incident

Dec 12, 2016

REAR SUSPENSION IS UNSETTLING. FIRST OFF, THE CAR DESTROYS TIRES IN A RELATIVELY SHORT TIME. SECOND, OVER BUMPY TERRAIN THE CAR'S REAR SHAKES BACK AND FORTH LIKE IT'S TRYING TO STEER ITSELF. THIRD, WHEN IT'S ICY OR SLIPPERY AND THE ROAD SURFACE ISN'T SMOOTH THE REAR OF THE CAR TRIES TO SWING OUT WHEN ONE SIDE HAS GRIP AND THE OTHER DOESN'T.

NHTSA ID

10945323

Incident

Nov 25, 2016

Mileage

43,000 mi

FROM DAY ONE THE SUSPENSION ALWAYS SEEMED MUSHY OR SOFT. WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE CAR SEEMS TO EXPERIENCE LATERAL GLIDING OR SWAYING. AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT CAN FEEL LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO SHIFT INTO THE ADJACENT LANE.

NHTSA ID

10927141

Incident

Nov 21, 2016

Mileage

29,000 mi

MY CAR DRIVES FUNNY OVER THE ROAD AND ON HILL AND STEERING REALLY FEELS BAD LIKE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR THIS IS DRIVING IN MY TOWN. I JUST BROUGHT THE CAR FOM THE DEALER WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID

10925567

Incident

Nov 9, 2016

Mileage

50,450 mi