There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantrain NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
[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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Airbag light and steering wheel control malfunction due to clock spring. Known issue can cause airbag not to deploy. Dealer refused to fix issue.
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)
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.
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.
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!
While driving my vehicle I began to notice the brake indicator light would flicker when I would have my foot on the brake.
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.
My car keeps breaking down whenever I slow down or press on the brakes. I have a malfunction indicator lamp and I was notified via letter to call Hyundai asap to get a service so that my car doesn’t light on fire. I went to a mechanic who told me the engine is bad and it’s also a real from Hyundai. I called numerous times, and every time I am told there’s nothing they can do about it at this time. They keep telling me to wait and they don’t give me any options. This is a frustrating situation. I drive two small children in my car and I don’t want anything to happen to them because the Hyundai dealership refused to fix their mistake.
I got a recall letter in the mail and Burns Hyundai does not want to give me a service or loaner vehicle.
Driving the vehicle on 9/23/23 traveling at ~ 35 mph. Suddenly, the breaks were applied (not by input from me) and the car came to a screeching halt. The car had to be towed via flatbed rate ($100 charge) because all four wheel brakes were locked and could not be disengaged by me nor the tow truck driver. The car was towed to Napleton's Auto Park in Urbana IL. The ABS/HECU module has been confirmed to be at fault by the dealership mechanics. Presently, I am waiting to hear back from the dealership IF/WHEN the vehicle will be repaired under warranty. Thankfully the incident did not occur at highway nor interstate speed nor did I have my wife or kids in the vehicle. 2013 Elantra Purchased New.
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
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026