69 complaints reported

2013 Hyundai Elantra Brakes

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
69
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Aug 2025

Under carriage steel brake line rust through at support bracket and causing a loss of brake fluid and risk of stopping condition that raise a concern of an accident and protentional risk of injury to the owner/operator and other drivers on the road. This rust condition and due to road salt condition in state that use road salt and Hyundai clearly lacks undercoating protection. This issue has been seen by other 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT owner and been clearly documented in Hyundai discussion forums. The brake light did come on and I drive it to the first repair shop to fix the issue by replacing the rusted brake line. The repair shop noted the lack of manufactures undercoating of this product cause numerous rusting concern on the under carriage of this vehicle include steel brake line, steel Fuel line and steel Evp emission lines along with safety concern associated with each issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
May 2025

Brake failure. Corroded brake lines. There is a recall in Canada for this model year for the same exact issue [XXX] ). Why did NHTSA not force a recall for the same issue at least in cold-weather states? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
Jan 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake hydraulic system failed due to a rusted and leaking brake line running from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The damaged brake line is still on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The brake line leak caused the brake pedal to go to the floor, significantly reducing or eliminating braking ability. This created a high risk of being unable to stop the vehicle, which could lead to a collision and put myself, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in danger. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center (Busse Automotive) during a brake system evaluation. They traced the brake fluid leak to a rusted brake line section that needs replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The only inspection so far has been by the independent repair shop. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not that I know of.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2025
Dec 2024

This complaint is made regarding Hyundai recall 251 concerning the ABS module. I am the original owner of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra automobile. As of 12 March 2024, Hyundai Motor America has not been responsive to my inquiries when a remedy will be available. I have made numerous inquiries to the Hyundai dealer where I purchased the car, and to Hyundai Motors America. I have been forced to park the vehicle outside of my garage though a Colorado winter for fear of a fire caused by the ABS module malfunction. Hyundai's lack of action is aggravating for the extra wintertime vehicle maintenance this has caused. More importantly, I am reluctant to park this vehicle near other parked cars and buildings, and, taking the recall warning seriously, I am also unable to park the vehicle in public areas such as underground parking garages.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2024

Hyundai recall 251 happened in Sept. 2023 and a remedy was not made available until summer 2024. This was a "park outside due to fire risk" recall and a completely unacceptable amount of time to put families in danger. Fast forward to when the remedy was available. I went to my dealer, ALM Hyundai West, who completed the recall. A week later I checked the Hyundai website and the recall was not marked complete. ALM told me I needed to come back in so they could confirm it was done correctly and take pictures. I wasn't happy but I went back and they took their pictures. That was a month ago. My recall is STILL not marked as complete and ALM is so disorganized, I am not sure if my car was actually fixed at this point.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2024
Jul 2024

Recall 251 not fixed or handled within a “reasonable time”. It’s been two months. I work at an airport and cannot “park away from structures”. I also have called dealer and maker repeatedly stating I don’t feel safe driving car that could catch fire parked or driving, with zero customer service solutions or concern for my safety.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Jun 2024

I (finally) received a letter with instructions for what to do to make an appointment to get my car fixed so it doesn't catch on fire per Recall 251, but I was unable to do so. I followed the instructions exactly. When I go to the website [XXX] and enter my VIN number, the recall appears. But then when I try to schedule an appointment, that recall does not appear as an option to create the appointment for. They did not test this system at all, and they did not list any other ways to make the appointment in the letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2024

Hyundai is taking too long to remedy a known problem: NHTSA Recall # 23V-651 000, Hyundai Recall # 251

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
May 2024

My vehicle has been affected by Hyundai Recall #251. Hyundai sent mixed messages in the recall saying park the car while also saying the car is safe to drive. My brakes have began locking up, pulsing and vibrating at stops, and declined power braking. Recently, the warning lights are flicking on and off and occasionally I think I smell it burning. I immediately shut the car off. This recall was announced in Nov 2023. It is May 2023 and there is still no remedy. It is not safe for me to drive my car. I owe payments for a vehicle I cannot use and I rely on that vehicle to get to work to pay for the car. Hyundai needs to offer a real solution to the issue of leaking brake fluid and the fuse issues.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

It has been 7 months since this recall NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 and Hyundai has still not implemented a remedy I just checked their website and there has been no filter information given since the fire hazard warning. It makes me very uncomfortable knowing my car could catch fire at any time. 7 months is a long time to wait for a remedy

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Mar 2024

The manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this problem NHTSA Recall Number 23V-651 (Hyundai Recall Number 251). I received the recall notice in September of 2023 and it is now March 2024. The manufacturer has been non-responsive when I have attempted to have questions answered or a timeline provided. I would like NHTSA to force a response or provide me with an alternative method of being reimbursed for this issue since the manufacturer does not appear interested in fixing it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Feb 2024

No incident yet! Having to park my car outside because of this recall in the rain. Always have parked in my garage. I want to know when this is going to be resolved. It’s taking too long!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2024
Feb 2024

Hyundai's recall on the ABS module is unrealistic. The instructions advise to park the car away form any buildings/structures and not to drive it. It's been months since this recall was initiated and they still don't have a solution?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2024

Hyundai issued a recall related to brake fluid leaking onto an ABS module back on September 22, 2023 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V651000). To this date, Hyundai has not offered a solution and the leaking is causing the brakes to not engage as they should. (I'm having to fill the brake fluid on a daily basis). In addition to the inconvenience, it adds an unnecessary expense of purchasing brake fluid. It seems that the issue is causing additional brake system issues and that the leaking is getting worse. (I pay for a car and expect it to work correctly. If there is a problem - which happens - the expectation is that the issue is resolved within a reasonable timeframe. 4 plus months for a braking issue IS NOT reasonable). The vehicle will not pass inspection until this issue is resolved. I am requesting that either Hyundai resolves the issue or offers reimbursement if we need to get the issue fixed ourselves. Thank you for your time!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

I received a recall for my Hyundai Elantra in November 2023 that still doesn't have a remedy. The recall recommends I park my car "outside and away from structures" because it is at risk of engine fire when driving or parked. I have been diligent in this recommendation as I don't want to cause possible harm to others. This has resulted in my car being parked outside (even when I have the option to park inside) and winter weather has caused issues with starting my car as well as maintaining it because of the increased exposure to the elements. I just called Hyundai this week and I continue to be told that there is no remedy at this time. So, I am reaching out to you for help because I'm not sure what is considered a "reasonable time" for a remedy to be produced but I hope that after 3 months there should be some solution to address the safety of myself and others.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2024

I received the recall notice, with note to park outside the garage due to fire risk, more than two months ago. [XXX] ) The remedy is still not available. Parking outside is a major inconvenience as there isn't enough parking where I live and going anywhere after 6pm means there isn't parking on return. Not to mention the fire risk every moment the car is waiting for the remedy. Appreciate anything that can be done to put a fire under Hyundai's [XXX] to get this remedy available. I've been ready to bring the car in for the fix since receiving the notice before Thanksgiving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2024

I'm very concerned about a safety recalled that has not yet been addressed by Hyundai. Recall Campaign #251; NHTSA Recall #23V651000. I received notice of the safety issue, but the remedy is not yet available. I don't feel safe with the possibility of a fire until this issue is addressed. How long are vehicle owners expected to wait for a remedy?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

This recall was put into place September 2022, 4 months ago. Nothing has failed yet, but my ABS warning has come up multiple times while driving. I'm not sure if this indicator means the issue is getting worse or not. I got an oil change a few days ago and they stated that my brake fluid was low.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

Next week will be 4 months since Hyundai issued a recall on some Elantras, recall #251 (09/22/23). As of today, the fix is not yet available. For a serious safety issue (risk of engine compartment fire), this is totally unacceptable. When there was a recall for airbags on my 2009 Honda CRV several years ago, Honda kept the vehicle and paid for a rental car for about 6 weeks. Shouldn't Hyundai be forced by the NHTSA to do the same? What is my recourse?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.OWNERS CAN CONTINUE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES; HOWEVER, HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS PARKING THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURE UNTIL THE RECALL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE AND COMPLETED. There is no remedy available yet. This needs to be addressed yesterday!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

I’m filing a complaint about the vehicle recall on my car for the anti brake lock system (recall notice NHTSA 23V651000) I have been waiting for a solution for almost 6 months without any remedy. It is inappropriate the current remedy is to park my car away from buildings in case of fire. How is one supposed to do that when you keep your car at your house and place of work?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Jun 2023

Event: Catastrophic brake failure whilst driving due to total corrosion of brake lines. Cause: Stainless steel rear brake lines on undercarriage of vehicle do not have any form of coating, nor anti-corrosive protection. Detailed description of problem, including photographic evidence: The stainless steel brake lines run externally along the vehicle undercarriage, from the master cylinder to the rear wheels (Exhibit A). The plastic cover, which has pre-drilled holes in it, hides these lines from view (Exhibit B) and is held in place by a series of push clips. These push clips are directly attached to small plastic straps which act as guide channel to keep the brake lines in place (Exhibit C). Ground water is able to splash from under vehicle inside the plastic cover, and then the water sits in the wells created by the straps (Exhibit D) which allows water to puddle along the brake lines and has allowed the brake line to corrode right through and brake fluid leaks right out (Exhibit E). Fortunately my wife was driving in the direction of, and in close proximity to, our home at the time of brake failure and was able to return the vehicle to the driveway prior to an accident occurring. The Country of Canada has already issued a recall for this precise issue in March of 2023 (Transport Canada Recall # 2023-125) Source: [XXX] I was not aware of this issue until the time of the incident because I would have chosen to address this myself earlier being that this would almost certainly lead to a dangerous situation I now have a vehicle which is unsafe to operate. I will need to have this vehicle towed in order to have it repaired. I currently have no way of being reimbursed for either the transportation of the vehicle to a service center, nor the repair costs themselves; even though this issue has been documented as a known issue in another country for the past six months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
May 2023

Dealer advised of corroded brake lines needing replacement at $1400-1500. Vehicle just had a recall for underbody protection. This model has been recalled in Canada: https://www.collisionrepairmag.com/cracks-in-the-line-hyundai-recalls-nearly-300000-vehicles-for-corroded-brake-lines/?utm_source=pocket_saves

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2023
Sep 2022

The brake light switch had to be replaced again. The brakes light was staying on while driving and barked. The same item was on a recall about 4 to 5 years ago. The part is still failing.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2022
Jul 2021

I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE VEHICLE TO STOP COMPLETELY, VERY SCARY AND NERVOUS. I HAD THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, NOW THEY SAY IT IS THE ABS. THE VEHICLE HAS JUST PASSED 100K MILES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAS BEEN MFG BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE ,MODEL AND 2013. I WANT HYUNDAI TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS.. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP.. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2021

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 69 Brakes complaints on file. 7 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.