2013 Hyundai Elantra Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 12% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 36,711 miles. The words owners use most often: “brakes failed” (6% of reports).
- 164service brakes complaints
- 36,711median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 10 of 164 complaints (6%)
- Brake fluid: mentioned in 9 of 164 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 88 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 164 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 8 an injury.
Hyundai Elantra service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 2 | 9% | 4,000 |
| 2024 Elantra | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Elantra | 9 | 9% | 11,950 |
| 2022 Elantra | 7 | 7% | — |
| 2021 Elantra | 8 | 6% | 26,150 |
| 2020 Elantra | 13 | 5% | 26,000 |
| 2019 Elantra | 5 | 2% | 8,111 |
| 2018 Elantra | 15 | 5% | 22,550 |
| 2017 Elantra | 44 | 6% | 22,000 |
| 2016 Elantra | 15 | 5% | 19,800 |
| 2015 Elantra | 29 | 11% | 37,000 |
| 2014 Elantra | 41 | 11% | 49,000 |
| 2013 Elantra | 164 | 12% | 36,711 |
| 2012 Elantra | 60 | 9% | 52,380 |
| 2011 Elantra | 28 | 6% | 72,000 |
| 2010 Elantra | 27 | 7% | 77,361 |
| 2009 Elantra | 18 | 7% | 46,543 |
| 2008 Elantra | 32 | 10% | 84,000 |
| 2007 Elantra | 26 | 10% | 99,300 |
| 2006 Elantra | 23 | 15% | 95,444 |
| 2005 Elantra | 2 | 1% | 81,800 |
| 2004 Elantra | 2 | 1% | 68,000 |
| 2003 Elantra | 6 | 3% | 116,500 |
| 2002 Elantra | 1 | 0% | 165,000 |
| 2001 Elantra | 5 | 2% | 125,000 |
| 2000 Elantra | 1 | 1% | 12,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outside
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes arenât properly working. Matt bowers Hyundai in Slidell has confirmed it is…
My brake lights are not functioning. The fuses and bulbs are good and others have had this same issue occurring
[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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2013 Hyundai Elantras have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints about service brakes for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra (12% of the 1,314 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra service brakes?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes problems start?
The median reported mileage is 36,711 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes failed”, in 10 of 164 complaints, followed by “brake fluid” (9).
Other 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
- Steering problems (271)
- Engine problems (233)
- Air Bags problems (168)
- Electrical System problems (155)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (116)
- Suspension problems (99)
- Wheels problems (75)
- Exterior Lighting problems (72)
See all 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems or service brakes problems across all Elantra years.