DecodedCars2013 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited, 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls, Coupe 2dr Gls/Se, GT 5dr Gl/Gls/Se
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 168.9–178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,723–2,855 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,110 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 135 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,789 lb (4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 26% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2013
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Engine–1.8L 4-cyl
Engine–1.8L
Trims
GLS/GLS Preferred/ Limited/Limited Tech GS/SE/SE TechBase/Style/Tech/Touch & GoGLS(Middle grade)
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,789 lb | 62/38 |
| 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,723 lb | 62/38 |
| Coupe 2dr Gls/Se | 178.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,782 lb | 61/39 |
| GT 5dr Gl/Gls/Se | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,855 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +26% | $2,100 | 284 |
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +26% | $2,100 | 284 |
| Elantra Blue | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +26% | $2,100 | 285 |
| Elantra Coupe | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +26% | $2,100 | 285 |
| Elantra Coupe | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +23% | $2,150 | 294 |
| Elantra GT | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 30 | +19% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Elantra GT | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +19% | $2,250 | 301 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- 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 · Nov 30, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V769000 · 390,467 vehicles
- 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.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Aug 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V574000 · 64,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
- 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 with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.
Structure · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V115000 · 186,250 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
- Risk
- If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Not every 2013 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
1,110Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
65Involved a crash
24Involved a fire
40Injuries reported
56,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Steering — 223 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 221 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 152 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →