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2013 Hyundai Elantra body problems

51 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,315. 13 crashes reported.

owner complaints
51
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
33,315
crashes
13
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Body
    46
  • Body: door
    2
  • Body: trunk lid
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Elantra body problems in other years

19921995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra body

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sunroof shattered 25

Related recalls

StructureReported April 1, 2013 · 186,250 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 13V115000 · Recall details

What 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Body · 110,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it was locking up. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under a recall. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, and it was determined that the wax coating was sprayed over rust. The contact was a photographer and took photos of the findings. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Body · PA

Front (engine) subframe rusted out in 2026 after recall work was completed in 2023 for the known issue. Here is the service campaign information: "Service Campaign 984 2011-2016MY ELANTRA (MD/UD) UNDERBODY CORROSION PREVENTATIVE SERVICE"

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Body · FL

I am reporting a significant paint delamination issue on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra in Sparkling White. The paint has been peeling, bubbling, and chipping particularly on the roof, trunk, and hood, exposing the primer and bare metal underneath. This is not due to wear, environmental exposure, or physical damage. It appears to be a factory defect related to improper paint or primer application. This issue is widespread among Hyundai owners of the same year and color, and several technical service bulletins have already been issued for similar paint problems (such as TSB 19-BD-005H). However, Hyundai has refused to repair my vehicle, citing the expired warranty, despite clear evidence of a manufacturing defect. The exposed metal poses a rust and corrosion risk, which could compromise vehicle safety and structural integrity over time. I believe this should be investigated as a potential quality and safety concern and request the federal safety agency to look into this recurring defect.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Body, Engine · CA · fire

I took my car into Hyundai due to the recall sent out to car owners. I had my ABS and Brake light that went on randomly around September. I scheduled an appointment and took it in to get it checked. Hyundai sent me away stating there were no parts to fix the issue and told me to pay for a diagnostic if I needed it looked at and to wait until the recall is remedied. Two months later my car exploded and caught fire while parked on my property putting my life and home at risk. As well as my neighbors lives who came in to help me Put out the fire.

Filed Apr 18, 2024 · Body, Electrical · AZ · fire

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.

Filed May 26, 2023 · Body · NY

Found this vehicle on sale at a area dealership where they are charging $499.99 for a recall that should be done for free per the recall Service Campaign 984 2011-2016MY ELANTRA (MD/UD) UNDERBODY CORROSION PREVENTATIVE SERVICE. I wanted to bring this to someone's attention as in my opinion this is ripping off a potential unaware buyer. This vehicle is only 10 years and would or should still be covered under the recall. Link below shows the ad with the additional undercoating https://www.dellacars.com/used-Plattsburgh-2013-Hyundai-Elantra-4dr+Sdn+Auto+GLS+PZEV-5NPDH4AE5DH451784 Sales: 518‑217‑5912 Dealership: DELLA Kia Located: Plattsburgh, NY

Filed Jun 7, 2022 · Body, Electrical · MI

In July 2015 with 25k miles, the interior of the vehicle was leaking water from the sun visor as well as under the glove box. When I made a left turn I could hear water swishing from one side to the other, then saw water coming out from under the glove box area. Water also dripped from the drivers sun visor. I took it to the dealer in Troy MI and they blamed me for having dirty drain holes in the sun roof as well as having a wind deflector on the sun roof which caused dirt to build up and clog the drain holes. The sun roof and wind deflector were factory installed as I bought the vehicle brand new in 2013. The dealer did not remove the headliner to see if any mold was visible. They used an air compressor to clean out the clogged drain holes and charged me for the service even though the vehicle was still under warranty (dealer said it was not covered under warranty). I am not aware of the issue happening again, or if it did happen it wasn't enough water for me to notice. I however have and do smell mold in my vehicle daily. Today, June 7, 2022, with 116k miles, after leaving my car parked outside overnight with heavy rain I again experienced water build up inside the car. I saw water coming out from under the glove box and heard it swishing around. I called the dealer in Troy MI and was told they cannot service my vehicle, it is a 4 month wait for diagnosis. I called a second dealer in Macomb MI and was told the vehicle could not be looked at until August and all expenses would be my responsibility. The service tech stated the car would need to be torn apart (dash, door, headliner, etc) to find where the water was coming from. A dealer in Southfield MI would be able to service the vehicle two days from now, I'm suppose to drive two days with water swishing around? What electrical safety issues are at hand here? It seems as though HYUNDAI has a defect in the design or part(s) which is causing this issue. I am also concerned with mold growth from back in 2015.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Body · MA

My paint is coming off in pieces on the hood. It starting doing this at 97,800 miles.

Filed Mar 2, 2022 · Body, Visibility · FL

I have an issue with my paint peeling off the hood and other parts of my car in large sections during rain and high winds adhering to the windshield hindering my field of vision at times. This has forced me to stop the vehicle on the roadside and remove it in order for me to continue. The paint peeling on the pearl white vehicles is a known issue since 2010. I've contacted the manufacturer numerous times over the past two years and they basically told me that they already knew about it and oh well. There's nothing they're going to do because the warranty has expired.

Filed Nov 23, 2020 · Body, Brakes · 139,285 miles · NY · crash

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.

Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra body

Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have body problems?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the body of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Elantra body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,315 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra body?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V115000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Elantra have the most body problems?

The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most body complaints are 2017 (134 complaints), 2013 (51 complaints) and 2003 (32 complaints).

Other 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems

Brakes 285Steering 272Engine 235Airbags 168Electrical 155Suspension 99Wheels 76Lights 72Driver assistance 60Transmission 57Tires 55Acceleration 50Visibility 43Fuel system 32Seat belts 17Seats 4Locks 2

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