What Brake Light Bulb Do I Need for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra typically uses a 2357 or 1157 dual-filament bulb type for the rear brake/taillight in most North American sedan models, but the exact bulb can vary by body style (sedan vs. GT hatchback vs. coupe) and market, so it’s essential to confirm via the owner’s manual, parts catalog, or by checking the existing bulb directly. This article explains how to identify the correct bulb, the common part numbers you’ll encounter, and how to choose between standard, long-life, and LED replacement options.

Understanding the Brake Light Bulb on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra lineup (sedan, GT hatchback and coupe) uses replaceable bulbs for the rear stop lamps on most trims. These bulbs are usually dual-function: they serve as both the tail (running) light and the brighter brake light in a single unit. However, part numbers differ slightly between models and markets, and some trims may integrate turn signals differently, which can affect bulb type.

Most Common Brake Light Bulb Types for a 2013 Elantra

The following list outlines the bulb types most commonly specified for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra in North America, with notes on where they are typically used. This helps you match your vehicle configuration to the correct bulb family before you buy.

• 2357 dual-filament bulb – Very common for rear brake/tail in 2013 Elantra sedans sold in North America. Crosses to 2357LL (long life) in many brands.
• 1157 dual-filament bulb – Functionally similar to 2357 and used by some catalogs and aftermarket suppliers as an equivalent, though brightness and specs differ slightly.
• P21/5W (Europe-style naming) – Often used as the equivalent designation outside North America for a dual-filament 21/5-watt stop/tail bulb.
• LED replacement 2357/1157-equivalent – Aftermarket LED bulbs designed to plug into the same socket as 2357/1157, commonly labeled as “2357 LED” or “1157 LED.”
• Single-function bulbs (e.g., 1156/P21W) – Used in some configurations for reverse lights or turn signals, not normally for the brake light on a 2013 Elantra, but easy to confuse at the parts counter.

Overall, if you own a 2013 Elantra sedan in North America, the odds are high that a 2357 or 1157-style dual-filament bulb is correct for the stop/tail lamp, but this list shows how naming and equivalents can vary by region and catalog.

Why Bulb Type Can Vary by Model and Region

While many drivers assume all 2013 Elantras use exactly the same bulb, Hyundai sold multiple body styles and trim levels, and lighting regulations differ across regions such as the U.S., Canada, and Europe. These differences can lead to variations in bulb specifications, even within the same model year.

Body Style Differences: Sedan vs. Elantra GT vs. Coupe

The different Elantra body styles sometimes use slightly different rear lamp assemblies and therefore can call for different bulbs or socket arrangements. Understanding your body style is the first step to identifying the correct bulb.

• Elantra Sedan (4-door) – Most common in North America; rear stop/tail bulb is typically a 2357 or 1157 dual-filament bulb. The stop and tail functions share one bulb.
• Elantra GT (hatchback) – Uses a different tail lamp assembly; many parts catalogs still list a 2357/1157-equivalent dual-filament bulb for stop/tail, but there can be differences, especially if the turn signal is separated or uses amber bulbs.
• Elantra Coupe – Less common; rear lighting assemblies can differ from the sedan. Some catalogs list the same bulb families (2357/1157 or P21/5W), but verification is essential.

Because tail lamp assemblies are not interchangeable between sedan, GT, and coupe, the safest approach is to treat each body style as potentially unique and double-check the bulb specified for your exact variant.

Market and Regulation Differences

Lighting regulations and labeling conventions are not identical from one region to another, which affects the way bulbs are described and specified.

• North America (U.S./Canada) – Bulbs are often labeled with numerical designations like 2357, 1157, and 1156, and may be sold in standard, long-life, and premium versions.
• Europe and many other markets – The same bulbs are commonly referred to with ECE designations such as P21/5W for stop/tail and P21W for single-function bulbs.
• Hyundai’s own documentation – The owner’s manual may show a wattage-based spec (e.g., “21/5W”) which corresponds to a P21/5W-type bulb, even if parts stores sell an equivalent under 2357 or 1157 in North America.

This divergence in naming can create confusion; a P21/5W bulb and a 2357/1157 bulb often serve the same role, but you must always match the base and wattage to what your car’s lamp holder expects.

How to Confirm the Correct Brake Light Bulb for Your Elantra

Given the minor variations between trims and markets, it’s best not to rely solely on general advice or internet charts. The following checks will help you confirm the exact bulb type you need for your 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

1. Consult the owner’s manual – Look for the “Bulb Replacement” or “Specifications” section. The manual will list the rear combination lamp bulb type, often by wattage (e.g., “Stop/tail: 21/5W”).
2. Check the existing bulb directly – Remove the rear lamp access panel in the trunk or hatch, twist out the bulb socket, and inspect the bulb. The glass or metal base usually has the code stamped on it (e.g., “2357,” “1157,” or “P21/5W”).
3. Use a reputable online parts catalog – Enter your exact vehicle details (year, make, model, body style, and sometimes trim) on a major parts retailer or bulb manufacturer site to see the specified bulb number.
4. Cross-reference brands and part numbers – If your original bulb says 2357, you can look up equivalent part numbers across brands like Sylvania, Philips, and GE to find standard or upgraded versions.
5. Confirm with a parts counter if uncertain – Provide your VIN at a dealership or established parts store; they can look up the factory-specified bulb for your exact vehicle build.

Following these steps takes a few extra minutes but virtually eliminates the risk of buying the wrong bulb, damaging a socket, or ending up with a mismatched brightness on one side of the car.

Halogen vs. LED Replacements for the 2013 Elantra

Once you know the correct bulb type (such as 2357/1157 or P21/5W), you can choose between standard halogen-style incandescent bulbs and modern LED replacements. Each option has trade-offs in cost, brightness, lifespan, and compatibility.

Standard Halogen/Incandescent Bulbs

Conventional bulbs are what the Elantra originally used from the factory. They remain the simplest, most plug-and-play option for most owners.

• Direct OEM-style fit – No resistors or modifications required; just match the part number and install.
• Lower upfront cost – Standard bulbs are inexpensive and widely available at auto parts stores and big-box retailers.
• Predictable behavior – Brightness and response characteristics match the vehicle’s original design, minimizing the chance of hyperflash or warning messages.
• Shorter lifespan vs. LEDs – Brake/tail bulbs can still last several years, but they will eventually darken or burn out, especially with heavy city driving.

For drivers who simply want their brake lights working again with minimal fuss, an OE-equivalent 2357 or 1157-style incandescent bulb is usually the most straightforward choice.

LED Replacement Bulbs

LED bulbs marketed as “2357 LED” or “1157 LED” are designed to fit the factory socket while providing a more modern lighting experience. However, they bring both benefits and potential complications.

• Longer lifespan – Quality LED bulbs typically outlast halogen equivalents, potentially lasting the remaining life of the vehicle under normal use.
• Faster illumination – LEDs reach full brightness quicker than incandescent bulbs, which can marginally improve reaction time for the drivers behind you.
• Potential CAN-bus or bulb-out warnings – Some vehicles monitor bulb resistance; although the 2013 Elantra is generally less sensitive than high-end European models, cheap LEDs can still cause issues like flicker or error messages in certain markets/trims.
• Need for quality components – Poorly designed LEDs may be too dim, too bright, or have uneven output, and may not meet legal brightness patterns required in your region.

Owners opting for LEDs should buy from reputable brands, ensure the base and orientation match the original bulb, and verify that the light output and beam pattern are comparable to the factory design.

Brand and Part-Number Examples

Different manufacturers use their own packaging and suffixes, but most cross-reference back to the same core bulb type. The examples below illustrate how the 2013 Elantra’s stop/tail bulb is often sold under various lines.

• Sylvania – 2357 or 2357LL (Long Life) for standard incandescent; Sylvania ZEVO or similar for LED equivalents.
• Philips – 2357 for standard use; Philips Vision or LongLife EcoVision variants may be available; LED options labeled as 1157/2357 replacement.
• GE / Tungsram – GE 2357 or 1157 with heavy-duty or long-life sub-lines.
• OE/Hyundai branding – Dealer parts may be labeled primarily with Hyundai’s internal part number, but the bulb itself typically still carries an industry-standard marking such as 21/5W or similar.

Using these cross-references, you can pick a bulb that matches your preference for longevity, brightness, and cost while remaining compatible with your Elantra’s rear lamp assembly.

Installation Notes and Safety Tips

Replacing the brake light bulb on a 2013 Elantra is usually a do-it-yourself job, but it’s worth following a few key steps to avoid problems and ensure you remain visible and legal on the road.

1. Disconnect power – Turn off the ignition and lights to avoid shorts or unintentional lighting while you work.
2. Access the rear lamp – In the sedan, open the trunk, remove the interior trim panel or access cover near the lamp, and locate the bulb socket for the brake/tail light.
3. Remove the socket – Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to pull it out of the lamp housing, then gently pull the old bulb straight out.
4. Install the new bulb – Insert the new bulb, making sure the pins align properly (dual-filament bulbs have offset pins), and avoid touching the glass with bare hands if possible.
5. Test before closing up – Have someone press the brake pedal while you verify that the new bulb lights correctly and is the same intensity as the opposite side.

Performing a quick test and visual comparison right after installation can catch issues such as incorrect bulb type, poor contact, or a misaligned bulb before you reassemble the trim and drive away.

Summary

For a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, the rear brake light is typically a dual-filament bulb in the 2357/1157 or P21/5W family, especially on North American sedans, but exact specifications can vary with body style and market. The most reliable way to choose the correct bulb is to consult the owner’s manual, inspect the existing bulb markings, or use a VIN-based parts lookup. Once you know the correct type, you can select between standard incandescent and LED replacements, balancing ease of installation, cost, and longevity. By confirming the specification and following basic installation precautions, you can restore your Elantra’s brake lights quickly and ensure safe, compliant visibility on the road.

What brake light bulb for 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

SYLVANIA 2357 High Performance Red ZEVO LED Mini Bulb (Pack of 2) – 2357RLEDBP2.

What type of brake light bulb is on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

Sylvania LongLife Mini Bulb 2357LL.

Why are the brake lights not working on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra?

Elantra brake lights often fail due to blown fuses or faulty brake light switch connections. If brake lights don’t illuminate, first inspect the brake light fuse in the fuse box for any damage. Next, test the brake light switch located near the brake pedal; a faulty switch can prevent signal transmission.

Are the brake light and tail light the same bulb?

No, the tail light and brake light are not always the same bulb, but they often are on many vehicles, sharing a single dual filament bulb. The dual filament bulb has one filament for the dimmer tail light and another, brighter filament for the brake light. However, some cars have separate bulbs for each function.
 
Shared bulb (dual filament)

• How it works: One bulb serves both purposes. When your headlights or parking lights are on, the dimmer tail light filament is lit. When you press the brake pedal, the brighter brake light filament comes on as well, making the light brighter. 
• Commonality: This is a very common design on many cars, particularly older models. 
• Diagnosing a problem: If your tail light is on but your brake light is not, it’s likely that only the brighter brake light filament in the bulb has burned out. Replacing the entire dual filament bulb will fix the issue. 

Separate bulbs

• How it works: Some vehicles have a separate, dedicated bulb for the tail light and another for the brake light. 
• Commonality: This design is also common, often found in more modern vehicles. 

How to tell which your car has

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable way to find out the specific bulbs your vehicle uses. 
• Remove the bulb: Take out the bulb and inspect it. A dual filament bulb will have two wires or filaments inside, while a single filament bulb will only have one. 
• Look for a replacement online: Use the make, model, and year of your vehicle to search for parts on a parts store website (like AutoZone.com). This will show you the specific bulb(s) you need.