Avoid: 2017, 2013, 2012 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2006 · Best recent: 2018
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 31 model years, the Hyundai Elantra has 14,129 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 111 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering. 2013 drew the most complaints (2,622), 1998 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (60).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,966–$20,299.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2023 | 166 |
| 2022 | 158 |
| 2021 | 161 |
| 2020 | 441 |
| 2019 | 445 |
| 2018 | 332 |
| 2017 | 1,501 |
| 2016 | 559 |
| 2015 | 510 |
| 2014 | 761 |
| 2013 | 2,622 |
| 2012 | 1,329 |
| 2011 | 915 |
| 2010 | 908 |
| 2009 | 570 |
| 2008 | 315 |
| 2007 | 267 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2002 | 349 |
| 2001 | 330 |
| 2000 | 212 |
| 1999 | 148 |
| 1998 | 60 |
| 1997 | 155 |
| 1996 | 109 |
Highest: 2013 (2,622 complaints). Lowest: 1998 (60).
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). Linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., Theta II), though not all Elantra engines are covered by related recalls.
A wide array of intermittent problems including: complete instrument cluster failure (gauges dropping to zero), loss of power steering, random warning lights (check engine, traction control, ABS, brake system), failure of driver-assist features (lane keep assist, smart cruise), malfunctioning backup cameras, and erratic behavior from automatic headlights and engine start-stop systems. Often heat-related or occurring at specific speeds (e.g., above 75 mph/121 km/h).
Burning oil, particularly noted in models with over 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Leads to catalytic converter damage and is a precursor to engine failure.
Paint/coating on interior buttons and door handles rubbing off, cheap plastic trim pieces breaking easily (e.g., bumper lips, windshield cowls), and easily scratched surfaces.
Hard shifting, delayed engagement from Park to Drive, failure to engage gear, and speed sensor codes, primarily noted in 2016 models with automatic transmissions.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra. Individual model years are broken down above.
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