Hyundai Elantra Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Hyundai Elantra options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Hyundai Elantra you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai Elantra has 1,883 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Elantra
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,883
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 107
- Fire-related complaints
- 24
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (756 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (17 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Hyundai Elantra: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 1,883 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 107 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,883 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 26 federal recall campaigns
- 107 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
26 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,883 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
1,883 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the tachometer, the odometer, and the power steering became inoperable, nearly causing the contact to drive off the road. Additionally, the turn signal lights were not functioning. All the warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure after a 100-mile test drive and returned the vehicle unrepaired. The failure persisted, requiring an AAA tow back to the dealer, who again failed to duplicate the failure during a 3-mile test drive. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the diagnostic trouble codes needed to be reset with a vehicle scanner. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving, check engine light illuminated, with a loss of power when accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power train failure and received diagnostic code P040100. The vehicle was repaired; however, the issue persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer multiple times but still continued The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
While driving on the freeway heard a loud boom and realized that the moonroof on the car had shattered.
The vehicle horns worked intermittently during the first year, but don't work at all now. When the alarm operates, the lights will flash, but there is no sound from the horns. Based on feedback from owners' forums, there is an issue with the horn relay surface-mounted to the underhood fuse panel. This requires replacement of the fuse panel. Not having an operational horn is a safety issue for other motorists and me, as well as wildlife.
The vehicle experienced significant vibration at highway speeds and during braking within the first 6 months of ownership. The issue was confirmed by a dealership, and the rotors were resurfaced as a corrective action. The problem has now returned, and the rear brakes have worn down to metal-on-metal at approximately 35,000 miles. The rear brake pads are also unevenly worn, while the front brake pads remain in good condition. Multiple service representatives have stated they cannot explain this level of uneven rear brake wear. The brake defect causes strong vibration that impacts steering control and vehicle stability, especially at highway speeds and while slowing down. This creates a safety concern due to reduced braking performance and loss of consistent vehicle control. The issue has been confirmed by dealerships, but the root cause has not been identified or properly resolved. No warning lights or alerts were provided prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive due to the condition of the brakes.
ON FEBUARY 8 TH 2026 WAS DRIVEING ON HIGHWAY AT 65MPH SPEED AND CAR SUDENLY WAS DROPPING SPEED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED KEPT ON DROPPING SO I PULLED OVER THE CLOSET PLACE WAS SCARY IF IT HAD STALLED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY COULD HAVE BEEN IN MAJOR ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN INJURES OR KILLED LUCKLY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AT LOWER SPEED STALLING AT GAS STATION CALLED FOR HELP HUNDAI NEW CAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2024 WAS PROMISED TOWING WILL COME 2 HOUR WENT BUY AND NOW TOW TRUCK AND CALLED AGAIN ONLY TO FIND OUT NO TOW TRUCKS ARE AVAILABLE I WAS TOLD TOA RRANGE MY OWN TOW TRUCK TO GET REINBURSTMENT 2 HOUR LATER IN SEVERE COLD IT HAS BEEN OVER 10 DAYS AND DEALER HAS NOT DIAGONISED IT SAID THEY ARE BACKED UP I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION UPON GOOGLING FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND SOME HAD REPEATED PROBLEM AFTER SERVICED I BELIVE IF YOU CAN HELP HOPE IT IS NOT A LEMON CAR I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY SON FOR SAFTEY FEATURES ONLY TO KNOW THIS IS MORE PROBLEM NPOT SATIFIED WITH CAR OR SERVICE ATTENTION GIVEN TO ME ALL I GOT IS RUN AROUND AND NO ANSWER AND NO CAR AND NO LOANER CAR THANK YOU VERY MUCH
My Elantra has 25000 miles and has had issues with an inoperative horn. It appears that the horn pad switch/clockspring has an intermittent contact issue. It has progressed to the point where the horn is inoperative now. My vehicle is under factory warranty, so I will need to return the vehicle to the dealership to correct this problem. My goal is to leave a record of the failure of this critical safety device.
This happens frequently and has probably happened at least 6 or 7 times since I purchased the car last month. Digital warning alert appears on dash for no reason saying “Consider Taking a Break” even though i consistently keep my car in my lane. The warning is both distracting and annoying, and there is no way on this vehicle to turn it off.
I randomly get warning lights that my camera is disabled for Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision warning, Lane Assist Warning. Each warning message I get comes one after the other stating CAMERA disabled. After a few minutes of driving, all the orange lights disappear and it seems to reset itself to normal. This has happened on three random occassions. I took it immediately to Hyundai of Bay Ridge but they said they were not able to duplicate the problem. I also mentioned to them that my dashboard and Infotainment system constantly dims then brightens for no reason whatsoever. Sometimes, it dims for two seconds, then goes bright again, sometimes it dims for much longer. This happens everyday and it doesnt matter if it is a bright sunny afternoon or an early morning. It constantly dims then brightens. The dealer keeps saying they can't find anything wrong because diagnostics shows everything is ok with their computer. I feel like they are simply sweeping this under the rug because it is a leased vehicle and I am concerned for my safety should I suddenly lose power.
The vehicle has less than 2,000 miles on it being a 2024 model (hybrid limited) and on more than 2 occasions without warning the car will be dead while parked. No accessories left plugged in to cause drainage, no warning from the MyHyundai bluelink app, and the dealers are completely clueless. The vehicle gets driven every day, and in order to "fix" the issue temporarily, i have to unlock the car manually using the physical key, and press the 12V reset button. That wont last long before the backup battery dies too.
The Gas pedal, would not work as I was trying to accelerate when going from the ramp onto the freeway. The pedal had no pump in it, it just went all the way down as I was trying to press and the car started slowing down. I had to pull over on the side of the freeway and restart the car for the pedal to start working again. I came to the dealership the next day on 12/5/25, at around 5:45pm in which I was scheduled to come back at 8am on 12/6/25. My safety was at risk, because the car lost pedal power for me to pickup speed as I merged onto the freeway. I brought it in for inspection, at the dealership I purchased it from. There were not any signals or displays that came on during the incident.
When I am using cruise control, my car will just randomly slam on its breaks. I have taken my car into the dealer multiple times, and they have written it off everytime. They have said it’s “direct sunlight” yet I can prove it’s not happening in the sunlight. It happened again today when it was cloudy. It’s also happened before the sun came up in the morning. I have even filed a case with Hyundai directly, and they said if they can’t get it to mimic it, then they can’t do anything about it. But it’s so random, sometimes it happens 50 miles from home, other times it’s 300 miles from home. Always willing to let anyone inspect my vehicle to help solve this issue. I’ve been taking it to my dealer for a full year until I found out I needed to come put it here. It’s random, it won’t happen in the same spot twice. But every time it’s done it, there is never a vehicle in front of me. My assumption is there is a defect with the adaptive cruise control. I’ve talked with Hyundai and they claim they’ve never heard of this happening to anyone, yet when I google it, there are MULTIPLE forums with people stating this exact thing is happening to them. SAFETY issue is it slams on the brakes so hard I’ll go from 80 to 65 before I can get the cruise control off. If someone is behind me when it does this, they will slam into me.when I’m dropping 15 mph quickly, that vehicle behind me will hit me like I’m a stopped object. No warning lights before it happens. This has been happening since I bought my vehicle at 0moled to now where I have 34k miles
hat component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Amplifier How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The amp controls the noises for blind spot sensors, rear cross traffic alerts and all the sound in the vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected by the dealership at Germain Hyundai of Columbus and is currently being repaired. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The sound just went out without warning.
Horn is not working. After I hit 10k miles it suddenly no longer has worked, I am currently at 34250k miles and received a recall letter from hyundai themselves in case of any issues with the car but I don't have the paper. I went to dealer one time to give it a look but they were not working with me and treated me disrespectful so I gave up and been driving with no horn in car.
All of the electric warning lights turn on and the power steering goes out while I am driving.
Partner was traveling at or under the posted speed limit, when the front passenger tire "blew." He lost control of the vehicle and was thrown into a home. Car is a total loss. The home is damaged, and he suffered injuries. There were no warning lights or alarms. This was a certified pre-owned, purchased 2 months prior. Milage was at 17737 when the incident occurred, 16242 at purchase. The same tire was reported as being replaced due to a flat by the dealership, before my purchase. The incident is under investigation by the insurance company. Contacted the dealer, they said that "tires blow" at any time, new or used. Instructed us to report it to Hyundai; the insurance company did that, and Hyundai stated there is no known issue with the vehicle. Tire make is Kumho brand, solus TA3 to the best of my knowledge. A police report was filed, and it was deemed related to a malfunction; the driver was not cited. Speed, drugs, and alcohol were not a contributing factor.
2024 Hyundai Elantra horn failed, and has to be replaced at under 20,000 miles. Safety of myself and occupants was put at risk when another oncoming vehicle was not paying attention and veered in my lane going 75 mph and my horn would not work to call their attention back to the road. No warning light was on or notified me. The dealer confirmed and claimed it was a recall because they keep going out for a lot of people… but there’s no recall listed online. Extremely unsafe, and vehicle will not pass inspection without horn.
The mounted brake light went out 3 days after my purchase. It worked again after i turned the off the car and turned it back on. However, this kept happening that past two years. I noticed it has to do something with the wiring. It is a dangerous issue and will be sending it to the dealership. This keeps happening while i am driving the car.
The horn on my Hyundai Elantra stopped working twice in 2025. My recent visit to the dealership on 10/9/25 resulted in finding out the assembly is taking on water causing a shortcut. This is a reoccurring problem, the attendant told me. He tried to assure me repairs will be covered under my 5 year warranty. That doesn’t reassure me of anything because a nonfunctional horn is a safety issue and should result in a recall. Please let me know what you are going to make this defect go away.
The car flashes the warning on screen "consider taking a break" while turning down the radio for no reason. This calls your attention away from driving causing an unsafe condition
Showing 20 of 1,883 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Hyundai Elantra
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai Elantra has 1,883 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai Elantra has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 107 of the Hyundai Elantra's 1,883 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai Elantra vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Hyundai Elantra vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai Elantra has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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📍 Check a Hyundai Elantra by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Hyundai Elantra.