Hyundai Elantra GT Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. I brought the car back to the same dealership, where they again found the oil was 2.5 quarts low. However, this time they claimed no previous combustion cleaning or repairs had been done, and that I would now need to pay over $1,100 out of pocket for the same cleaning that was supposedly already performed — and which they had told me would be covered under warranty. This indicates that the dealership misrepresented completed service work, failed to address a recurring defect, and is now trying to shift the financial burden to me. Hyundai’s claim that oil consumption is not “high enough” to warrant coverage is concerning, especially when the condition continues to damage the engine and cause driveability issues. This appears to be part of a broader known defect affecting Hyundai 2.0L engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s handling of oil consumption, engine misfire, and warranty practices related to the 2018 Elantra GT and similar models.

It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.

when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash.

when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked outer handle the door opened. i then checked child saftey lock switch and it was not in child safety position. i checked the window power switch at driver door main control and window went down but not back up.

On 6/27/24 while starting my car in the morning an ABS failure light came on, various other system failure lights came on and have stayed on since that day including Cruise Control and Auto Hold. My car only had 33,250 miles on it! I purchased for an OBDII Reader hoping the failure was just a Wheel Speed Sensor. Unfortunately, the error code registered in the ECU was C240201 “Motor Failure” I brought in my car to a very reputable Auto repair shop, and for a $139 diagnosis fee, they confirmed that the ABS Motor / Pump had failed. The owner of the Repair Shop HAD NEVER seen a car of this age and such low milage have this failure previously. The estimate for repairs was over $2,000 as Hyundai is asking for $1300 + tax for just the part. I have read from on-line forums other Elantra GT 2018-2020 owners having the same failure and thought it should be reported.

The engine burns oil quickly which could lead to the engine blowing. I have to get more oil changes than average to the engine burning oil.

Parked car on street (facing slightly uphill) on Saturday morning, neutral weather conditions. Upon starting car several hours later, yellow warning lights were displayed for Collision Avoidance, ABS, and Stability Control. Yellow Auto Hold light was illuminated and could not be shut off. Message panel indicated that AEB system needed to be checked. Carefully operated car to attend scheduled event, seemed to operate normally on surface roads. Unable to obtain service on weekend. Ran car through car wash, made ~150 mile return trip home, found that cruise control not operational due to problem(s) with required systems. Did not attempt to disable adaptive cruise function and operate basic cruise control. OBD codes obtained upon return home were: C136 081 (History - ESP Irreversible error) C174 181 (History - ESC Vehicle safety management (VSM) unavailable (Check ESC)) C120 881 (History - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) invalid/ no signal) C120 702 (Active - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) range/ performance/ intermittent) C120 802 (History - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) invalid/ no signal) I cleared the codes, put vehicle in gear to move forward and back in driveway without immediate recurrence. Adding information here in case this happens again or affects other drivers, vehicles. No history of prior mechanical problems, no accidents. Speeds were variable, from 25 mph on surface roads to 70 mph on trip home.

When driving the car home from the store. The car started to vibrate, and no lights came on then then I got to a stop light and the car didn't want to go when i was pushing the gas pedal tried it a few times the check engine light came on and was flashing then the car went, and the engine light went off. Got back home and an hour later went to the car and the check engine light was on and it was vibrating and making a slight ticking noise. I am not sure what is going on with it. I change the sparkplugs a few months ago and get oil changes regularly never let things go past the needed time.

The engine is consuming excessive oil. The car has about 72k miles on it and I’ve owned it for almost 4 years. I called corporate Hyundai to tell them what’s going on after having multiple recalls fixed at the dealership, I was allowed to drive off the lot with no oil in my vehicle. Upon getting an appointment for the engine issue via corporate Hyundai, I was told to they would have to keep my car but have no loaner vehicles for me because they’re all out of commission for engine issues. I shortly received a call from them saying the engine isn’t covered under warranty and that they have to do a $942 cleaning and then if that doesn’t work, I need a new engine and Hyundai will do nothing to help me with this because I am not the first owner. I bought the car from a Hyundai dealership.

My vehicle has 55,000 miles, and the engine completely stalled while I was driving to the dealership to get it looked at. I had my oil change done 01/04/2024, and barely drove it since I dropped it off 01/11/2024. After weeks of waiting on any update, I was finally contacted that today, 01/26/2024, my car had no oil and this is why my engine failed. I have video evidence of the oil change, and the dealership is trying to place blame on the mechanic that has done the oil change. Upon further research, I am made aware of the class action lawsuit in CA, alleged that excess oil consumption is to blame for faulty engines.

Engine, power train, malfunction changing my speed control. No warning lights, first ticking noise from engine then knocking loud noise from engine. Noticed ticking about 4 days ago at first, today on freeway going 60-70 mph just changed to loud knocking, immediately engine warning starts to flash on dash board then speed just drops from 60-70 mph to 35 mph almost got hit by trucker and another car . Under 90 day warranty still from dealership (27 days since purchased) no license plate yet but insured and registered. Read many complaints of the same problems from numerous of people having the exact same problem. Very dangerous when vehicle stops accelerating on a steep pass on hwy with heavy traffic, this was almost an accident report to dispatch but luckily I reacted fast enough to swerve to the side before hitting the vehicle behind me and missing 18 wheeler trying to get to the right shoulder because theirs no space on left just concrete dividers! To close for comfort I can imagine what really can happen to someone that can't react as quickly as I did. Feeling like a victim their is no way they were not aware of this problem that has happened to many others when it is coming from a Chrysler dealership after reading so many complaints and reviews. I wish I would of known before hand ️ I would of not even bothered but now this is what I'm dealing with instead of feeling safe and comfortable being in a reliable, gas efficient vehicle that I just purchased for $30,000 and my jeep as a down payment not happy with dealership nor product. Who do I look to, when insurance or dealership can't protect me from situations like this it's not fair to someone that's struggling day by day paycheck to paycheck and this happens and now on waiting list until December so dealership is able to take a look at it. This should be most definitely brought to attention!!!

I have noticed over the last year or so that the engine was burning oil. This was indicated by Express Oil Change multiple times during oil changes, including today. The oil level today didn't even register on the dipstick, so it seems this is getting worse. I can get oil change records on request from the above company.

My 2018 ELANTRAGT was stolen due to Hundaes ineptitude and refusal to put in proper safety features. My car has been recovered but Hyundai does not have enough parts to supply this current crisis so my car will be in the shop for a minimum six weeks prior to being sent back to Hyundai dealership for the software upgrade that they are using as a fix. I don’t think this is enough on behalf of Hyundai. My car has lost resale value between 20 and 40%. I believe Hyundai needs to make proper compensation to me as a consumer. Additionally, my car was stolen in Oakland California at night and I. Stranded due to excessive call volume and had to go to downtown Oakland to one police plaza at night as a 60 year old widow with bad feet. I would like to see some support coming from your department as Hundaes position seems to be to make this a consumer issue that we are all financially responsible for.