Hyundai Elantra problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 3,565 owner complaints and 32 recalls on file for the Hyundai Elantra (2005–2026). The 2017 Elantra has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 3,565
Recalls: 32
Model years: 22
Worst year: 2017

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Hyundai Elantra model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Hyundai Elantra years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2017 Hyundai Elantra — 614 complaints, 16 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Engine
2013 Hyundai Elantra — 543 complaints, 20 crashes, 16 fires; top problem: Brakes
2020 Hyundai Elantra — 249 complaints, 19 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Hyundai Elantra — 229 complaints, 16 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Brakes
2014 Hyundai Elantra — 219 complaints, 10 crashes, 11 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (6 complaints).

Every Hyundai Elantra model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 Elantra	2	0	0	1	1	Airbags
2025 Elantra	22	4	0	8	0	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 Elantra	54	5	0	2	1	Electrical System
2023 Elantra	98	8	0	6	2	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2022 Elantra	102	7	1	10	5	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2021 Elantra	131	8	1	3	6	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2020 Elantra	249	19	6	15	3	Engine
2019 Elantra	243	10	2	4	1	Engine
2018 Elantra	237	10	7	4	0	Engine
2017 Elantra	614	16	6	14	4	Engine
2016 Elantra	209	8	1	5	2	Engine
2015 Elantra	166	10	4	7	3	Engine
2014 Elantra	219	10	11	8	2	Engine
2013 Elantra	543	20	16	9	4	Brakes
2012 Elantra	229	16	6	16	4	Brakes
2011 Elantra	135	1	3	0	5	Steering
2010 Elantra	120	9	8	11	3	Steering
2009 Elantra	78	3	7	5	4	Steering
2008 Elantra	59	2	12	2	5	Brakes
2007 Elantra	38	1	7	1	4	Brakes
2006 Elantra	6	1	0	0	0	Body & Structure
2005 Elantra	11	0	0	0	0	Airbags

Most common Hyundai Elantra problem areas (all years)

Engine
1,148 complaints
Brakes
552 complaints
Electrical System
499 complaints
Steering
443 complaints
Body & Structure
285 complaints
Airbags
263 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
243 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
182 complaints
Lighting
180 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
137 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Hyundai Elantra received by NHTSA each month.

Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 26V307000May 14, 20263,493 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Recall 26V254000Apr 20, 20262,931 vehiclesModel years 2026
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Recall 24V879000Nov 21, 2024226,118 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 24V308000May 1, 202413,511 vehiclesModel years 2024
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 24V146000Feb 23, 2024186,588 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesModel years 2011–2015
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 23V526000Jul 27, 202352,109 vehiclesModel years 2023
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Recall 22V632000Aug 18, 2022247 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023
Risk: A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 22V354000May 19, 2022230,233 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Recall 22V218000Apr 1, 20226,240 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Recall 22V123000Mar 3, 2022140 vehiclesModel years 2022
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Recall 21V00M000Dec 28, 202126,413 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 21V796000Oct 13, 2021978 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Recall 21V302000Apr 28, 20211,464 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 21V301000Apr 28, 2021158,493 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 20V393000Jul 2, 2020272,126 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Recall 20V061000Feb 4, 2020476,111 vehiclesModel years 2007–2010
Risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Recall 19V721000Oct 9, 2019744 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V720000Oct 9, 201948 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V769000Nov 30, 2017390,467 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V213000Mar 28, 201799 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V063000Jan 26, 201733,803 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 16V956000Dec 30, 2016110 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Recall 16V574000Aug 2, 201664,500 vehiclesModel years 2013
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 16V232000Apr 21, 201633 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Other Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology