2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Median mileage
- 32,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 28 of 39 complaints (72%).
- Transmission & Drivetrain (5) and driver assistance & safety tech (5) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 32,000 mi.
- Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
- The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT has 1 recall on file.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 8 Hyundai Elantra GT model years we track.
- That is 63% more complaints than the 2017 model year (24).
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems by category
- 28 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain5 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech5 complaints
- Electrical System3 complaints
- Wheels & Tires2 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion2 complaints
- Steering1 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control1 complaints
- Brakes1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 28 |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
| Power train | 4 |
| Electrical system | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance: warnings | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 |
| Lane departure: blind spot detection | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT recalls (1)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
Risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.
Recent 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 1, 2026CAEngine
My 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L Nu GDI engine) has completely shut off while driving on three separate occasions: approximately June 2, 2026 (first occurrence), June 23, 2026, and September 14, 2026. The stalls happened on the highway at highway speed, while pulling into a parking spot, and on a public road at a stoplight. Immediately before each stall, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, then the engine died without further warning, causing sudden loss of power…
NHTSA complaint #11768301 · source - Filed Sep 14, 2026MAEngine
I am seeking legal assistance regarding an engine failure in my Hyundai and Hyundai’s refusal to cover the replacement. I purchased the vehicle from a used-car dealership in Walpole, Massachusetts, on April 22, 2024. At the time of purchase, I was not informed that the vehicle had a known engine issue that had been the subject of prior recalls, notices, claims, and a class-action lawsuit. When I contacted Hyundai, I was told that the notices regarding the issue had stopped…
NHTSA complaint #11764027 · source - Filed Apr 13, 2026NVEngineOther / Unknown
The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request, including the engine and catalytic converter components. The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of engine damage or sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss…
NHTSA complaint #11730804 · source - Filed Jan 16, 2026PREngine
Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11711527 · source - Filed Jan 14, 2026COEngine
I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was actually not notified to begin with. I'm the 2nd owner of the car so if I was…
NHTSA complaint #11711029 · source - Filed Jan 13, 2026AZEngine
I purchased the car on April 7th, 2022 with roughly 115k miles on it and got a blinking CEL shortly after. The engine was listed as a recall and was swapped with 115,610 miles on it directly after the swap. During this, the Hyundai dealership representative called Hyundai's engineer department twice, trying to get this taken care of by Hyundai/paid for by them and they denied it twice, causing me to have to pay half of what the company I got the car from covered. I was told…
NHTSA complaint #11710651 · source - Filed Oct 30, 2025VTEngine
Car was being driven home when car started shaking heavily and check engine light started flashing. Car had been needing 1qt of oil every 600-800 miles, depending on drive (highway would go longer). Pulled off to the side and plugged in code reader - found that cylinder 3 misfired and catalyst system below threshold. Was able to get the car home. Towed it to Hyundai dealership the following week once they were available and they found a bad cylinder head and leaking…
NHTSA complaint #11696512 · source - Filed Jul 29, 2025TNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11677085 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology