2018 Hyundai Elantra GT engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

28 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, 72% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 56,000 mi.

Engine complaints
28
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
56,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine28

Engine complaints across Hyundai Elantra GT years

1201372014120155201620201728201810201952020
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k60k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Filed Jul 2, 2025TXEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11670888 · source
  10. Filed Dec 23, 2024106,112 miNVEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11632165 · source
  11. Filed Feb 27, 2024NVEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11574238 · source
  12. Filed Jan 26, 2024NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11568126 · source

Other 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problem areas

  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Other / Unknown (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
  • Electrical System (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Brakes (1)
  • Steering (1)

Back to all 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems →

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology