2018 Hyundai Elantra problems, complaints & recalls

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

Owners have filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 237
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 10
Fires: 7
Injuries: 4
Median mileage: 52,500 mi

Key facts

Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 131 of 237 complaints (55%).
Electrical System (37) and transmission & drivetrain (21) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 52,500 mi.
Owners reported 10 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries.
It ranks 6th of 22 Hyundai Elantra model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 61% fewer complaints than the 2017 model year (614).

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	128
Unknown or other	46
Electrical system	35
Power train	21
Fuel/propulsion system	15
Structure:body	14
Exterior lighting	12
Steering	12

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Hyundai Elantra complaints that list mileage.

2018 Hyundai Elantra recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover
2018 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆

Recent 2018 Hyundai Elantra complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Oct 1, 2026SCEngine
While driving the engine light came off and car shut down instantly. I see there is issues with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra but I’m coming ot if picket. $7678.50 I purchased the vehicle I. ZMay and purchased a standard warranty that covers $2500 per repair. I have a 30/3 Tucson and love that vehicle! This one! Not so much!!!! I owe $11,000 and need a $7600 engine.
NHTSA complaint #11768382 · source
Filed Sep 19, 2026VASteering
Steering keeps locking up steering wheel light light and other lights in my dashboard came on which caused my back camera to stop working took it to dealership got a diagnosis it appeared nothing was wrong which they calibrated it and fixed the problem for a month and it started back to the same problem again called the dealership to see why was this issue happening again I was told I would have to have it diagnosed again because it’s been 30 days which I think it’s crazy…
NHTSA complaint #11765538 · source
Filed Aug 24, 2026FLEngine
After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. The oil has just been changed less than 2 months ago. Now the engine is seized.
NHTSA complaint #11759098 · source
Filed Aug 3, 2026NCAirbagsEngine
On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to AutoZone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. Took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from AutoZone so that he will know what the problem is. Brought the part and that didn't take the engine light off and I paid $300 for nothing because I am still experiencing the issue. I took it back…
NHTSA complaint #11754355 · source
Filed Jul 27, 2026PAEngine
Since having our car, the check engine light came on several times with us being told we will need an engine replacement. Recently, our car stalled out several times while driving on different occasions leading us to look up the recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11753140 · source
Filed Jul 27, 2026TXEngine
While the car is in drive, it would power off in the middle of driving. Took the car to repair and advised regarding the engine. My safety was at risk because I loss power to operation the car in the middle of traffic, which could have called an accident for myself and others. The problem have been confirmed a repair shop. No, the manufacture stated since my vin # is not included in their recall, it will not be cover but clearly its something wrong with the car. When the…
NHTSA complaint #11753038 · source
Filed Jul 23, 2026CAEngine
On XXX, I dropped off my 2018 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) at Hyundai of Downtown Los Angeles for Service Campaign TXXW. The vehicle was in proper working order with no stalling or drivability concerns. The dealership retained it for 159 days before I retrieved it XXX It has now been in their custody 191 days — more than six times the 30-day limit under Song-Beverly § 1793.2(b). COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The engine NOW stalls completely at every stop. A documented clunk in the…
NHTSA complaint #11752283 · source
Filed Jul 22, 2026TNBody & Structure
The factory paint on the hood, roof, and front fenders is delaminating, with the largest defect being on the hood. These are available for inspection upon request. As this is progressing, structural pieces may begin to rust, but this also presents a critical visibility issue. During one drive on 6/8/2026, the hood paint began flaking away significantly at highway speeds, which could have jeopardized my or following drivers visibility in conditions that were already rainy.…
NHTSA complaint #11752047 · source

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Other 2018 Hyundai models

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