2018 Hyundai Elantra electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 17, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   This vehicle lacks an engine immobilizer, a defect that has made 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles unusually susceptible to theft via a method widely publicized on social media as the "Kia Challenge." My vehicle was stolen using this method, driven approximately 30-40 miles, and abandoned. It was found stripped of parts, including the catalytic converter. This defect is already the subject of a nationwide class-action settlement (hyundaitheftsettlement.com) and a multistate…

   NHTSA complaint #11751074 · source
2. Filed Jun 9, 2026PAElectrical System

   Alarming rate of oil consumption causes sudden loss of power / acceleration which definitely increases probably of causing an accident. Local repair shop confirmed extremely low oil level with no evidence of where oil went shortly after oil change and annual safety inspection. All the dashboard warning lights came on when it happened but low oil warning light came on prior to event. No warning whatsoever, just sudden loss of power and completely lit up dashboard.

   NHTSA complaint #11742999 · source
3. Filed Mar 23, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has experienced a failure of the heater hose/pipe, which appears to be made of plastic and connected to a metal component. This failure has resulted in a coolant leak, creating a serious risk of engine overheating. This issue is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. A sudden loss of coolant while driving can cause the engine to overheat without warning, potentially leading to…

   NHTSA complaint #11726258 · source
4. Filed Dec 16, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car began stalling and started to become unresponsive while I was driving to work. While I was not 100% sure of what component was malfunctioning at the time, I suspected that it might be a timing chain problem because I had this same exact issue happen to to this car back in January 2025. I did not expect this issue to occur again because at the time of the previous…

   NHTSA complaint #11705305 · source
5. Filed Nov 16, 2025GACrash1 injuredTowedElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Initial Fault Code: P0303 Replaced all 4 spark plugs and all 4 ignition coils. The check engine light extinguished momentarily but returned, logging P0303 and a new P0301 Replaced all 4 fuel injectors. CEL extinguished momentarily and then returned, logging P0303. Replaced the entire engine electrical harness. Concurrently, all related electrical components and connectors were meticulously cleaned with professional contact cleaner. CEL extinguished for significantly longer…

   NHTSA complaint #11699689 · source
6. Filed Oct 23, 2025OHBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   We were heading back to Ohio at Mile marker 8 75N Kentucky when we heard a boom. Then we saw smoke as my husband was pulling over. We jump out to get our child out of the car seat and at the same time a pickup truck pulls up with two guys. They yell that our cars on fire and began putting the fire out with a fire extinguisher. We had an oil change before we left Ohio by Valvoline. This area of the hwy isn't really patrolled and only has a volunteer fire department. A…

   NHTSA complaint #11695220 · source
7. Filed Aug 29, 2024TNElectrical SystemLighting

   My husband filed a complaint about the lighting on his Hyundai sonata and I have a Hyundai Elantra that is doing the same thing. Twice now while I’ve been driving at night, my headlights have gone off an and come back on by themselves. They were off about 15 seconds each time. Then this week I had my back break light (the one close to the windshield) and the passenger side headlights go out suddenly. My car is a 2018 Elantra with 70k miles on it. I just got through replacing…

   NHTSA complaint #11611717 · source
8. Filed Jul 26, 2024AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This has happened a couple of times where in the middle of driving, my car automatically shuts off, I can not turn my steering wheel I can not push the brakes, everything stops working. I have to wait till my car comes to a complete stop on its own, put the car in park, turn off the ignition, turn my keys and start my car again. Then it sometimes acts like there is no power to accelerate when I'm at a full stop. RPMs go crazy, but acceleration doesn't occur. No warnings have…

   NHTSA complaint #11604764 · source
9. Filed Apr 2, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Car doesnt register maps well freezes dashboard gps lights flicker. Keeps making noise beeping requesting passenger puts selt belt on when theres no one there.

   NHTSA complaint #11580773 · source
10. Filed Apr 2, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

    On the freeway going about 45 mph tried to speed up and switch lanes as i pressed the gas you can hear the acceration but the car didnt increase in speed the whole dashboard went blank (black). Car was unresponsive. Its very dangerous that the car falfuctions in critical conditions like being on the freeway. Yes i have tooken it to hyundai and they never find anything wrong. Also at times the car wont even turn on. No type of waring lights on dashboard.

    NHTSA complaint #11580771 · source
11. Filed Mar 7, 2024KYElectrical SystemEngine

    My 2018 hyundai elantra went from 50 mph to 0 in seconds. I was able to coast to the side of the road. The engine shut off. The engine and oil lights came on . Car didnt turn over after that got it towed to my house and once there checkd the oil and the oil was completely empty. Received my last oil change on 1/31/2024 still had miles left over before getting another oil change. There was no warning or signal notifying of oil low or anything after speaking with service…

    NHTSA complaint #11576026 · source
12. Filed Feb 24, 2024OHElectrical System

    So my 2018 Hyundai elantra has had the ignition/starter coils go bad now for the third time, the first 2 times the car was under warranty, I thought the second time it was odd to have the same problem, the car shakes violently, stalls out, and or refuses to start. But my warranty just ran out in 2023 and now of course the same problem is happening again, I took it to the dealer and they repaired it, it was very expensive, but I really thought since it was the same problem…

    NHTSA complaint #11573775 · source

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