Hyundai Elantra reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 5,682 complaints about the Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and steering. Hyundai has filed 8 warranty extensions and 38 service campaigns for it, and there are 30 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Elantra? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Elantra a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 5,682
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 8
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 38
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 30
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Elantra with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | Wheels (50%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 22 | Lane keeping (23%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | 54 | Other or unspecified (31%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 98 | Electrical system (23%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2022 | 102 | Seat belts (23%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2021 | 131 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (24%) | 6 | 5 |
| 2020 | 253 | Engine (43%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2019 | 251 | Engine (53%) | 1 | 10 |
| 2018 | 283 | Engine (50%) | 0 | 8 |
| 2017 | 767 | Engine (38%) | 4 | 19 |
| 2016 | 293 | Engine (38%) | 2 | 16 |
| 2015 | 262 | Engine (35%) | 3 | 16 |
| 2014 | 385 | Engine (43%) | 2 | 19 |
| 2013 | 1,314 | Steering (21%) | 4 | 10 |
| 2012 | 653 | Engine (21%) | 4 | 9 |
| 2011 | 433 | Engine (21%) | 5 | 9 |
| 2010 | 379 | Steering (51%) | 3 | 2 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Elantra model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Elantra, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2026· Airbags· model years 2011–2014
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use for original & subsequent owners.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2014–2016
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2014–2016
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2015–2018
Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint…
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2025
Certain Hyundai Elantra (CN7) non N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
- Warranty extensionNov 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2016
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for…
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2018–2020
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Steering· model years 2010–2015
Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ?
- Service campaignSep 2026· Engine· model years 2019–2020
Hyundai has become aware that your Hyundai Elantra equipped with a 2.0 ATK engine may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software intended only for Korean-built Elantra vehicles and may not meet specifications.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- Service campaignAug 2025· Electrical system· model years 2017–2019
Certain 2017-2019MY Elantra (AD, ADA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L ATK engines may be unable to complete diagnosis of the OBD-II Fuel System Readiness Monitor.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2017–2025
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2017
This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Engine· model years 2014–2016
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class…
- Service campaignNov 2023· Body and structure· model years 2011–2016
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage.
- Service campaignAug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update.
- Service campaignJun 2023· Steering· model years 2013–2014
Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 â 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software.
- Service campaignDec 2022· Body and structure· model years 2011–2016
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage.
- Service campaignDec 2022· Body and structure· model years 2011–2016
In certain areas, a vehicleâs underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage.
- Service campaignNov 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Op code/part number (reference guide for service campaign T6G)
- Service campaignMay 2022· Electrical system· model years 2019–2020
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
- Service campaignMay 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2019–2020
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
- Service campaignApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
- Service campaignOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignDec 2018· Exterior lights· model years 2019
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the headlights and perform aiming adjustments on certain 2019 Elantra vehicles equipped with halogen headlights.
- Service campaignJun 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2018
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to inspect and (if necessary) replace the V-ribbed belt on certain 2018 2.0L Elantra vehicles. Service Campaign T3A provides a service procedure to inspect the V-ribbed belt.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Elantra model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine1,557 (27%)
- Steering825 (15%)
- Electrical system777 (14%)
- Other or unspecified720 (13%)
- Airbags506 (9%)
- Brakes434 (8%)
- Transmission and drivetrain251 (4%)
- Suspension210 (4%)
Safety recalls
30 recalls cover at least one Elantra model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.
An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment.
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
And 15 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2011–2015
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2017, 2021
Loss of Motive Power
- RQ22003Recall query· opened Aug 2022, closed May 2023· Seat belts· model years 2021–2022
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
Led to recall 23V094000.
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2013
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- DP21003Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2016
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
- EA12008Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2012, closed Dec 2013· Airbags· model years 2011–2013
Headliner Bracket Detachment
Led to recall 13V115000.
- PE12012Preliminary evaluation· opened May 2012, closed Sep 2012· Airbags· model years 2012
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 5,682 owner complaints, 8 warranty extensions and 38 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 30 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (1,314), 2017 (767), 2012 (653). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Elantra?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (27%), steering (15%), electrical system (14%). Hyundai has filed 8 warranty extensions covering the Elantra, listed on this page.
Which Elantra model years have the most complaints?
2013 (1,314), 2017 (767), 2012 (653). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Elantra with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Elantra?
Yes: airbags (model years 2011–2014); engine (model years 2014–2016); engine (model years 2014–2016), and 5 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Elantra?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 30 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.