What Hyundai Elantra owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Hyundai Elantra safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 34 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 22 |
| 2024 | 61 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | 167 | 16 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 49 |
| 2022 | 158 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 74 |
| 2021 | 160 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 79 |
| 2020 | 259 | 21 | 6 | 16 | 2 | 97 |
| 2019 | 265 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 115 |
| 2018 | 334 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 121 |
| 2017 | 792 | 37 | 6 | 24 | 0 | 157 |
| 2016 | 300 | 22 | 5 | 17 | 0 | 131 |
| 2015 | 263 | 27 | 8 | 25 | 0 | 145 |
| 2014 | 394 | 35 | 15 | 29 | 2 | 147 |
| 2013 | 1,345 | 95 | 31 | 68 | 0 | 154 |
| 2012 | 675 | 49 | 12 | 47 | 0 | 119 |
| 2011 | 462 | 21 | 9 | 13 | 0 | 132 |
| 2010 | 454 | 49 | 13 | 53 | 1 | 44 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Hyundai Elantra complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
I am reporting a recall remedy failure involving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra under Hyundai Recall 256 / NHTSA Recall 24Vâ146 (trunk latch pawl defect). The McCarthy Olathe Hyundai dealership in Olathe, KS marked the recall as âcompleted,â but the trunk latch still does not open and the defect persists exactly as described in the recall notice. After the recall was marked complete, I returned to the dealership because the trunk still would not open. The dealership told me the issue was âtrunk lid damageâ from a prior accident and advised me to replace the trunk lid at my own expense. I paid for the trunk lid replacement, but the trunk still did not function. When I returned again, the…
While driving the engine light came off and car shut down instantly. I see there is issues with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra but Iâm 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.
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 steering and power brake assist and making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and stop. The vehicle also consumes engine oil at an extreme rate: after a full oil fill, the dipstick showed no oil within about two weeks (d…
Back in early July, I noticed a ticking sound coming from my engine so when I took it in to a Hyundai dealership, they told me the only way I could pursue any help further was by completing a oil consumption test, which I complied and paid for out-of-pocket very soon after within 48 hours my check engine light came on and was flashing. after pulling the code at an AutoZone which I have documentation of it was a P 1327 which signals that the car had entered limp mode. I very quickly reached out to Hyundai themselves and after going back-and-forth on paperwork, they assured me that since I had no coverage on the vehicle due to its mileageand that it was not produced in the same factory as the …
The passenger rear tail light started to show condensation and pooling water after a rain. The technician stated it was fine. The passenger rear tail light started to work intermittently and now only the break light works because it is a bulb light not an LED. Replacement requires an entirely new light system put in. Even though it was showing issues before 60,000 miles, they will not honor the warranty because it completely stopped working past the warranty mileage. When attempting to find a replacement, I discovered thousands of rear passenger tail lights with the same issue. This is a manufacturer defect that needs corrected.
I am reporting a failure I personally witnessed while servicing a 2014 Hyundai Elantra; I am not the vehicle owner. On September 24, 2026, at approximately 11 PM and approximately 124,160 miles, both stop/retaining tabs on the automatic transmission oil-level check plug broke during rotation while attempting to remove it for a fluid-level check. The plug continued turning, and I discovered the two broken tabs. I did not deliberately pry or manipulate the tabs. Photographs document the damaged plug and two detached pieces. I believe the plug may have a design or durability defect. My safety concern is that damaged retention features could compromise sealing, potentially allowing transmission…
Component: Engine (oil intrusion cylinders 1, 2, and 4). Vehicle currently at Stevens Creek Hyundai, available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Large volume of smoke while driving, reduced visibility, and risk of further engine damage while unresolved. Reproduced/confirmed: Yes. Independent mechanic (Liberti's Automotive, 7/13/26) documented oil entering cylinders 1, 2, and 4. Dealership's own inspection gave inconsistent findings after one week delay saying they do not have the tool to look at the engine, a week later first stating cylinders 1-3 "looked okay" with cylinder 4 unable to be checked due to a broken connector, later stating the engine looked "clean," then offering two c…
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact's wife was reversing at 2 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the driveway at the residence. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering shaft had detached. The failure mileage was approximately 39,892.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
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.
Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and su
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. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
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.
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. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
Certain Elantra (ADA) vehicles may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software that can set DTC P132700; this software was intended only for Korean-built Elantra (AD) vehicles. In addition, the California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.
Certain Elantra (ADA) vehicles may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software that can set DTC P132700; this software was intended only for Korean-built Elantra (AD) vehicles. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to revert to the original ROM ID, apply the emissions label under the hood, and provide the vehicle owner with Proof of Correction.
Some Elantra (CN7), Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV), and Elantra N (CN7 N) vehicles may exhibit loose windshield side garnishes. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the windshield side garnishes with improved parts to correct the condition.
This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Certain 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise, drivability concerns may occur. This service procedure should be performed prior to any 8WDCT replacements done for drivability
This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.
Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any stateâs law.
Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: NHTSA Recall No. 21V-796, 22V-069, 2
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine fail
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of t
Hyundai is conducting a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support bracket to the headliner assembly in approximately 35,000 model year (MY) 2010-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles built from December 15, 2009 through May 7, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-310 for more information).These Elantra Touring vehicles have a common headliner bracket design while the earlier MY 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles have a headliner bracket design that utilizes a shorter length bracket wh
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) t
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2026, owners most often name: engine, steering, electrical system. 6,126 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
