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Hyundai Elantra Problems

The Hyundai Elantra has evolved from budget transportation into a competitive compact sedan offering value and features. With 23,378 complaints and 36 reported deaths, the Elantra's high sales volume has exposed some reliability issues in certain generations. Recent models show significant improvement as Hyundai has addressed past problems.

23,378
Total Complaints
56
Total Recalls
34
Model Years
36
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2017 2013 2012
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1992 1993 1994

Common Problem Categories

Engine 3,028
Air Bags 2,692
Steering 2,258
Electrical System 2,094
Unknown Or Other 1,552

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 26 0 4 0 Good
2024 162 1 22 0 Good
2023 254 2 22 0 Good
2022 240 5 10 0 Good
2021 388 6 22 2 Average
2020 554 3 56 22 Average
2019 588 1 38 10 Average
2018 754 0 28 24 Average
2017 2,068 4 114 10 Avoid
2016 742 1 60 12 Average
2015 678 2 90 24 Average
2014 1,080 2 116 40 Below Average
2013 3,666 4 314 106 Avoid
2012 1,814 4 144 26 Avoid
2011 1,170 5 56 22 Below Average
2010 988 3 134 34 Average
2009 624 4 78 32 Average
2008 844 5 114 78 Average
2007 726 4 52 38 Average
2006 418 0 74 0 Average
2005 354 0 86 10 Average
2004 418 0 64 6 Average
2003 620 0 118 2 Average
2002 862 0 160 14 Average
2001 890 0 200 20 Average
2000 518 0 86 4 Average
1999 366 0 48 8 Average
1998 150 0 20 0 Good
1997 392 0 52 0 Average
1996 276 0 22 8 Good
1995 358 0 64 10 Average
1994 220 0 52 4 Good
1993 78 0 4 2 Good
1992 92 0 2 10 Good

Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid

The 2013 Elantra is the worst model year, with engine failures from the same Theta II issues affecting other Hyundai vehicles, along with steering problems and premature brake wear. The 2011-2016 Elantras with the 1.8L Nu engine had excessive oil consumption and some engine failures. The 2017-2018 models saw improvement but still had occasional engine complaints. The 2007-2010 Elantras had timing belt issues if maintenance was neglected. Avoid the 2011-2016 Elantra if service records show no oil consumption check.

Best Hyundai Elantra Years

The 2025 Elantra represents Hyundai's current best with improved engines and build quality. The 2019-2023 Elantras show excellent reliability with the Smartstream engines replacing problematic units. The 2007-2010 Elantras are simple and reliable with proper timing belt maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions