Hyundai Elantra: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Hyundai Elantra years to approach with the most caution are 2012, 2013, and 2017. The strongest years in our data are 2022 and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Hyundai Elantra year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.; Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).; The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.; Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).; The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.; Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).; The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.; Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).; The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.; The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) on 2019-2020 cars can shudder, slip or fail outright, sometimes shortly after service.; No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.; The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) on 2019-2020 cars can shudder, slip or fail outright, sometimes shortly after service.; No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.; No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.; ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).; Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.; ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).; Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.; ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).; Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.; ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).; Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Hidden internal corrosion of the rear subframe, crossmember and control-arm mounts (worst in road-salt states) can progress to structural/suspension failure.; Passenger occupant-classification sensor faults leave the passenger airbag showing OFF with an adult seated, plus reports of airbags not deploying in crashes.; Brake-light (stop-lamp) switch failures cause brake lights to stay off or stuck on and can disable cruise control (recall 09V280). Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Hidden internal corrosion of the rear subframe, crossmember and control-arm mounts (worst in road-salt states) can progress to structural/suspension failure.; Passenger occupant-classification sensor faults leave the passenger airbag showing OFF with an adult seated, plus reports of airbags not deploying in crashes.; Brake-light (stop-lamp) switch failures cause brake lights to stay off or stuck on and can disable cruise control (recall 09V280). Full report ↗
2017 Avoid 4 The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.; No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 4 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗
2012 Avoid 4 The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.; ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.; Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes. Full report ↗

Hyundai Elantra problems by year

2024 Hyundai Elantra Recommended

Sharp, efficient and cheap to own with a long warranty; 2024 demerits are recurring horn failures, an over-active automatic-braking system. A solid used compact if recalls are done.

  • The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.
  • Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).
  • The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Sharp, efficient and cheap to own with a long warranty; 2023 demerits are recurring horn failures, an over-active automatic-braking system plus a 2023 oil-pump fire recall. A solid used compact if recalls are done.

  • The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.
  • Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).
  • The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement.

2022 Hyundai Elantra Recommended

Sharp, efficient and cheap to own with a long warranty; 2022 demerits are recurring horn failures, an over-active automatic-braking system and a seat-belt-pretensioner recall. A solid used compact if recalls are done.

  • The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.
  • Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).
  • The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Sharp, efficient and cheap to own with a long warranty; 2021 demerits are recurring horn failures, an over-active automatic-braking system and a seat-belt-pretensioner recall. A solid used compact if recalls are done.

  • The forward-collision-avoidance / automatic emergency braking system can brake or warn with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end risk on the highway.
  • Reports of engine stalling and power loss; certain 2023 cars were recalled for an oil-pump controller that can overheat and risk fire (23V859).
  • The horn frequently fails (water intrusion into the assembly) and often fails again after replacement.

2020 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Comfortable, well-priced and cheap to run, but the 2.0L engine's oil-consumption and rod-bearing failures, IVT transmission troubles and the no-immobilizer theft risk are real liabilities. Verify engine health and that the theft-software fix is done.

  • The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.
  • The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) on 2019-2020 cars can shudder, slip or fail outright, sometimes shortly after service.
  • No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage.

2019 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Comfortable, well-priced and cheap to run, but the 2.0L engine's oil-consumption and rod-bearing failures, IVT transmission troubles and the no-immobilizer theft risk are real liabilities. Verify engine health and that the theft-software fix is done.

  • The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.
  • The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) on 2019-2020 cars can shudder, slip or fail outright, sometimes shortly after service.
  • No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Comfortable, well-priced and cheap to run, but the 2.0L engine's oil-consumption and rod-bearing failures and the no-immobilizer theft risk are real liabilities. Verify engine health and that the theft-software fix is done.

  • The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.
  • No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Avoid

Comfortable, well-priced and cheap to run, but the 2.0L engine's oil-consumption and rod-bearing failures and the no-immobilizer theft risk are real liabilities; 2017 drew by far the most complaints of the generation. Verify engine health and that the theft-software fix is done.

  • The 2.0L Nu engine consumes oil excessively and can suffer connecting-rod-bearing damage, piston scoring or seizure (recall 21V301 covers rod-bearing failure); stalling can occur with no warning light.
  • No engine immobilizer makes these cars a prime theft target via the publicized USB method, with many recovered with engine damage.

2016 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2016 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2015 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2015 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2014 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2014 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Avoid

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2013 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns, overstated fuel-economy ratings that were restated and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Avoid

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2012 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns, overstated fuel-economy ratings that were restated and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2011 Hyundai Elantra Caution

Roomy and frugal with strong value, but 2011 is dragged down by 1.8L engine oil-consumption/failures, an ABS-module fire-risk recall, airbag concerns, overstated fuel-economy ratings that were restated and easy theft from the missing immobilizer. Buy only with documented engine and recall history.

  • The 1.8L Nu engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, piston slap/knock and, in worst cases, bearing failure or seizure (subject of an owner class action); failures often appear with little warning.
  • ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, creating a fire risk that prompted a recall (23V651); owners report long parts delays.
  • Airbag clock-spring faults trigger the airbag warning light and can disable the horn; reports of non-deployment in crashes.

2010 Hyundai Elantra Caution

A cheap, comfortable and well-liked used compact, but watch for electric-power-steering assist loss, an ABS-module fire-risk recall and hidden underbody corrosion in salt-belt cars. Inspect the subframe and confirm recalls before buying.

  • Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.
  • ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).
  • Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Caution

A cheap, comfortable and well-liked used compact, but watch for electric-power-steering assist loss, an ABS-module fire-risk recall and hidden underbody corrosion in salt-belt cars. Inspect the subframe and confirm recalls before buying.

  • Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.
  • ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).
  • Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control.

2008 Hyundai Elantra Caution

A cheap, comfortable and well-liked used compact, but watch for electric-power-steering assist loss, an ABS-module fire-risk recall and hidden underbody corrosion in salt-belt cars. Inspect the subframe and confirm recalls before buying.

  • Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.
  • ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).
  • Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control.

2007 Hyundai Elantra Caution

A cheap, comfortable and well-liked used compact, but watch for electric-power-steering assist loss, an ABS-module fire-risk recall and hidden underbody corrosion in salt-belt cars. Inspect the subframe and confirm recalls before buying.

  • Electric power-steering (EPS) assist can be lost while driving, with the EPS warning light on; steering becomes heavy until restart.
  • ABS hydraulic/control module electrical short creates an engine-bay fire risk, including in parked vehicles (recall 20V061).
  • Hidden subframe and lower-control-arm corrosion in salt-belt states can lead to component separation and loss of control.

2006 Hyundai Elantra Caution

An inexpensive, simple compact whose main worries are hidden subframe/crossmember corrosion, passenger-airbag sensor faults and brake-light-switch failures. Fine as cheap transport if the structure is sound and recalls are complete.

  • Hidden internal corrosion of the rear subframe, crossmember and control-arm mounts (worst in road-salt states) can progress to structural/suspension failure.
  • Passenger occupant-classification sensor faults leave the passenger airbag showing OFF with an adult seated, plus reports of airbags not deploying in crashes.
  • Brake-light (stop-lamp) switch failures cause brake lights to stay off or stuck on and can disable cruise control (recall 09V280).

2005 Hyundai Elantra Caution

An inexpensive, simple compact whose main worries are hidden subframe/crossmember corrosion, passenger-airbag sensor faults and brake-light-switch failures. Fine as cheap transport if the structure is sound and recalls are complete.

  • Hidden internal corrosion of the rear subframe, crossmember and control-arm mounts (worst in road-salt states) can progress to structural/suspension failure.
  • Passenger occupant-classification sensor faults leave the passenger airbag showing OFF with an adult seated, plus reports of airbags not deploying in crashes.
  • Brake-light (stop-lamp) switch failures cause brake lights to stay off or stuck on and can disable cruise control (recall 09V280).

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Hyundai models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.