Hyundai Elantra years to avoid
More than twice the Elantra's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Hyundai Elantra years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Hyundai Elantra complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Hyundai Elantra problems
All model years combined.
- Engine1,948
- Airbags1,335
- Steering1,147
- Electrical1,069
- Brakes1,062
- Transmission673
- Suspension600
- Body496
- Lights432
- Acceleration402
- Fuel system373
- Driver assistance365
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | - | 3 | Airbags | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | - | 22 | Driver assistance | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2024 | - | 57 | Electrical | 21,000 | 1 | 6 | |
| 2023 | - | 104 | Electrical | 15,000 | 2 | 8 | |
| 2022 | 86 | 102 | Driver assistance | 23,825 | 5 | 7 | Fewest complaints |
| 2021 | 82 | 132 | Driver assistance | 24,000 | 6 | 8 | Fewest complaints |
| 2020 | 75 | 255 | Engine | 10,211 | 3 | 21 | |
| 2019 | 76 | 253 | Engine | 50,400 | 1 | 12 | |
| 2018 | 73 | 284 | Engine | 26,600 | 0 | 12 | |
| 2017 | 35 | 771 | Engine | 44,000 | 4 | 37 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 72 | 293 | Engine | 54,964 | 2 | 22 | |
| 2015 | 74 | 262 | Engine | 53,500 | 3 | 27 | |
| 2014 | 61 | 386 | Engine | 56,000 | 2 | 35 | |
| 2013 | 15 | 1,317 | Brakes | 45,368 | 4 | 93 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 41 | 654 | Engine | 62,998 | 4 | 47 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 55 | 433 | Engine | 73,000 | 5 | 17 | |
| 2010 | 59 | 380 | Steering | 64,000 | 3 | 45 | |
| 2009 | 73 | 255 | Steering | 78,000 | 4 | 28 | |
| 2008 | 61 | 315 | Steering | 54,000 | 7 | 38 | |
| 2007 | 71 | 267 | Visibility | 73,000 | 6 | 21 | |
| 2006 | 81 | 155 | Airbags | 68,000 | 1 | 28 | Fewest complaints |
| 2005 | 78 | 137 | Airbags | 50,000 | 4 | 30 | |
| 2004 | 77 | 182 | Airbags | 31,000 | 5 | 24 | |
| 2003 | 71 | 234 | Suspension | 62,000 | 5 | 42 | |
| 2002 | 59 | 342 | Suspension | 72,000 | 6 | 58 | |
| 2001 | 59 | 315 | Airbags | 73,000 | 6 | 71 | |
| 2000 | - | 197 | Engine | 55,000 | 1 | 36 | |
| 1999 | - | 128 | Transmission | 91,000 | 2 | 22 | |
| 1998 | - | 55 | Transmission | 72,000 | 0 | 9 | |
| 1997 | - | 115 | Transmission | 73,000 | 3 | 20 | |
| 1996 | - | 100 | Engine | 92,000 | 3 | 11 | |
| 1995 | - | 112 | Airbags | 1 | 26 | ||
| 1994 | - | 76 | Airbags | 2 | 21 | ||
| 1993 | - | 24 | Brakes | 0 | 1 | ||
| 1992 | - | 29 | Electrical | 0 | 1 |
Recalls 59
Hyundai Elantra warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- Excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood,...
- The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the...
- The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the...
- Peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk
- Peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017...
- Inoperable horn
- Excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood,...
- Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal...
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
Compare the Elantra
Elantra vs Ford FocusElantra vs Honda CivicElantra vs Toyota CorollaElantra vs Volkswagen JettaElantra vs Nissan SentraElantra vs Chevrolet CruzeElantra vs Mazda MAZDA3Elantra vs Subaru ImprezaElantra vs Kia Forte
Hyundai Elantra in the news
- Hyundai recalls 2026 Elantra and 2026 Tucson Hybrid over macpherson strut problem (24 vehicles)
- Hyundai recalls 2026 Elantra, 2026 Venue and 2026 Elantra Hybrid and other models over wheels lugs/nuts/bolts/studs problem (17 vehicles)
- Hyundai extends warranty coverage on 2015-2019 Sonata, 2015-2018 Elantra and 2017-2021 Tucson and other models (unknown or other)
- Hyundai extends warranty coverage on 2011-2013 Sonata, 2011-2014 Elantra and 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid and other models (air bags)
Questions about the Hyundai Elantra
What years of the Hyundai Elantra should you avoid?
2012, 2013 and 2017. Each has more than twice the Hyundai Elantra's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2013 alone has 1,317, mostly about brakes and steering.
What is the best year for a used Hyundai Elantra?
2022, 2021 and 2006 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (102, 132 and 155).
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Elantra?
Engine, with 1,948 complaints across all years, followed by airbags (1,335) and steering (1,147).
How many recalls does the Hyundai Elantra have?
59 recalls between 1992 and 2026. The 2008 model year has the most, with 7.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Hyundai Elantra?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history