2018 Hyundai Elantra: engine overheating

6 of the 284 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra describe engine overheating.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 16 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

2024
1
2023
4
2022
1
2021
2
2020
2
2019
2
2018
6
2017
6
2016
2
2015
1
2014
1
2013
3
2012
4
2011
2
2010
1
2009
1
2008
3
2007
1
2006
4
2004
1
2003
1
2002
1
2001
5
2000
3
1999
2
1997
2
1993
2

What owners say

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has experienced a failure of the heater hose/pipe, which appears to be made of plastic and connected to a metal component. This failure has resulted in a coolant leak, creating a serious risk of engine overheating. This issue is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. A sudden loss of coolant while driving can cause the engine to overheat without warning, potentially leading to engine failure, loss of vehicle control, or leaving the driver stranded in unsafe conditions. This is especially concerning while driving on busy roads or highways. Based on my experience and discussions with repair professionals, this appears to be a known issue with this model, as the part is not widely available outside of Hyundai/Kia and may indicate a design flaw. A critical cooling system component should not fail prematurely under normal driving conditions. Given the safety risks associated with this defect, I believe this issue warrants further investigation and consideration for a recall or extended warranty coverage. Consumers should not be responsible for costly repairs caused by a potentially defective design. I respectfully request that Hyundai review this issue and provide assistance with the repair, as well as take appropriate action to ensure the safety and reliability of affected vehicles. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Engine · OH

It is showing signs of excessive oil consumption. 200 miles before my next scheduled oil change there was no oil in the car, causing overheating issues. It uses the same engine as other recalled years for the same issue. However they never issued a recall for the 2018. The only update I've ever received was a surprise notice from Valvoline, mid oil change, that if I didn't use the more expensive oil change option, which I couldn't afford in the moment, that I would void any warranty from Hyundai. There was no prior notice or contact from Hyundai informing me of this "New" (the valvoline tech's words not mine) policy. So not only is my car experiencing an issue known to affect this engine, they get to absolve themselves from responsibility by surprising someone with a greater expense than they are expecting, by not giving notice to their customers? This doesn't seem fair and needs to be addressed. Since that first visit I have followed their recommended oil change specs and still have excessive consumption. The date I'm giving is the approximate date of that first visit to valvoline when my car had no oil and I was told mid change about the new policy.

Filed Oct 6, 2020 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · CA

2018 hyundai elantra: the car only has 21k but the radiator hose clamp cracked and the hose burst open. The car's engine overheated causing it to be inoperable. Hyundai customer service denies any faulty/manufacturer's defect as well no reported cases with this model and make. This should further be looked into as it may cause significant distress for the owner as well as endangering lives. The incident occurred driving on a freeway under normal conditions. Hyundai refuses to accept liability, even though they are required to under their powertrain warranty, stating the vehicle must be sent to their dealership only.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · 67,206 miles · GA

Heating hose assembly and upper and lower radiator hoses wore out in less than 2 years on a brand new car. I was told it was due to normal wear and tear. 5 days after I had an oil change and multipoint inspection done on my car, the engine overheated while I was driving. I took it back to the dealership where I had gotten it serviced.

Filed Oct 29, 2019 · Engine · 29,000 miles · OH

Car continuously says it overheating. First trip to dealership could replicate the issue. Second trip a month later. Replaced head gasket due to leak and exhaust pipe. Currently sitting in it waiting for roadside assistance. Still overheating not even a week later also now putters and shakes when I try to start it.

Filed May 18, 2018 · Engine · 450 miles · CA

I was driving on the highway at night when the "engine has overheated" warning came on, after which I managed to make it to a local road near before the car stalled. I had it towed to a hyundai center the next day, where they told me I had a transmission fluid leak and they fixed the issue. Today, less than a week later, I was driving and about to go on the freeway when the "engine has overheated" warning came on again. I felt like it would be too dangerous to continue driving in case the car stalls again at night on a freeway, and am waiting on a response from hyundai to either fix or replace the car.