Hyundai Elantra years to avoid and best years
Newer Hyundai Elantra years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 116 (1,329 complaints). From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 13 (from 262 complaints), 2024 at 18 (from 54 complaints), and 2019 at 18 (from 250 complaints). The Hyundai Elantra 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 181 of 1,329 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
2015
2024
2019
2025–26
Hyundai Elantra reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Hyundai Elantra. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 35.9 |
| 2025 → Too early | 11 | 22 | 0 | Lane departure | 36 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 18 | 54 | 1 | Electrical system | 36 |
| 2023 → | 26 | 98 | 2 | Engine | 36.3 |
| 2022 → | 23 | 101 | 5 | Seat belts | 35.4 |
| 2021 → | 28 | 130 | 6 | Seat belts | 39.2 |
| 2020 → | 32 | 250 | 3 | Engine | 30.6 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 18 | 250 | 1 | Engine | 29.3 |
| 2018 → | 22 | 282 | 0 | Engine | 28.9 |
| 2017 → | 51 | 767 | 4 | Engine | 29.6 |
| 2016 → | 20 | 292 | 2 | Engine | 28.7 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 13 | 262 | 3 | Engine | 28.4 |
| 2014 → | 23 | 382 | 2 | Engine | 28.4 |
| 2013 → Most | 116 | 1,329 | 4 | Steering | 31.3 |
| 2012 → | 39 | 674 | 4 | Air bags | 29 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 5W-30 (1.8L and 2.0L per manual) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16 to 225/45R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 17V769000. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.0L Nu; 1.4L turbo where equipped) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16 to 225/40R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V301000. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L Smartstream and 1.6L turbo where equipped) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16 to 225/40R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 22V123000. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment. An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury. Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 220. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796 and 22V-069. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Elantra years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 13 (from 262 complaints), 2024 at 18 (from 54 complaints), and 2019 at 18 (from 250 complaints).
Which Hyundai Elantra year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 116 (1,329 complaints). On the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 181 of 1,329 complaints name Steering.
How do Hyundai Elantra owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Hyundai Elantra years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Hyundai Elantra years are too early to compare?
The Hyundai Elantra 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Elantra take?
5W-20 or 5W-30 (1.8L and 2.0L per manual)
What does NHTSA recall 17V-769 cover on the Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA campaign 17V769000.
What generation is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
5th generation (MD) (2012-2016).