2018 Hyundai Elantra reliability
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra over 9 years — 22 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Elantra years here — under the median of the other years, which is 25. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
282
22
0
9
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (140 of 282), then Electrical system (43) and Powertrain (24). Those filings include 12 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 6 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
The 2017 Elantra has 767 complaints, 51 per year, and the 2019 has 250 complaints, 18 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2018 Hyundai Elantra. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (282 total)
Show 14 more Show less
12
7
6
1
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Steering keeps locking up steering wheel light light and other lights in my dashboard came on which caused my back camera to stop working took it to dealership got a diagnosis it appeared nothing was wrong which they…"
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"After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it…"
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"On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to AutoZone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the…"
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"While the car is in drive, it would power off in the middle of driving. Took the car to repair and advised regarding the engine. My safety was at risk because I loss power to operation the car in the middle of traffic,…"
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"Since having our car, the check engine light came on several times with us being told we will need an engine replacement. Recently, our car stalled out several times while driving on different occasions leading us to…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | 4 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (7-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 32 | 40 | 35 MPG | $1850 |
| Elantra | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Automatic (7-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
| Elantra | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 28 | 37 | 32 MPG | $2050 |
| Elantra | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 22 | 30 | 25 MPG | $2600 |
| Elantra | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 36 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
| Elantra GT | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 32 | 27 MPG | $2400 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 22 | 29 | 25 MPG | $2600 |
| Elantra GT | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 23 | 31 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Automatic (7-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 32 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Elantra SE | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 29 | 38 | 33 MPG | $1950 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra over 9 years — 22 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Elantra years here — under the median of the other years, which is 25. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (140 of 282), then Electrical system (43) and Powertrain (24). Those filings include 12 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 6 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2017 Elantra has 767 complaints, 51 per year, and the 2019 has 250 complaints, 18 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2018 Hyundai Elantra been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners have filed 282 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2018 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is 28.9 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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).