The best Elantra years to buy are 2015 and 2021. Avoid the 2013 and 2017: the 2013 has steering coupler and brake recalls, and the 2017 drew about 1.7 times the Elantra's average complaints for engine stalling and misfires.
Best years: 20152021 Years to avoid: 20132017
Every Elantra year compared
2012335Average2013539Watch out2014178Average2015109Good year2016144Good year2017402Watch out2018167Good year2019146Good year2020249Average2021130Good year2022136Good year2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Elantra problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 63 | - | 1 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 170 | - | 4 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 159 | 136 | 7 | Electrical | Good year |
| 2021 | 162 | 130 | 6 | Electrical | Good year |
| 2020 | 263 | 249 | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2019 | 256 | 146 | 1 | Engine | Good year |
| 2018 | 335 | 167 | 1 | Engine | Good year |
| 2017 | 796 | 402 | 4 | Engine | Skip this year |
| 2016 | 300 | 144 | 2 | Engine | Good year |
| 2015 | 263 | 109 | 3 | Engine | Good buy |
| 2014 | 395 | 178 | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 1,337 | 539 | 4 | Brakes | Skip this year |
| 2012 | 676 | 335 | 5 | Engine | Average |
About the Elantra
The Elantra is an affordable, efficient compact with a few known weak points. On 2011-2016 cars, the steering coupler can wear and make the wheel clunk or lose assist, and several brake recalls apply. The 2017 redesign brought misfires, stalling and door handles that stick.
- 2012-2016: Fifth generation. Steering coupler and brake recalls; 2015 is the best of it.
- 2017-2020: Sixth generation. 2017 has engine and door complaints.
- 2021 on: Seventh generation. Lower complaint rates.
Elantra warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Hyundai files with NHTSA. 486 Elantra bulletins are on file in total.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11015889
Certain Elantra (CN7), Elantra (CN7A), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
Certain Elantra (CN7), Elantra (CN7A), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11015890
Certain Hyundai Elantra (CN7), Elantra (CN7A), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
Certain Hyundai Elantra (CN7), Elantra (CN7A), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11018577
Certain Hyundai Elantra (CN7) non N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
Certain Hyundai Elantra (CN7) non N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11018576
Certain Elantra (CN7) non-N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra N (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
Certain Elantra (CN7) non-N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra N (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11019672
Certain 2021 2025 model year Elantra, 2022 2025 model year Elantra N and 2021 2025 model year Elantra Hybrid vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
Certain 2021 2025 model year Elantra, 2022 2025 model year Elantra N and 2021 2025 model year Elantra Hybrid vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
2022, 2023 · bulletin 11014135
Certain 2019-2022MY Veloster N (JSN), 2022-2023MY Elantra N (CN7N), and 2022-2023MY Kona N (OSN) vehicles are equipped with high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) assemblies that have fuel control valves (FCV) that could allow excess f...
Certain 2019-2022MY Veloster N (JSN), 2022-2023MY Elantra N (CN7N), and 2022-2023MY Kona N (OSN) vehicles are equipped with high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) assemblies that have fuel control valves (FCV) that could allow excess f...
2014–2020 · bulletin 10227316
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
2015–2018 · bulletin 11018888
Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015–2018 · bulletin 11018889
Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
2015–2018 · bulletin 11019525
Certain 2015 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 2023 model year Palis...
Certain 2015 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 2023 model year Palis...
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Elantra
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires Open
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
Defect petition DP22005 · 2021, 2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Defect petition DP22005 · 2021, 2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Defect petition DP22003 · 2017, 2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Defect petition DP22003 · 2017, 2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture Closed
Recall query RQ22003 · 2021, 2022 · opened Aug 2022, closed May 2023 · led to recall 23V094000
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S.
Recall query RQ22003 · 2021, 2022 · opened Aug 2022, closed May 2023 · led to recall 23V094000
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S.
Engine Fires Closed
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2013 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2013 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities Closed
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2016 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2016 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Headliner Bracket Detachment Closed
Recall query RQ13004 · 2012 · opened Dec 2013, closed Jun 2014 · led to recall 14V310000
Hyundai is conducting a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support bracket to the headliner assembly in approximately 35,000 model year (MY) 2010-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles built from December 15, 2009 through May 7, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-310 for more information).These Elantra To...
Recall query RQ13004 · 2012 · opened Dec 2013, closed Jun 2014 · led to recall 14V310000
Hyundai is conducting a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support bracket to the headliner assembly in approximately 35,000 model year (MY) 2010-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles built from December 15, 2009 through May 7, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-310 for more information).These Elantra To...
Headliner Bracket Detachment Closed
Engineering analysis EA12008 · 2012, 2013 · opened Sep 2012, closed Dec 2013 · led to recall 13V115000
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S.
Engineering analysis EA12008 · 2012, 2013 · opened Sep 2012, closed Dec 2013 · led to recall 13V115000
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S.
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE12012 · 2012 · opened May 2012, closed Sep 2012
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had det...
Preliminary evaluation PE12012 · 2012 · opened May 2012, closed Sep 2012
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had det...
Elantra vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra?
2015 and 2021. The best Elantra years to buy are 2015 and 2021. Avoid the 2013 and 2017: the 2013 has steering coupler and brake recalls, and the 2017 drew about 1.7 times the Elantra's average complaints for engine stalling and misfires.
Which Hyundai Elantra years should I avoid?
2013, 2017. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Hyundai Elantra average.
Based on 5,175 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.