What are the worst Hyundai Elantra years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Hyundai Elantra years are 2012, 2013, 2017 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006.

Hyundai Elantra: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2012, 2013, 2017

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2025too new to judge27 complaints · 1 recalls 2024too new to judge59 complaints · 2 recalls 2023151 complaints · 3 recalls 2022140 complaints · 6 recalls 2021160 complaints · 7 recalls 2020252 complaints · 3 recalls 2019251 complaints · 1 recalls 2018283 complaints · 0 recalls 2017worst year767 complaints · 4 recalls 2016293 complaints · 2 recalls 2015262 complaints · 3 recalls 2014384 complaints · 2 recalls 2013worst year1,314 complaints · 4 recalls 2012worst year653 complaints · 4 recalls 2011433 complaints · 5 recalls 2010379 complaints · 3 recalls 2009254 complaints · 4 recalls 2008314 complaints · 7 recalls 2007267 complaints · 6 recalls 2006solid year155 complaints · 1 recalls 2005solid year137 complaints · 4 recalls 2004182 complaints · 5 recalls 2003234 complaints · 5 recalls 2002342 complaints · 6 recalls 2001315 complaints · 6 recalls 2000197 complaints · 1 recalls 1999solid year128 complaints · 2 recalls 1998solid year55 complaints · 0 recalls 1997solid year115 complaints · 3 recalls 1996solid year100 complaints · 3 recalls 1995solid year112 complaints · 1 recalls 1994solid year76 complaints · 2 recalls 1992solid year29 complaints · 0 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.