2018 Hyundai Elantra GT: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (53% of complaints); the 2017 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car was being driven home when car started shaking heavily and check engine light started flashing. Car had been needing 1qt of oil every 600-800 miles, depending on drive (highway would go longer). Pulled off to the side and plugged in code reader - found that cylinder 3 misfired and catalyst system below threshold. Was able to get the car home. Towed it to Hyundai dealership the following week once they were available and they found a bad cylinder head and leaking cylinder. Assumption is the amount of oil it was using ended up backing up carbon buildup. Car has less than 100,000 miles on it and even with maintenance it needs a new engine.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
“Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
“It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The engine burns oil quickly which could lead to the engine blowing. I have to get more oil changes than average to the engine burning oil.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked outer handle the door opened. i then checked child saftey lock switch and it was not in child safety position. i checked the window power switch at driver door main control and window went down but not back up.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2024
“when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2024
“When driving the car home from the store. The car started to vibrate, and no lights came on then then I got to a stop light and the car didn't want to go when i was pushing the gas pedal tried it a few times the check engine light came on and was flashing then the car went, and the engine light went off. Got back home and an hour later went to the car and the check engine light was on and it was vibrating and making a slight ticking noise. I am not sure what is going on with it. I change the sparkplugs a few months ago and get oil changes regularly never let things go past the needed time.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2024
“My vehicle has 55,000 miles, and the engine completely stalled while I was driving to the dealership to get it looked at. I had my oil change done 01/04/2024, and barely drove it since I dropped it off 01/11/2024. After weeks of waiting on any update, I was finally contacted that today, 01/26/2024, my car had no oil and this is why my engine failed. I have video evidence of the oil change, and the dealership is trying to place blame on the mechanic that has done the oil change. Upon further research, I am made aware of the class action lawsuit in CA, alleged that excess oil consumption is to blame for faulty engines.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2024
“I have noticed over the last year or so that the engine was burning oil. This was indicated by Express Oil Change multiple times during oil changes, including today. The oil level today didn't even register on the dipstick, so it seems this is getting worse. I can get oil change records on request from the above company.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2023
“Engine rod bearing failure cause engine broke if You have any information please give me and hyundai have a recall for knock sensor they cause a premature engine failure cause Fire in most of the case”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.
How other years compare
Check your exact Elantra GT by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. The most complained-about area is engine (53% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 22,000 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning visibility:sun/moon roof assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.