2018 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 280 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (45% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 8 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
280
owner complaints
7
fire reports
35,834
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about Elantra years (#6 of 33, age-adjusted)Weak spot: engine (45%)7 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 35,834 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 280 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)45% · 108 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 22 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 16 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 12 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)5% · 11 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)4% · 10 complaints
“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 look up the recalls.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“This vehicle lacks an engine immobilizer, a defect that has made 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles unusually susceptible to theft via a method widely publicized on social media as the "Kia Challenge." My vehicle was stolen using this method, driven approximately 30-40 miles, and abandoned. It was found stripped of parts, including the catalytic converter. This defect is already the subject of a nationwide class-action settlement (hyundaitheftsettlement.com) and a multistate Attorney General settlement. I am filing this report to ensure my vehicle/incident is included in NHTSA's records on this ongoing safety issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“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, which could have called an accident for myself and others. The problem have been confirmed a repair shop. No, the manufacture stated since my vin # is not included in their recall, it will not be cover but clearly its something wrong with the car. When the engine light came on, I took it to the repair shop and was advised regarding the engine.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My daughter was in a parking lot and put her car in park, removed her keys and exited the vehicle. She walked around the vehicle and was removing her school bag and the car came out of park and rolled into another vehicle.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual burned spot on the back rest of the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,040.”Owner report · Seats · May 2026
“unknown Car is knocking and consuming oil quickly. Oil changes done as appropriate. Timing belt/chain changed almost 2 years ago. Garage now says we have an oil consumption issue and need a new engine! We are out of warranty and power train.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“Engine has consumed an alarming rate of oil for years. I brought to a mechanic and they performed a $2,600 repair on engine. It ran fine for while and got much worse with oil consumption to the point that I needing to add oil monthly. It has been difficult to keep up on keeping enough oil in car and engine has now sustained damaged. There is no ticking or noise, but there is a loss of power and sometimes, the engine runs rough. I continue to drive it and add oil. But I have researched this is an apparent problem with the elantra.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“We purchased the car 4 or 5 months for my son who works for his God Mom as her assistant at a nonprofit. The car ran great until without no warning lights from instrument panel just left him sit in the middle of a busy road. The mechanic found a camshaft pin stuck in the camshaft & the timing jump 2 teeth. Repairs= Oxygen Sensor, Timing Component & Exhaust Camshaft total $3,557. Some 2018 are being recalled for the same issue but not his VIN.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“Cars engines stopped for no apparent reason pulled over and it started back up but it stopped two more times within a two block radius both times it restarted the date was2/17 26 on the next day it did the same thing but only once”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2026
“The rare brake light is working fine but the car dashboard computer keeps on saying âCheck rare brake light" intermittently. It either needs a repair (although brake lights are working) or a replacement. Please resolve this issue because other Elantra owner have reported the same.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
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Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
NHTSA has 280 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The most complained-about area is engine (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Elantra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 35,834 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.