2019 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 251 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (50% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Apr 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 251 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I am reporting that there is not a recall but a factor warranty from the manufacture. Stating that the o ring in the 2019 hyundai elantra was not properly tempered. Which will cause the car to stall, rod bearing to break, and cause the car to set on fire. My report is that my 2019 hyundai elantra with 139,000 miles has did exactly that. O ring was bad and the rod bearing broke. When calling hyundai to report it they claim that my vehicle Vin number doesn't fall under that manufacture recall. Why doesn't it? This is exactly what happen to my car!!! Can anyone please help me. Thanks”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2026
“Car sudden stopped then would not turn on Currently being looked at but for suspected timing chain, VVT, and related parts Others have reported these same issues and other model with same engines have been recalled”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“At 86,000 miles After replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“Highbeam shutters stop working. When engaged the solenoid engages, the shutter attempts to activate (wobbles) but never does. The indicator inside also lights up despite the shuttee never opening.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2026
“my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“My 2019 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0L engine experienced sudden engine failure at 164.809 miles. The check enqine light came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and shut off. 0i was visible in the wheel well and the engine now has a tapping noise suggesting internal damage I understand that Hvundai recalled certain 2019 Elantra models due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that could cause engine damage. Because the symptoms of my failure match this defect, I am requesting Hyundai review this as a potential defect-related enaine failure and consider goodwill assistance or engine replacement.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“2019 Elantra has been experiencing oil loss. The last oil change on 14 Feb 2026 at 57400 miles. Checked the oil today 16 Feb 2026 after 266 miles and it was a quart low. It appears that oil consumption is a know issue with Hyundai year and model.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“Engine failure. Less than 150,000 miles and engine has gone bad. Burning oil, and loud noise when car starts. Had multiple mechanics look at the car whom said the motor went bad. I've been consistent with oil changes, tune ups, etc. maintained the car well so I don't know why or how this happened.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Elantra years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Elantra 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 2019 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
NHTSA has 251 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The most complained-about area is engine (50% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 51,000 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine. 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.