2018 Hyundai Elantra
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 283
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
None on file
50% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 283 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 253 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 433 |
| 2012 | 652 |
| 2013 | 1,312 |
| 2014 | 384 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 283 |
| 2019 | 250 |
| 2020 | 252 |
| 2021 | 131 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
50% · 141 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound. Two other drivers alerted the contact that flames were coming from underneath the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-12
While driving, heard a loud pop then smoke came from the engine. The electrical system flashed then went out. A passer by coming from the opposite direction stopped and told me that my car was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28
Also filed under Electrical system
While driving the engine light came off and car shut down instantly. I see there is issues with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra but Iâm coming ot if picket. $7678.50 I purchased the vehicle I.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
Electrical system
15% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17
Power train
8% · 24 reportsFuel/propulsion system
7% · 19 reportsSteering
6% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Steering keeps locking up steering wheel light light and other lights in my dashboard came on which caused my back camera to stop working took it to dealership got a diagnosis it appeared nothing was wrong which they calibrated it and fixed the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 141 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 24 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.