MYRModel Year Report

2018 Hyundai Elantra

● Typical for this model
2018 Hyundai Elantra
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Elantra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 1992: 29 complaints 1992 1993: 24 complaints 1994: 78 complaints 1995: 112 complaints 1996: 100 complaints 1997: 115 complaints 1997 1998: 55 complaints 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 197 complaints 2001: 315 complaints 2002: 342 complaints 2002 2003: 234 complaints 2004: 182 complaints 2005: 137 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 266 complaints 2007 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 251 complaints 2010: 379 complaints 2011: 432 complaints 2012: 651 complaints 2012 2013: 1310 complaints 2014: 382 complaints 2015: 261 complaints 2016: 292 complaints 2017: 764 complaints 2017 2018: 281 complaints 2018 2019: 247 complaints 2020: 247 complaints 2021: 129 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 96 complaints 2024: 52 complaints 2025: 21 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
2018: 281 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19900
19910
199229
199324
199478
1995112
1996100
1997115
199855
1999128
2000197
2001315
2002342
2003234
2004182
2005137
2006155
2007266
2008314
2009251
2010379
2011432
2012651
20131310
2014382
2015261
2016292
2017764
2018281
2019247
2020247
2021129
202299
202396
202452
202521
20262

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 50%

50% of complaints: engine — 140 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240412

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, 20230928

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260727

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20260717

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (140 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (24 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1998 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2017 ■ 2012

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.