MYRModel Year Report

2019 Hyundai Elantra

● Typical for this model
2019 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, 2019 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 2019: 247 complaints 2019 2020: 247 complaints 2021: 129 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 96 complaints 2024: 52 complaints 2025: 21 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
2019: 247 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 52%

52% of complaints: engine — 129 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

bought this car for my son's graduation the car had 59000 miles as a used car. The engine seized after one year and 18000 miles. No one is taking responsibility and I still owe 15000 on this car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240224

On 6/12/26, the engine had a sudden, catastrophic failure that caused a life-threatening hazard on a 2-lane highway in a remote mountain grade with no shoulder.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260823

Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

About two months ago, I had to replace the camshaft on my vehicle. Then about 3 weeks ago while driving down the road I began to hear a grinding slap near the front right of the vehicle. Then the power died and the vehicle limped into a parking lot.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260729

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 26%

26% of complaints: exterior lighting — 65 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and bulbs.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON OCTOBER 28, 2020 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO JOE HOLLAND CHEVROLET IN CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA BECAUSE MY HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20201117

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 4%

4% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

STEERING 4%

4% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER OF A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO TREES AND A SMALL ABANDONED HOME. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190418

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210824 — engine

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.

Campaign 21V301000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (129 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (65 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V301000 (engine) has been completed.
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 2019 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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