Hyundai Elantra Common Problems

ENGINE

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly. Symptoms often include the engine burning oil rapidly without triggering warning lights, stalling while driving, and engine knocking or ticking noises. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 55,000 to 115,000 miles. There are significant safety implications, with reports of engine failures leading to near-accidents, and in some cases, fires. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may require substantial repairs or engine replacements outside of warranty coverage.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 4 fire, 0 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report frequent engine failures with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, often citing issues such as stalling, excessive oil consumption, and knocking sounds. Complaints frequently mention engine failures at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 35,000 miles, and others at higher mileages such as 160,000 miles. Symptoms typically include the check engine light illuminating, loss of power, and the engine seizing, sometimes without warning. Safety implications are noted, with one report involving a crash and another describing a fire hazard due to oil leaks. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine problems and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and engine failure. Symptoms commonly described include rapid oil burning without visible leaks, engine noise, and warning lights such as the check engine light. These problems are often noted at mileage as low as 20,000 miles, with some reports extending beyond 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve engine fires and one involves a crash, highlighting risks of engine failure while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding oil consumption and engine reliability.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners report frequent issues with the high beam headlights on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, where the high beams fail to activate despite the indicator light showing they are engaged. Symptoms often include the low beams functioning normally while the high beams remain inoperative, sometimes accompanied by a sound from the actuator without any change in light output. These issues are commonly noted around 50,000 to 52,000 miles. Complaints suggest that the problem may be related to the mechanism that raises the shield for the high beams. Affected owners express safety concerns, particularly when driving on dark roads, although no crashes are specifically linked to this issue in the provided complaints. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs associated with this recurring headlight malfunction.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly stalling or shutting off while driving, often accompanied by engine noises, vibrations, or warning lights such as the check engine light. Complaints often describe excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles running dry between oil changes without triggering a warning light. Another common issue involves the anti-theft system, with several reports of the car being stolen due to a lack of adequate security features. Multiple owners also mention paint peeling and radiator hose wear occurring relatively early in the vehicle's life. These problems typically appear at varying mileages, with some issues noted around 50,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash and two injuries, emphasizing the potential for loss of control and theft risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report transmission failures, with symptoms including slipping, jerking, and loss of power during acceleration. Many complaints describe issues such as the vehicle failing to shift gears properly or becoming stuck in a gear, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights or error codes. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 10,000 to over 100,000 miles. Several reports highlight safety concerns, including the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or control on highways, posing a risk of accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues when considering this model.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra frequently report electrical system failures, with common issues including the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving, dashboard lights flickering or going blank, and the infotainment system remaining active after the vehicle is turned off. Several complaints describe incidents where the car does not restart after stalling, often occurring around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some reports involve crashes, fires, and loss of control, with one instance resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially given the potential for sudden power loss and the persistent nature of the electrical malfunctions.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 3 fire, 1 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical issues with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, with backup camera malfunctions being the most common. Complaints frequently mention the camera displaying distorted images, freezing, or not functioning at all, which could impact reversing safety. Multiple owners describe problems with the horn failing and the vehicle unexpectedly entering limp mode or losing motive power while driving. Some complaints also note electronic system failures like warning lights activating without cause, cruise control malfunctions, and the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating. These issues are reported at various mileages, often starting around 10,000 miles, and one instance involves a fire, suggesting potential safety implications.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports