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2018 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis
2018 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has 374 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.4/ 10

Based on 374 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

126 33.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

48 12.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

38 10.2%

POWER TRAIN

24 6.4%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

17 4.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 33.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 30 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has 374 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 34% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra are ENGINE (126), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (48), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 236 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Elantra complaints2019 Elantra complaints2020 Elantra complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 26 of 26 systems

ENGINE

73 Reports29% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. WILL GO INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE, WONT ACCELERATE PAST 40-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD VERY CLOSE CALL ON MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE FACT I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR LOST POWER AND COULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AT ALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP ME.

5/14/2018

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WHEN THE "ENGINE HAS OVERHEATED" WARNING CAME ON, AFTER WHICH I MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO A LOCAL ROAD NEAR BEFORE THE CAR STALLED. I HAD IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI CENTER THE NEXT DAY, WHERE THEY TOLD ME I HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AND THEY FIXED THE ISSUE. TODAY, LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT TO GO ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE "ENGINE HAS OVERHEATED" WARNING CAME ON AGAIN. I FELT LIKE IT WOULD BE TOO DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING IN CASE THE CAR STALLS AGAIN AT NIGHT ON A FREEWAY, AND AM WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM HYUNDAI TO EITHER FIX OR REPLACE THE CAR.

5/18/2018

71 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

40 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THESE NEW CARS DO NOT HAVE A MANUAL RELEASE FOR THE TRUNK ANYMORE - MAKING THEM EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE TRUNK IS BY RELEASING THE LEVEL ON THE VERY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OR YOU MUST HAVE THE KEYS IN YOUR HAND. SO THE CAR IS PARKED AND MY SON GOES OUT WITH A FRIEND TO GET A POSTER OUT OF THE TRUNK AND SHUTS THE DOOR ON HIS HAND BY ACCIDENT. - OR SHOULD I SAY THE TRUNK CAME DOWN ON HIS HAND AND LOCKED HIS HAND INSIDE! AND NOW HE CAN'T OPEN THE TRUNK DOOR - AND NEITHER CAN HIS FRIENDS BECAUSE THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE ANYMORE! AND THEY ARE ALL TO YOUNG TO KNOW THERE IS A RELEASE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. IF I HAD NOT BEEN CLOSE BY - MY SON WOULD HAVE LOST HIS LITTLE PINKY FINGER. IT WAS CUT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BONE. WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI TO LET THEM KNOW - THE FIRST AND LAST RESPONSE WAS, "MA'AM, COULD YOU CALM DOWN BEFORE WE CONTINUE?" I SAID "SURE. I AM GOING TO CALM RIGHT DOWN AND CALL THE PRESS." AND I HUNG UP AND HAVE ALREADY NOTIFIED ABC, NBC AND THE AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - THIS IS SO DANGEROUS. HOW COULD ANYONE ALLOW NEW CARS TO HAVE NO MANUAL WAY TO OPEN THE TRUNK ANYMORE. THIS IS NOT EVOLUTION OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY. THIS IS A HUGE STRAP BACKWARD AND IT COULD REALLY PROVE TO BE HARMFUL TO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE. IT'S ONE THING TO SHUT THE DOOR ON YOUR FINGER OR HAND - BUT A DOOR THAT CAN NOT BE OPENED ... WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD THEY COME UP WITH THIS FAUX PAS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

3/9/2018

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH 27 2018 THE CAR WON'T NEVER CHARGE UP MY PHONE. WHEN I USE MY CHARGER TO CHARGE MY PHONE. MY DAUGHTER HAS A GENESIS AND IT DOES THE SAME THING AND HER CHARGE IN CAR BLEW OUT MY PHONE I'M SCARE THIS ELANTRA GOING TO DO THE SAME IT WILL NOT CHARGE UNLESS THE PHONE IS OFF. WHEN MY PHONE IS ON IT KEEPS MAKING FLICKERING SOUND. THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF ON MY LIGHTER ADAPTER AND MY PHONE WILL NOT CHARGE. SO I THINK IT'S ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAVE TRY DIFFERENT PHONES BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO STIVERS. [XXX] THE MECHANIC TESTED HIS PHONE AND HE SAID IT WORKS FINE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

4/29/2018

38 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH 27 2018 THE CAR WON'T NEVER CHARGE UP MY PHONE. WHEN I USE MY CHARGER TO CHARGE MY PHONE. MY DAUGHTER HAS A GENESIS AND IT DOES THE SAME THING AND HER CHARGE IN CAR BLEW OUT MY PHONE I'M SCARE THIS ELANTRA GOING TO DO THE SAME IT WILL NOT CHARGE UNLESS THE PHONE IS OFF. WHEN MY PHONE IS ON IT KEEPS MAKING FLICKERING SOUND. THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF ON MY LIGHTER ADAPTER AND MY PHONE WILL NOT CHARGE. SO I THINK IT'S ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAVE TRY DIFFERENT PHONES BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO STIVERS. [XXX] THE MECHANIC TESTED HIS PHONE AND HE SAID IT WORKS FINE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO PLEASE HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

4/29/2018

CAR HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. WILL GO INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE, WONT ACCELERATE PAST 40-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD VERY CLOSE CALL ON MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE FACT I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR LOST POWER AND COULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AT ALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP ME.

5/14/2018

24 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE AIRCONDITION INTERNAL CIRCULATION IS AUTOMATICALLY TURNING OFF AFTER FEW MINUTES

10/25/2018

I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT A MONTH AGO. AND TODAY I EXPERIENCED THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE TO GO THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING INTO SALISBURY, MD THAT THE CAR WOULDNT SPEED UP. AND ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO HAVE DOWN SHIFTED A COUPLE GEARS DUE TO THE RPMS GOING FROM 4600ISH RPM DOWN TO 2000 RPMS AND THAN THE CAR WENT BACK TO NORMAL. WHEN I HAD GOTTEN INTO SALISBURY AND HAD TO STOP IT BRAKED JUST FINE BUT WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE AGAIN IT START TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS STALLING AND IT'S BEEN DOING IT NOW FOR THE WHOLE DAY. AS WELL AS A BURNING SMELL WHICH I'M 99% CERTAIN IS THE CLUTCH. I HAVE WORKED THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS. I HAVE A DCT TRANSMISSIONS 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPORT TECH PACKAGE. I WENT IN THE FORUM ON FACEBOOK AND SOME ELSE HAS POSTED THE SAME ISSUES. AND MANY OTHER COMMENTS. I WILL BE TAKING MINE TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER CHRISTMAS IS OVER. BUT I'LL LIST SCREENSHOTS BELOW

12/24/2018

12 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HEADLIGHTS BEAMS HARDLY REACH ACROSS AN INTERSECTION.. THEY DO NOT ILLUMINATE ROAD SIGNS LIKE SPEED LIMIT, AND STREET NAME SIGNS.. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON RURAL ROADS THAT HAVE DIPS IN THEM UNLESS YOUR SLOW DOWN TO 15MPH (NOT GOOD WHEN THE SPEED LIMIT IS 45 ON THESE ROADS.... THE HEADLIGHTS DISAPPEAR ON SUBURBAN STREETS AS WELL... THE FIRST IMAGE THERE ARE TWO STOP SIGNS .. ..YOU CAN SEE THE POST THEY ARE ON BUT CAN YOU SEE THE SIGNS ? THE SECOND IMAGE SHOWS THE BEAMS OF THE CAR ON A FENCE .. THE CAR IS PARKED 26' AWAY FROM A 74" HIGH FENCE IM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT.... YOU CANT SEE STOP SIGNS.. YOU CAN SEE THE LEGS OF PEDESTRIANS BUT NOT THEIR TORSOS

1/7/2018

ON 10/13/2018 I TURNED IGNITION ON CAR TO START AND THE CAR BEGAN RUMBLING AND BUMPING AND THE SHUT DOWN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS STATIONARY IN MY PARKING SPACE AT HOME WHEN THIS HAPPEN...IT ALSO BEGAN BUMPING AND DRAGGING IF TO SHUT DOWN AGAIN ON 10/20/2018. EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP..NEXT, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN BLANK WHILE DRIVING ON 10/20/2018. NOW THIS TIME IT WAS DRIVEN TO DEALER, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE MAL FUNCTION. THIS WAS ON 10/23/2018 AND 10/29/2018 AT LYNNES HYUNDAI..ON 10/16/2018 VECHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUDSON HYUNDAI FOR THE SAME BUMPING. THEY SAID THE TECH FOUND A SHORTAGE IGNITION COIL AND A CYLINDER MISFIRED AND HE CLEARED THE CODES. COMING HOME FROM LYNNES ON 10/29/18 AFTER THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH CAR, IT BEGAN TO RUMBLE AGAIN. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS CAR. WHAT IF YOUR IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC AND IT SHUTS DOWN AND YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES BLACK.COULD BE A TRAGEDY, IF NOT SOMEONE'S DEATH

10/31/2018

9 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY UPON PURCHASE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND GOT IT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE FLOATS, OR SWAYS LEFT AND RIGHT LIKE ITS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. HYUNDAI HAS TOLD ME UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE RIDES, THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU ADD WIND IN THE EQUATION IT IS A CONSTANT FIGHT THE KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT OR IN ITS LANE. DROVE 650 MILES PLUS TO GET THIS RESOLVED AND NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MET. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SWAY AND FLOAT MORE ON PAVED HIGHWAYS, BLACK TOP IS A LITTLE BETTER BUT STILL THE SAME. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER ELANTRA SAME YEAR AND THE SAME ISSUE.

6/15/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO #1 COCHRAN HYUNDAI OF MONROEVILLE (4520 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (877) 211-5526) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.

6/20/2018

9 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING FUNCTION. *LD *JS

5/23/2018

MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA BRAKE PEDAL FLUTTERS WHEN I PRESS IT TO STOP GIVING OFF A LOUD NOISE AND DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO BRAKE AT TIMES. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAY NO ISSUES HAVE BEEN FOUND. WHAT CAN I DO. I'M CONCERNED THE PRIOR RECALL ON THE THE 2017. HERE IS THE LINK. HTTPS://WWW.CARS.COM/ARTICLES/RECALL-ALERT-2017-HYUNDAI-ELANTRA-1420693395015/. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SEEMED TO STALL.

6/1/2019

8 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY UPON PURCHASE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND GOT IT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE FLOATS, OR SWAYS LEFT AND RIGHT LIKE ITS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. HYUNDAI HAS TOLD ME UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE RIDES, THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU ADD WIND IN THE EQUATION IT IS A CONSTANT FIGHT THE KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT OR IN ITS LANE. DROVE 650 MILES PLUS TO GET THIS RESOLVED AND NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MET. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SWAY AND FLOAT MORE ON PAVED HIGHWAYS, BLACK TOP IS A LITTLE BETTER BUT STILL THE SAME. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER ELANTRA SAME YEAR AND THE SAME ISSUE.

6/15/2018

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND HIGHWAYS WITH GROVES IN CEMENT THE VEHICLE SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE

8/24/2018

8 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EAST ON STATE ROAD 64 IN BRADENTON FLORIDA AT 55 MILES PER HOUR AND ALL OF THE WINDOWS WERE UP , WITH MY SON I NOTICED A COUPLE OF MOSQUITOS FLYING AROUND AND ROLLED THE BACK WINDOWS DOWN ,AT 55 MPH THE FRONT WINDOW REMAINED UP ..WHEN I ROLLED THEM DOWN I THOUGHT THE WIND TURBULENCE WOULD EXPLODE THE VEHICLE FROM INSIDE ,THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE AND LOOKED AS THOUGH THE WINDSHIELD WOULD BLOW COMPLETELY OUT....BOTH ME AND MY SON SAID WHAT IN THE F@CK JUST HAPPENED

8/4/2019

ON JUNE 29,2020 MY 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH ONLY 40,000 HAD A ENGINE FIRE AND TOTALED MY ENTIRE CAR THAT WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF INSIDE OF MY GARAGE

7/16/2020

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (EMPIRE HYUNDAI INC, 428 PLEASANT ST, FALL RIVER, MA 02721, (508) 673-7646) MORE THAN TWICE, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE DUE TO NO DTC. IN ADDITION, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD PROVIDE A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. *TT *TR

1/22/2018

CAR HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. WILL GO INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE, WONT ACCELERATE PAST 40-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD VERY CLOSE CALL ON MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE FACT I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR LOST POWER AND COULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AT ALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP ME.

5/14/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, AND PLACING THE NOZZLE INTO THE GAS REFILL PORT, THE GAS WILL CUT OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. ONLY WHEN THE GAS NOZZLE IS INSERTED 3/4 OF THE WAY INTO THE GAS REFILL PORT WILL THE GAS FLOW UNINTERRUPTED.

9/17/2018

AFTER A FULL STOP AND YOU PRESS ON THE GAS TO MOVE, AT TIMES THERE IS A PAUSE OF PERHAPS 5 SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN START TO MOVE INTO TRAFFIC.

5/15/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE HAD THE RIGHT AWAY AND WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE ROLLED A STOP AND BOTH CARS INTERSECTED.

4/18/2019

Had a car accident, airbags did not deploy but the airbag light was on. Insurance inspector said they inflated but did not come out of their housing. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. I attached pictures of the accident to show the airbags did not deploy.

12/22/2021

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY UPON PURCHASE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND GOT IT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE FLOATS, OR SWAYS LEFT AND RIGHT LIKE ITS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. HYUNDAI HAS TOLD ME UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE RIDES, THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU ADD WIND IN THE EQUATION IT IS A CONSTANT FIGHT THE KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT OR IN ITS LANE. DROVE 650 MILES PLUS TO GET THIS RESOLVED AND NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MET. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SWAY AND FLOAT MORE ON PAVED HIGHWAYS, BLACK TOP IS A LITTLE BETTER BUT STILL THE SAME. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER ELANTRA SAME YEAR AND THE SAME ISSUE.

6/15/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO #1 COCHRAN HYUNDAI OF MONROEVILLE (4520 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (877) 211-5526) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.

6/20/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PASSENGER SEAT-BELT ALARM WILL GO OFF OCCASIONALLY WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE.

7/23/2018

Heater and defrost does not work. I was unable to see out windshield. I took it for repair at dealership under warranty. They replaced a thermostat and there was no heat or defrost after. It is dangerous to drive in winter. My passenger seatbelt alarm goes off when the seat is empty. I have to pull over to lock the seatbelt to make it stop. Dealership states cannot duplicate. I have several videos of it happening.

1/8/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of fuel. The contact stated that there was no evidence of a fuel leak nor an abnormal fuel odor. The contact compared the fuel consumption to a previous vehicle owned that was the same year, make, and model. The contact needed to add $10-20 daily whenever the fuel gauge showed a half tank of gasoline. The contact's one-way trip from her residence to work was 35.3 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was test-driven for 7 miles and it was confirmed that the fuel gauge was providing inaccurate fuel readings. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back when the fuel gauge was empty to be able to have a code reading. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was also no code appearing on the code reader however, there was a powertrain failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,302.

5/26/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle did not drive smoothly. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

5/5/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

TIRES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE LINE: NPRIZAH8, TIRE SIZE: 195/65/R15 N/A, DOT NUMBER: 153T. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI LOCATED AT (4960 N. STATE ROAD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS PREVIOUSLY PATCHED. THE CONTACT REPLACED AND ROTATED TIRES. ONE MONTH LATER, THE DRIVER SIDE ORIGINAL TIRE ALSO EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED AND ROTATED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LESS THAN A MONTH LATER A THIRD TIRE OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,600.

3/17/2020

While driving at low speed (25mph) I could hear a sound coming from one of my tires that sounded like I had rolled over a large piece of tape. I slowed the car and it sounded like something was stuck on a tire. I pulled over and found nothing when I examined all 4 tires. In the morning I checked the tires and tire pressure was good on all 4. Drove to work and I could hear the fapping sound. As I was driving 55mph, the drivers rear tire blew apart into small 2" square pieces. The tire fragments tore through the fender-well, destroying it as well. This happened early in the morning and I was able to keep control of the vehicle. Westlake RP18 size 195/65/R15. Less than 6 months old and under 15,000 miles on them.

11/30/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My car was stolen because of how easy it is to start it without a key.

12/8/2022

The car was stolen from an apartment parking lot due to no immobilizer being installed, making the car very easy to steal.

8/14/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING FUNCTION. *LD *JS

5/23/2018

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD RAINBOW STREAKS ON 45 PERCENT OF THE GLASS. THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL WERE REFLECTED ON THE GLASS, WHICH OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACT'S VIEW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,012.*BF . CONSUMER STATED REFLECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCTED DRIVER'S VIEW AND IS NOT SAFE.*JB

3/14/2019

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE GLASS SUN ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE SUN ROOF WAS IN THE CLOSED POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD NEVER BEEN OPENED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE A WARNING MESSAGE SOMETIMES DISPLAYED ERRONEOUSLY, INDICATING THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS OPEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,928. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

4/16/2019

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELDS ON BOTH VEHICLES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WAS TOO EASILY SCRATCHED BY AN ICE SCRAPER DURING WINTER. *JS

5/1/2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE OVER SEVERAL WEEKS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS LOOSE AND DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEARNY MESA HYUNDAI (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,086.

6/24/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH PLATE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard the seat belt warning alarm sound. The contact re-buckled her seat belt however, the seat belt chime was still audible. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver’s side door opened independently and later the trunk also opened independently. The contact also stated the battery had to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer due to a battery failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

4/4/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have been having issues with my car since November 2021. My car would not go over 35 miles per hour, if I let my car sit for a couple of days I would have to jump my car. My check engine light came on and then 10 minutes later went off. So I finally got it in to the Hyundai dealership after months of them not having enough mechanics. So they did a multipoint inspection and came back saying the catalytic converter needed to be replaced even though no codes in the system. So I was coming back from Florida when my car stopped accelerating on the highway and my check engine light. So I had to take the long way home which means no highways and anytime I stopped I had to throw my hazards on until it would pick up any speed. I took it to Jiffy Lube in SC and that's when my car was reading 8 different misfire codes so I did my tune up with them and that is when I was told that my engine valve was cracked and dumping oil on my spark plugs and coil pack. Yesterday my engine valve replaced and another set of spark plugs in 2 weeks and it is still reading misfire codes and still no change in acceleration. I have only had my car 4 years and my catalytic converter should not be gone. I have not really moved my car in 10 months because my husband passed and I had 2 surgeries. My family can't take another loss if something happens to me because of this car.

5/29/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Starting summer 2021, we began having an issue with the parking lights randomly coming on and off when the car is parked (engine off and car locked). The dealer could not duplicate the issue and therefore did not repair anything. The car went to college with our daughter and mostly sat parked and was rarely checked on. Now that she is home for the summer, we are again aware of the problem. The safety issue began on Saturday June 18, 2022 when the headlights spontaneously turned off while driving at night on a dark road. TWICE! I am trying to work through the local dealer to remedy the issue; however, they say there is no known issue. In the meantime, I am reporting it here. My daughter was able to get the headlights to turn back on by turning the control knob until they came on. Other details: The headlight control is always in the Auto position. The steering column has had two prior warranty repairs. The first time it was completely replaced. The second, they did some other repair that I am unsure of the details. Given the wiring goes through the steering column I can't help but wonder if it is somehow related. The dealer of course says it is not.

6/30/2022

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My headlights on left side (low beam)and right side (high beam) have each burned out three times. My high mounted brake light has been replaced at least five times as well as my left and right brake lights. Now both of my tag lights went out and a right tail light. Also brakes keep grinding even after I replaced pads and rotors and NTB National Tire is telling me it’s in electrical braking system or calipers. My car had 94,000 miles on it and I’ve never had any car have caliper problems with low mileage.

10/29/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is ENGINE, with 126 owner reports. That is about 34% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 236 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra severe?

236 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Elantra: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
374
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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