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2019 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Owner Complaints

246 NHTSA owner complaints
12 crash 3 fire 4 injury 1 death

Age-normalised, this year draws ~30.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 3 of 12 Hyundai Elantra years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, cited in 128 of 246 filed complaints (52%).

Exterior Lighting is next (65 complaints, 26%), followed by Electrical System (37), Power Train (11), Steering (9).

Across all complaints, 12 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 4 report injuries, 1 report a death.

The most safety-critical cluster is Steering: 2 crash, 2 fire, 1 death report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 246.

Engine 128 2 crash 1 injury

“The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! Date of incident…”
NHTSA complaint #11683822, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

“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. Many articles have been written about the engines being defective. Hyundai will not help me because they say there is a Korean engine in this car. What the heck does this have to do with it I bought a Hyundai. I have been to the dealership, the car company, the car salesman at the car lot I bought it at. No one will help me. I sit with a dead car and in dept 15000. Where do I go from here.”
NHTSA complaint #11573742, 2023 · crash

“Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truck and would not move again.”
NHTSA complaint #11634022, 2022 · crash

Exterior Lighting 65 2 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11654195, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEN STOLER HYUNDAI (11275 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL SAFETY FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11416543, 2020 · fire

“ON OCTOBER 28, 2020 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO JOE HOLLAND CHEVROLET IN CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA BECAUSE MY HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A FAULTY HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THAT I WAS AT LEAST THE THIRD PERSON THAT DAY WITH THIS ISSUE. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS ON BACK ORDER. SINCE THE TIME CHANGE IT IS NOW DARK BY 5:00 PM AND I DON'T GET OFF WORK UNTIL 5:30 PM. I HAVE HAD TWO DEER STRIKES SINCE NOVEMBER 1, 2020 TO NOVEMBER 17, 2020, BECAUSE I HAVE NO HIGH BEAMS MY VISUAL DISTANCE IS GREATLY REDUCED. THESE TWO DEER STRIKES HAVE COST AN ESTIMATED $8,000.…”
NHTSA complaint #11375130, 2020 · crash

Electrical System 37 3 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11654195, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEN STOLER HYUNDAI (11275 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL SAFETY FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11416543, 2020 · fire

“I am contacting you regarding Service Campaign 993 (Atni-theft software upgrade). My car was stolen on March 7th, 2023 due to a lack of the required safety system on anti-theft software and immobilizing. Although, the recall updates and adds the mentioned safety issues, However, my war was stolen due lack of these safety systems. The car was recovered by police, however, it is damaged (Window, ignition cylinder, body of the car, bumpers, etc) I did contact the Hyundai customer care center, and I was told that Hyundai is not going to reimburse the cost of the repair of the damages to my car (a…”
NHTSA complaint #11511983, 2023 · crash

Unknown Or Other 25 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“The brake system of my vehicle failed completely when I was attempting to reduce my speed and exit the freeway. I exited through a red light and hit the light pole at freeway speed. Seconds later the cars to my right hit my car causing it to flip over. People involved in the collision got off to help me flip the car back over and by doing so my wrist broke. I also suffered from extreme whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #11423413, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle caught on fire. There were not any warnings, and no alarms went off prior to this.”
NHTSA complaint #11584623, 2024 · fire

“A safety recall performed by Hyundai automotive company was completed on 10.4.2022 to remedy a known security flaw in Kia/Hyunai vehicles made between 2011 and 2022. This recall was performed successfully by a certified Hyundai dealer. Since this, the vehicle has been stolen not once, but twice. The security sytem that should be in place to prevent the ease of theft has not been effective. This has put us as owners at risk of financial harm by lack of access to a vehicle on multiple occasions. Additionally this has continued to be a public safety concern as this has put the lives and safety…”
NHTSA complaint #11698415, 2025 · crash

Power Train 11

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart and was driven to the auto body repair shop, where it was recently repaired due to front bumper damage sustained in an accident. The auto body repair shop then towed the vehicle to the dealer, where DTC: P0017 and P0014 were retrieved. The dealer informed the contact…”
NHTSA complaint #11723605, 2026

“I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition . 2.0L 1999CC L4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford F250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just have my car running off of my battery (ex: roll windows up) and all of the lights on the dash board on. I put my car on the break to turn my car off and it went back into drive mode, it didn’t shut off. I tried accelerating my car went no where, within a few mi…”
NHTSA complaint #11706302, 2025

“Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.”
NHTSA complaint #11660084, 2025

Steering 9 2 crash 2 fire 1 death

“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. THE DRIVER WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND BURNED TO DEATH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE STATE TROOPER CONTACTED HYUNDAI OF DOTHAN (LOCATED AT 2329 ROSS CLARK CIR, DOTHAN, AL 36301, (334) 699-6416) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11197230, 2018 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEN STOLER HYUNDAI (11275 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL SAFETY FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11416543, 2020 · fire

“THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE SET DRIVING MY RPMS WENT TO 8 HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE ENDED UP CROSSING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC HITTING THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOING DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH.”
NHTSA complaint #11390555, 2021 · crash

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Forward Collision Avoidance 6 2 crash 2 injury

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11654195, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE SET DRIVING MY RPMS WENT TO 8 HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE ENDED UP CROSSING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC HITTING THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOING DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH.”
NHTSA complaint #11390555, 2021 · crash

“While driving on the highway, engine light comes on and THEN CAR SHUTS OFF MID DRIVE. Days later, tire pressure light comes on and stays on showing GOOD pressure. The car doesn't properly shift gears. Luckily I didn't have an accident. I have a case opened with Hyundai, but unable to get diagnosis until March. Car hasn't been consistently operable since purchase 3 years ago, as you can tell by my mileage”
NHTSA complaint #11572036, 2024

Seat Belts 6

“I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t fix it and I have reached out to Hyundai USA and they are not responding.”
NHTSA complaint #11493204, 2022

“4 year old was buckled into carseat, seat belt would not loosen for him to get out, seat belt was tightening against his t Stomach and daycare faculty had to cut him out Dealership cost will be 621.00 to repair. Not covered under warranty”
NHTSA complaint #11429176, 2021

“PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALARM GOES OFF SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WEIGHT IN IT OR WITH VERY LITTLE WEIGHT LIKE A SMALL PURSE SITTING IN IT WHILE DRIVING AND WILL CONTINUE TO GO OFF FOR PERIODS OF TIME. IT WON'T SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN YOU BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT. HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT ADDIQUIT FOR LIGHTING THE ROADWAY AT NIGHT AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I NEED THE HIGH BEAMS ON TO SEE NORMALLY”
NHTSA complaint #11405807, 2021

Service Brakes 6 2 crash

“My car was a total lost after car did not break, and instead the accelerator got stuck. My car went straight into a pole, causing the accident. Car was purchased 2 weeks prior, the dealer did not acknowledge it was a defect, and I lost my deposit of $7000.”
NHTSA complaint #11577787, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 53 MPH, A DEER COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE COASTING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE MEDIAN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT QUICKLY ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.”
NHTSA complaint #11280269, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggi…”
NHTSA complaint #11643504, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggi…”
NHTSA complaint #11643504, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that an internal oil leak had resulted in the engine seizing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac…”
NHTSA complaint #11585305, 2024

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine and oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston had scarred the cylinder wall, and the piston needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and offered to assist with the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11504499, 2023

Lane Departure 4 1 crash

“THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE SET DRIVING MY RPMS WENT TO 8 HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE ENDED UP CROSSING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC HITTING THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOING DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH.”
NHTSA complaint #11390555, 2021 · crash

“I was driving home from work at night when my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport (just found out has the wrong VIN) lost all power and felt like it wasn’t running on all cylinders. I switched it to sport mode had a little more power for about 2 mins then my car died completely. I had to pull over thankfully I made it to the bottom of the pass and coasted into a gas station while I waited for a tow truck to have it towed to the dealership. The dealership had my car for almost a week. They ran all kinds of diagnostic testing, one of which came back showing my engine lost almost all compression. Secondly…”
NHTSA complaint #11514902, 2023

“My engine started making a knocking sound and stopped on me while driving it. Hyundai has determined the problem is a piston failure in the engine which is scratching the engine rendering my vehicle inoperable. First date this was noticed was on the morning of 01/04/2023 the car then broke down while driving at about 5:30 pm central time same day. Hyundai is saying they aren’t responsible for the damage however there is a recall currently that is for the same thing but they won’t repair it for free because my vin number wasn’t affect but it is going through the same issues as described in the…”
NHTSA complaint #11505000, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash

“My car was a total lost after car did not break, and instead the accelerator got stuck. My car went straight into a pole, causing the accident. Car was purchased 2 weeks prior, the dealer did not acknowledge it was a defect, and I lost my deposit of $7000.”
NHTSA complaint #11577787, 2022 · crash

“I think my transmission is messed up because my car stalls to go and my RPM jump up to 4/5 after I accelerate”
NHTSA complaint #11562791, 2023

“My 2019 Elantra has stalled while in motion 5 separate times since 15 November 2022. My warranty claims are based on a defect in the vehicle’s material or workmanship that is covered by the Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of 5 years from date of original retail delivery and 60,000 miles. Why I believe the problems are the responsibility of the manufacturer: This began 15 November 2022 when the Malfunction Indicator Lamp came on; I brought the car immediately to Bay Hyundai. They replaced the camshaft assembly. Since then, the engine has stalled while in motion 5 separate times…”
NHTSA complaint #11516975, 2022

Wheels 4

“Short in the car headlight and rear high brake lights. Have replaced the lights and entire headlight but day time running lights and front headlight keep going out. The headlights also have a halo effect. Rear passenger tire also keeps deflating even when tire as been checked for holed and leaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11625947, 2024

“DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WILL NOT CHANGE FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM. ONCOMING TRAFFIC FLASH THERE HIGH BEAMS AT ME TO WARN ME THAT MY HIGH BEAM IS ON MAKING NIGHT TRAVEL IMPOSSIBLE. I ALSO CAN'T DRIVE THROUGH A CITY OR I WILL GET A CITATION FOR HIGH BEAMS ON IN CITY LIMITS. THE NEXT ISSUE I'VE NOTICED IS THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WEARS UNUSUALLY FAST.”
NHTSA complaint #11415709, 2021

“HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE TIRES SIZED 225/40 R18 TIRES ARE CRACKING ON THE SIDEWALL. I HAD A 2018 MODEL OF THIS SAME VEHICLE AND IT HAPPENED ON THOSE TIRES AS WELL. I JUST NOTICED THIS LAST NIGHT ON THE 2019 MODEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11405201, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“Car keeps turning off every time I start it and won’t stay on”
NHTSA complaint #11633463, 2024

“I was driving down a main highway, approaching a busy intersection preparing to turn left... I had a green light without a green arrow and had quite a bit of distance/time between myself and any approaching vehicle so I went ahead and proceeded. Just as I entered the intersection, all of the sudden my car stopped responding to my pressing on the gas pedal. The motor was very loud and dry sounding, and the RPM gauge was running abnormally high but the car itself, was barely moving. I continued trying to give it gas, even checked to see if something had knocked it out of gear (that was NOT the…”
NHTSA complaint #11489100, 2022

“NEITHER OF THE HIGHBEAMS WORK AND THEY BOTH STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME IT'S NOT THE RELAY IT'S NOT THE FUSE IT'S NOT THE BULBS.”
NHTSA complaint #11353213, 2020

Structure 3

“I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t fix it and I have reached out to Hyundai USA and they are not responding.”
NHTSA complaint #11493204, 2022

“Car got broken into, back window smashed. Ignition ripped out, someone tried stealing it, even though I got the recall fixed. try to steal vehicle with USB cord.”
NHTSA complaint #11632136, 2000

Air Bags 2

“I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t fix it and I have reached out to Hyundai USA and they are not responding.”
NHTSA complaint #11493204, 2022

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggi…”
NHTSA complaint #11643504, 2025

“Sometimes the car will not start batter is testing good replaced it anyway same for starter and Is Alternator and still happens hyundai dealership said they don't know. Now the car will start to break on its own saying something is there even when in open parking lot by yourself with nothing or any one around. After that started now the trunk will open when driving down the road if you are home and unlock the car the trunk will open 3 times before staying closed and as soon as you pull of up to 3 minutes it will open back up even when doing 70 on the interstate just pops open have took batte…”
NHTSA complaint #11502693, 2022

Tires 2

“Bridgestone Turanza Quiet Track Tires bought 2 April 2023, and 2 in July 2023 at Discount Tire.I has to replace all 4 today with than half (20,000) of the 80,000 mile tread wear. A ripoff and dangerous. I was notified by sales rep that Bridgestone knows these tires are not for the hot climate. I live in Conroe, Texas.”
NHTSA complaint #11597750, 2024

“The contact rented a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the tire pressure monitoring system would remain illuminated although the tire air pressure was at the correct levels. Additionally, while driving at speeds exceeding 60 MPH, the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel would shake and vibrate and, on several occasions, nearly caused another vehicle to crash into the rear. The steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failu…”
NHTSA complaint #11429540, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 2

“My late mother’s 2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX] ) was brought to Johnson Hyundai of Apex on 4/14/2025 for a known paint defect recall affecting the roof and roof rails. I was handling this vehicle as part of her estate. While the car was in the custody of their body shop, Piperformance, the windshield was cracked and replaced without my knowledge or consent. I was not informed of the damage beforehand, was never asked to authorize the repair, and was not provided an estimate or invoice in any official format. When I requested documentation, the service advisor (Josh) only sent a photo of an…”
NHTSA complaint #11664050, 2025

“WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD MY SUNROOF EXPLODED SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR VERY LOUD POP. MY VISOR WAS CLOSED SO GLASS DIDN'T LANDED ON ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11343034, 2020

Back Over Prevention 1

“Engine knocking noise and slows down car speed”
NHTSA complaint #11423182, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the dealer completed an unknown recall repair on the vehicle however, when she picked up the vehicle from the dealer and was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. Several warning lights including the check engine warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that she turned off the vehicle and was able to restart it after several attempts. The contact drove back to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred while…”
NHTSA complaint #11430173, 2021

Suspension 1

“The suspension on this vehicle is out of control. The vehicle jumps, and It moves from one side to another over any road bump. The car only has 60,000 miles and it shouldn't be doing that, it's unsafe and it can cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11649931, 2025

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra draws about 30.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 3 of 12 among the Hyundai Elantra model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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