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Hyundai Elantra GTModel year report

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Problems

Complaints
51filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
6,882miles, 16 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 32 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe engine knocking or internal failure, engines that stall or shut off while driving, and oil consumption that needs frequent top-ups. Oil use is described as building up over months or years, while stalls and internal noises are often described as sudden, sometimes at highway speed. Mileage is missing from most of these complaints, and where it is given, reports range from under 1,000 miles to about 115,000 miles.

  1. Engine

    Engine knocking, ticking, or internal failure

    • 21 complaints (41%)
    • median 32,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2021–2026

    Owners describe ticking or knocking that becomes louder, sometimes followed by a loud bang, and then the engine loses power or stops. Some complaints describe rod bearing or timing chain failure, metal pieces in the oil, or a bad cylinder head found by the dealer, and several say the engine needed replacement. Owners also report long waits before a dealer could inspect the car, and one says the manufacturer declined to cover an engine swap, citing ownership and mileage. Where mileage is stated, these engine failures are reported from about 32,000 to about 115,000 miles, and many complaints give no mileage.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the engine bearing inspection and the knock sensor software campaign listed for this model year have been completed, and have a technician check for ticking or knocking noise.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving on a the interstate going 75 MPH when I heard a loud thumping noise from the front right side, I lost power steering, power brakes and the car shut off. I had to struggle to maneuver and stop the car to the emergency lane. It was then towed to the dealer that discovered the timing chain failed. The timing chain also damaged other internal parts throwing fluid throughout the engine and causing metal shards from other internal components. The car has 32k miles and less than 3 years old.”

    NHTSA complaint #11399096, filed 2021-03, 32,000 miles

    “We were driving the car and all of a sudden it would only go 30 mph and starting making a noise, pulled over and car would not go anymore. I took to a shop authorized from my carmax care program and it was diagnosed as rod bearings broken in the engine. This is a know issue with this model and Hyundia extended the warranty due to know issue. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11487951, filed 2022-10
  2. Engine

    Engine stalls or shuts off while driving

    • 20 complaints (39%)
    • median 10,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2026

    Owners describe engines that stalled or shut off while driving, often at highway speed, and sometimes after all dashboard warning lights came on. Some say the engine would not restart or the car could not accelerate after the shutdown, and some describe losing power steering and power brake assist. One owner was told the fuel pump may be the problem, and another describes a dealer replacing a fuel-related part after keeping the car for 23 days. Where mileage is stated, these shutoffs range from 87 miles to about 60,000 miles, and many complaints give no mileage.

    What to check: Ask for repair records for any stalling, starting, or fuel pump work, and test drive the car at highway speed to confirm it runs and restarts without warning lights.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car shut off while on the highway randomly started shaking. All lights turned on check engine,motor oil light battery light. Car shut off to the point where I couldn't accelerate. So imagine being on the highway and your car shuts off randomly while your in motion and cant accelerate to merge to the emergency lane. This happened 4 more times on my way to the dealership less then 800 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

    NHTSA complaint #11130331, filed 2018-09, 800 miles

    “I bought a 2018 Hyundai gt sport 3 months ago. Since day one car has been stalling and having a hard time starting. I was on the highway doing 75mph and the car just turned off no warning. I called the dealer in my area let them know about the starting issues and the stalling issues with the car I took it in to them few days later. They kept it for 3 days and told me sorry we do not know what to tell you. Took it home and that day the car stalled on my way home. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11185997, filed 2019-03, 87 miles
  3. Engine

    Engine burns oil and needs frequent top-ups

    • 13 complaints (25%)
    • median 106,112 mi at 7.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2022–2026

    Owners describe excessive oil consumption, with oil dropping between changes and no visible leak to explain it. Some add oil weekly or every 600 to 800 miles, and one says the dipstick showed no oil at an oil change. A few say the oil warning light stayed off, or came on only when the oil was nearly gone, and some describe stalls or failures after the oil ran out. Where mileage is stated, these complaints describe cars from about 55,000 to about 106,000 miles, and owners describe the oil loss building up over months or years.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the dipstick level and ask for oil change records that show how much oil was added between changes. Ask whether the oil consumption inspection and combustion chamber cleaning bulletins for this model year have been performed on the car.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.”

    NHTSA complaint #11670888, filed 2025-07

    “I have noticed over the last year or so that the engine was burning oil. This was indicated by Express Oil Change multiple times during oil changes, including today. The oil level today didn't even register on the dipstick, so it seems this is getting worse. I can get oil change records on request from the above company.”

    NHTSA complaint #11527719, filed 2023-06
  4. Forward collision avoidance

    Collision warning and braking system faults

    • 8 complaints (16%)
    • median 27,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2019–2026

    Owners describe collision-warning systems that stop working, show warnings, or go out of calibration, sometimes with a message that the system needs checking. Others describe automatic braking that did not respond, and sudden braking at slow speeds in heavy traffic with no dashboard warning. One complaint describes an ABS failure light, with cruise control and auto hold warning lights also staying on, and another describes air felt in the brake pedal, which the dealer said was a faulty brake booster. Most of these complaints do not state mileage, and the brake booster complaint lists about 18,000 to 22,000 miles.

    What to check: On a test drive, check that the collision-warning, ABS, and braking warning lights stay off and that the brake pedal feels firm. Ask for records of any dealer calibration or brake repair work on the car.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The aeb system does not show any warnings or attempt to stop the car. I do not drive around trying to make this feature work but after getting the new car I did realize it was not detecting anything while my other car detects and stops fine in the same scenario. I have gone to the Hyundai service center where I purchased the car about this as well as submitted a case with Hyundai corporate. Corporate response was: go back to the service center again and tell them what my concern is (again). So, I did. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11176420, filed 2019-02

    “On 6/27/24 while starting my car in the morning an ABS failure light came on, various other system failure lights came on and have stayed on since that day including Cruise Control and Auto Hold. My car only had 33,250 miles on it! I purchased for an OBDII Reader hoping the failure was just a Wheel Speed Sensor. Unfortunately, the error code registered in the ECU was C240201 “Motor Failure” I brought in my car to a very reputable Auto repair shop, and for a $139 diagnosis fee, they confirmed that the ABS Motor / Pump had failed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11647151, filed 2025-03

Buying note. Buyers may want to check the oil level and oil change records, test drive for stalling or unusual engine noise, and ask about the engine bulletins for this model year. Because several complaints involve engine replacement, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is a practical step.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 48 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 88% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,882 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 117 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “My vehicle has 55,000 miles, and the engine completely stalled while I was driving to the dealership to get it looked at. I had my oil change done 01/04/2024, and barely drove it since I dropped it off 01/11/2024. After weeks of waiting on any update, I was finally contacted that today, 01/26/2024, my car had no oil and this is why my engine failed. I have video evidence of the oil change, and the dealership is trying to place blame on the mechanic that has done the oil change. …”

NHTSA complaint #11568126, filed 2024-01

Other or unknown: “when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked outer handle the door opened. i then checked child saftey lock switch and it was not in child safety position. i checked the window power switch at driver door main control and window went down but not back up.”

NHTSA complaint #11647588, filed 2025-03

Transmission and drivetrain: “In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. …”

NHTSA complaint #11677085, filed 2025-07

Brakes: “18000 miles on the car started hearing air come from the brake pedal. Took it to the dealer who informed me that the brake booster was faulty no recall on the 2018 Elantra Gt but there is on the 2017. Car loosing power and slipping transmission. Dealer was planning to charge for the inspection of a warrantied vehicle and it ended up with a braking system issue?”

NHTSA complaint #11245944, filed 2019-08, 22,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

88% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 300 and 22,000 miles.

50%0–1025%10–2513%25–506%50–750%75–1006%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (16 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 6,882 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

2018201920212022102023202420252026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Elantra GT · hatchback FWD★★★★☆4 / 4454 · 10.7% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.

Neighbouring years: 2017: 5 stars overall; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Elantra GT FWD1.6L 4-cyl7-speed automatic263228$2,400
Elantra GT FWD1.6L 4-cyl6-speed manual222925$2,700
Elantra GT FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic243227$2,500
Elantra GT FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed manual233126$2,600

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 117 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 117 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Elantra GT

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2020810,0000427—Not enough data
20191452,4000427—Not enough data
2018516,8821427Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Stable
20172685,0000527Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
2016777,1701527—Not enough data
20148113,0000527—Not enough data
2013582,0000530—Not enough data

All Hyundai Elantra GT model years

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

Owners of this model year most often describe engine knocking or internal failure, engines that stall or shut off while driving, and oil consumption that needs frequent top-ups. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, ticking, or internal failure; Engine stalls or shuts off while driving; Engine burns oil and needs frequent top-ups.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT have?

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 30 complaints (59% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 7.

Has the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT reported?

Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,882 miles and the middle half falls between 300 and 22,000 miles; 88% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.