2018 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Elantra years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
19/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Hyundai Elantra year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 66 of its 284 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (81 complaints, median 51,750 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 284filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,600miles, 91 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 32 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report engine-related problems — stalling or losing power while driving, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and in some cases engine replacement. A second cluster of complaints covers hard or erratic starts, dashboard warning lights, and electronics, while a smaller group describes sluggish or hesitant acceleration after a stop and occasional steering or tire-pressure issues. Reports are spread fairly evenly across the mileage range, with many appearing well under 60,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 81 complaints (29%)
- median 51,750 mi at 3.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,150 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the vehicle shutting off or losing motive power at highway and city speeds, sometimes with the check engine light on and sometimes with no warning at all. Several say the car restarted after being pulled over, while others report it would not restart and had to be towed. Complaints describe dealers replacing ignition coils or sensors first, then sometimes concluding the engine needed replacement, and a number say the dealer could not duplicate the problem. Reported from a few thousand miles up to over 130,000 miles, at a wide spread of mileages.
What to check: Ask for a full service history and whether any engine or software campaigns were performed. On a test drive, note any hesitation, stalling, or knocking, and check the oil level and condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The engine seized while I was driving on the road and it started smoking. The car just stopped and the engine could not be started again. The car did not warning of over heating or of the car needing to be serviced. I brought the car used and it was two months after I made the purchase that this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11339427, filed 2020-07, 14,000 miles“I was driving about 45 mph when the car just turned off the first time. I was able to put it in neutral and start it back up to get to the side of the road and it died on me again. I was about 30 feet from my destination at this point so I got it where I was going and turned it off. When I turned it back on it was making a terrible knocking/grinding noise. It didn’t have a drop of oil in it (about a thousand miles after my last oil change mind you) so I put oil in it and started it again and the sound quit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11585555, filed 2024-04, 136,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption / low oil
- 75 complaints (26%)
- median 89,575 mi at 4.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report the oil level dropping well below full between oil changes, in some cases only weeks after service, with no visible leak. Some describe knocking or grinding noises and smoke, and several say the dealer determined the engine needed replacement because oil was clogging the valves. Others say they were told the usage was within normal range. Reported anywhere from about 40,000 to 130,000 miles, often within a few weeks of an oil change.
What to check: Check the dipstick level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, and ask the seller how often oil is added between changes. A compression or oil-consumption check before purchase is worth requesting.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Got my oil changed 9/10/2020 and it has not ran every since 9/10/20 want stay running check engine light on making a loud noise I have to keep giving it gas to keepit running. So. My stepdad was like is there any oil in it I told him I had just had it changed not even month ago well he check it and it's 2 and half quarts low but how is that it's not even been running in two weeks and I have no leaks smh enj”
NHTSA complaint #11373038, filed 2020-11, 93,000 miles“My 2018 elentra value edition started knocking in august of 2018. I called the dealership in chillicothe oh and they told me it was fine to drive and to bring it in the following monday. They said I should plan to wait while they looked at it and that I would be driving it home that day.. I drove about 20 miles and the engine made a loud noise and died. They never told me what caused the failure but there was oil and chunks of aluminum all over the road. They replaced the engine under the warranty. The car had 33,000 miles at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388943, filed 2021-01, 144,000 miles - Electrical system
Hard starting and dashboard warning lights
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the car failing to start or cranking slowly with multiple warning lights lit across the dash, sometimes along with a gear selector stuck in park. Some owners say a jump or a new battery was the fix offered, and a few report the battery terminals or posts were the problem. Others say the dealer could not reproduce the issue. Reported mostly between roughly 13,000 and 66,000 miles.
What to check: Have the battery and charging system tested, and check that any anti-theft software or ignition-related service campaigns were completed at a dealer.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I attempted to start my car and when I did it every light on the dash was lit up and the gear shift was stuck in park. It happened about two weeks prior and I was able to turn the car off and on a few times and it worked but this time it didn't so I had to have it towed to the dealership. When the tow truck driver came he used some sort of toll he had to unlock the gear shift which allowed it to be driveable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11352010, filed 2020-08, 36,668 miles“In november 2018, I turned on my car, and the entire vehicle shook violently. I turned it back off, then on. It shook again, and the check engine line was on. I called the dealership, and they said since the light wasn't flashing, I could drive it over. Turned it on, no issues, drove over. They read the code and replaced the ignition coil. Mileage was 12,884. This morning (may 2), the car tried to turn on, but couldn't (like a dying battery). Oil, engine, and battery lights all came on. Waited a few minutes, tried again, same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11323046, filed 2020-05, 15,020 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hesitation or delayed acceleration
- 47 complaints (17%)
- median 11,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report a pause or lag of several seconds when accelerating from a stop, sometimes described as the car feeling like it is in neutral, then moving normally. Some describe a lunge or shudder, and several say the dealer told them the behavior was normal for the vehicle or could not find a fault. Reported from roughly 6,500 to 38,000 miles, typically in stop-and-go driving.
What to check: Repeat several stop-and-go accelerations during a test drive and note any delay. Ask whether transmission diagnostic codes have been read or any transmission service bulletin work performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When accelerating after stop car lunges and then starts to move, since bought it I have told dealership several times they say nothing wrong that how it is. Also tires have all fell apart or went flat and have wire showing on inside . I feel this is safety concern and when buying a new car tires should last longer than 1 year I should not acceleration problems either.I have some picture”
NHTSA complaint #11317599, filed 2020-03, 41,250 miles“Passenger seat air bag indicator flashes and warning sound indicates seat belt is not buckled when nobody is in the seat. When accelerating, there are multiple hesitations where the car feels like it is in park or neutral. After about 15-30 seconds, the car starts accelerating normally”
NHTSA complaint #11230197, filed 2019-07, 9,900 miles - Engine
Engine overheating and cooling-system leaks
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the temperature gauge climbing or an overheating message while driving normally, sometimes followed by steam, smoke, or a burst hose. Complaints mention head gasket replacement, radiator and heater hoses failing at low mileage, and the engine becoming inoperable afterward. Some owners say the dealer attributed the hose wear to normal use. Reported from about 14,000 to 93,000 miles, including within the first two years of ownership.
What to check: Look for coolant residue or staining around hoses and the radiator, check the coolant level and condition, and ask whether the head gasket or cooling system has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Heating hose assembly and upper and lower radiator hoses wore out in less than 2 years on a brand new car. I was told it was due to normal wear and tear. 5 days after I had an oil change and multipoint inspection done on my car, the engine overheated while I was driving. I took it back to the dealership where I had gotten it serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #11298124, filed 2020-01, 67,206 miles“Car continuously says it overheating. First trip to dealership could replicate the issue. Second trip a month later. Replaced head gasket due to leak and exhaust pipe. Currently sitting in it waiting for roadside assistance. Still overheating not even a week later also now putters and shakes when I try to start it.”
NHTSA complaint #11276973, filed 2019-10, 29,000 miles
Buying note. Engine symptoms — stalling, oil consumption, and overheating — dominate the reports for this model year, so a pre-purchase inspection with an oil-level and cooling-system check is worthwhile. Service records showing regular oil changes and any completed campaigns help separate a well-maintained example from a risky one.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 284 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. 91 of the complaints include a mileage, and 66% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,600 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 6 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 123 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Hyundai Elantra model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 19 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Engine142 50%
- Other or unknown54 19%
- Electrical system43 15%
- Transmission and drivetrain24 8.5%
- Fuel system23 8.1%
- Exterior lighting16 5.6%
- Steering16 5.6%
- Brakes15 5.3%
- Body and structure15 5.3%
- Vehicle speed control13 4.6%
Also reported: Air bags (12), Wheels (10), Suspension (6), Engine cooling (4), Lane departure (4), Seat belts (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Tires (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11093798, filed 2018-05, 2,200 milesOther or unknown: “Takata recall my vehicle brake got stuck while I was driving on the highway. The car also released a gas/oil odor when the car has been running. The car has also been having problems to start need to attempt to turn on vehicle twice before it actually starts. Brakes have malfunctioned multiple times already and could have caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11231184, filed 2019-07, 18,000 milesElectrical system: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11339703, filed 2020-07, 40,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra having problems with my transmission. When in traffic or taking off from a stop the car shudders like a manual transmission car when you don't give it enough gas. Also the car does not want to move sometimes when you depress the gas pedal followed by sudden acceleration the car is equipped with a dual-clutch transmission which I am familiar but these are not normal characteristics of a dual-clutch transmission”
NHTSA complaint #11210144, filed 2019-05, 82,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
66% of the 91 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,300 and 64,644 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 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: same overall rating; 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 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 32 | 40 | 35 | $1,900 |
| Elantra FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Elantra FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Elantra FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Elantra FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Elantra SE FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 29 | 38 | 33 | $2,050 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 123 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11037233Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk…
- 11032529Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
- 11032528Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
- 11032523Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile…
- 11032522Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo…
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025Electrical system. In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Electrical system. Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025Electrical system. In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers…
Other model years of the Hyundai Elantra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22 | 4,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 56 | 15,500 | 1 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 101 | 15,950 | 2 | 5 | 34 | 37 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 102 | 23,825 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 132 | 19,750 | 6 | 5 | 35 | 70 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 254 | 9,830 | 3 | 4 | 34 | 75 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 252 | 50,400 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 20 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 284 | 26,600 | 0 | 4 | 32 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 770 | 44,000 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 293 | 54,964 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 262 | 53,500 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 386 | 55,500 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 42 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 1,314 | 45,302 | 4 | 5 | 32 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 654 | 62,303 | 4 | 4–5 | 32 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 433 | 72,500 | 5 | — | 32 | 60 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 380 | 63,500 | 3 | — | 29 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 254 | 77,650 | 4 | — | 28 | 40 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 315 | 54,000 | 7 | — | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 267 | 73,000 | 6 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 155 | 67,900 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 137 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 182 | 30,500 | 5 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 234 | 61,100 | 5 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 342 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 315 | 73,000 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 197 | 54,500 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 128 | 91,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 55 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 115 | 73,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 100 | 92,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 112 | 103,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 76 | — | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 24 | 120,700 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 29 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Hyundai Elantra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners of this model year most often report engine-related problems — stalling or losing power while driving, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and in some cases engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Excessive oil consumption / low oil; Hard starting and dashboard warning lights.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA recorded 284 consumer complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 142 complaints (50% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 54.
Has the 2018 Hyundai Elantra been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Hyundai Elantra do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Hyundai Elantra 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 get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Elantra (Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 28 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra reported?
Among the 91 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,600 miles and the middle half falls between 6,300 and 64,644 miles; 66% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.