2018 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 142about this part
- Share
- 50%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 142 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, 50% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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“Engine noise became very loud over several days; took to dealership which told me a weld in the exhaust piping system had failed and that the exhaust pipe had broken open. They said it was not safe to drive because of potential for exhaust coming into cabin, ordered the part and gave me a loaner, on 10/2, saying the earliest I could reasonably expect to have my car back would be 10/18.”
NHTSA complaint #11133215, filed 2018-10, 6,400 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 10143794Jul 18, 2018If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine Light on? and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the input/output speed…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 | 8 | 14% |
| 2023 | 20 | 20% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 | 109 | 43% |
| 2019 | 134 | 53% |
| 2018 | 142 | 50% |
| 2017 | 291 | 38% |
| 2016 | 111 | 38% |
| 2015 | 92 | 35% |
| 2014 | 166 | 43% |
| 2013 | 233 | 18% |
| 2012 | 139 | 21% |
| 2011 | 92 | 21% |
| 2010 | 15 | 4% |
| 2009 | 13 | 5% |
| 2008 | 24 | 8% |
| 2007 | 12 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
54 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology