CarBrief

NHTSA has 335 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Elantra[1], and the engine is the part named most often. There is one recall, for a sunroof on the Elantra GT[2].

335owner complaints[1]
1recalls[3]
25–35MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 335 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Of those, 12 mention a crash, 8 a fire and 7 an injury, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

The engine group is named most often, in 176 complaints[6]. The median mileage at failure for those was 37,334[6]. Other groups:

Component group Complaints
Engine[6] 176
Unknown or other[7] 61
Electrical system[8] 47
Power train[9] 29
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 23
Exterior lighting[11] 19
Brakes[12] 19
Steering[13] 17

We read a sample of 12 complaint texts in each of the larger groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample.

A sample this small cannot tell you how often any of this happens across all cars. It shows what owners chose to report.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2018 Elantra family by engine, transmission and body. All are front-wheel drive and use regular fuel. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Elantra 1.4L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[4] 32 / 40 / 35 $1,900
Elantra SE 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[14] 29 / 38 / 33 $2,050
Elantra 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[15] 28 / 37 / 32 $2,100
Elantra 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[16] 26 / 36 / 29 $2,300
Elantra 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[17] 26 / 33 / 29 $2,300
Elantra 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[18] 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
Elantra GT 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[19] 26 / 32 / 28 $2,400
Elantra GT 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[20] 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700
Elantra GT 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[21] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500
Elantra GT 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[22] 23 / 31 / 26 $2,600

The 1.4L turbo automatic has the best combined rating in the table, at 35 MPG[4]. The lowest is 25 MPG, shared by two 1.6L turbo manual versions[20][18].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for the 4 DR FWD give 4 stars overall, with 4 stars each for frontal, side and rollover[5]. Rollover risk is 10.7%[5]. The 5 HB FWD has the same ratings and the same rollover risk[23].

Engine and size

EPA's test car list gives these horsepower ratings for 2018 Elantra engines:

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Elantra 4DR sedan[27] 180 in 70 in 55 in 106 in 2,811 lb
Elantra GT 1.6T 5DR hatchback[28] 172 in 70 in 56 in 104 in 3,067 lb
Elantra GT 2.0L 5DR hatchback[29] 172 in 70 in 56 in 104 in 2,943 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

1995: 112 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 100 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 115 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 55 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 128 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 197 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 315 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 342 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 234 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 182 complaints, 5 recalls2005: 137 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 155 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 267 complaints, 6 recalls20072008: 315 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 286 complaints, 4 recalls2010: 455 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 462 complaints, 8 recalls20112012: 676 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 1,345 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 396 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 263 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 300 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 795 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 335 complaints, 1 recalls33520182019: 266 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 262 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 161 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 159 complaints, 8 recalls2023: 169 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 62 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 34 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Elantra model year. The 2018 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951121
19961003
19971153
1998550
19991282
20001971
20013156
20023426
20032345
20041825
20051374
20061551
20072676
20083157
20092864
20104554
20114628
20126765
20131,3454
20143962
20152633
20163002
20177954
20183351
20192661
20202623
20211617
20221598
20231694
2024622
2025342
202642

NHTSA lists 335 complaints and 1 recall for the 2018 Elantra[3]. Seven model years list more complaints: 2002 (342), 2010 (455), 2011 (462), 2012 (676), 2013 (1,345), 2014 (396) and 2017 (795)[3]. Every other model year in the list has fewer than 335[3].

On recalls, 2018 has 1[3]. That ties with 1995, 2000, 2006 and 2019[3]. Only 1998 lists none[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them only to compare years of the same model.

Should you buy a used 2018 Elantra?

The 2018 Elantra has more complaints than most of its other model years (only seven list more) and sits near the low end on recalls[3]. and near the low end on recalls[3]. The one recall covers 86 potentially affected Elantra GT vehicles and has a free dealer remedy[2]. The engine group draws the most complaints, and in the sample we read, owners describe stalling and power loss[6]. A used car is only as good as its own history, so check the VIN for open recalls and ask for service records. Fuel economy varies a lot by version, from 25 to 35 MPG combined, so check which one you are looking at[20][4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
The engine group is named in 176 of 335 NHTSA complaints[1][6]. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe stalling or losing power[6].
Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one, 18V891, for the panoramic sunroof on certain Elantra GT vehicles. It covers 86 potentially affected vehicles[2].
What MPG does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 to 35 MPG depending on engine, transmission and body[20][18][4]. The 1.4L turbo automatic is rated 35 combined[4].
How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA gives the 4 DR FWD and the 5 HB FWD 4 stars overall[5][23].
Is 2018 a good year for the Hyundai Elantra?
It has 335 complaints[1] and 1 recall[3]. Seven model years list more complaints[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 335 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra (12 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 7 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 18V891, filed December 14, 2018: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Elantra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 176 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,334). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 61 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 47 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 29 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 23 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,650). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 19 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 250). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 19 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 17 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Elantra SE, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Elantra with 1.4L 4-cylinder: rated 128 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Elantra with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Hyundai Elantra with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 147 to 161 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,811 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA GT 1.6T 5DR HATCHBACK: length 172 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,067 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA GT 2.0L 5DR HATCHBACK: length 172 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,943 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.