Recalls · problems · safety

2018 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

1 recall and 332 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

1recalls
332complaints
12crashes reported
8fires reported
7injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine168 · 51%
  • Unknown Or Other61 · 18%
  • Electrical System46 · 14%
  • Power Train29 · 9%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System23 · 7%
  • Service Brakes19 · 6%
  • Exterior Lighting19 · 6%
  • Steering17 · 5%
  • Vehicle Speed Control15 · 5%
  • Structure15 · 5%

What owners report

Steering

Steering keeps locking up steering wheel light light and other lights in my dashboard came on which caused my back camera to stop working took it to dealership got a diagnosis it appeared nothing was wrong which they calibrated it and fixed the problem for a month and it started back to the same problem again called the dealership to see why was this issue happening again i was told i would have to have it diagnosed

Engine

I am seeking legal assistance regarding an engine failure in my hyundai and hyundai’s refusal to cover the replacement. i purchased the vehicle from a used-car dealership in walpole, massachusetts, on april 22, 2024. at the time of purchase, i was not informed that the vehicle had a known engine issue that had been the subject of prior recalls, notices, claims, and a class-action lawsuit. when i contacted hyundai,

Engine

After the car was started, i drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. when trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. after pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. the oil has just been changed less than 2 months ago. now the engine is seized.

Air Bags,Engine

On july 13, 2026, my engine light came on and i don't understand why. my oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. so, i went to autozone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from autozone so that he will know what the problem is. brought the part and that didn't take the engine light off and i paid $300 for nothin

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering ELANTRA GT, ELANTRA. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.