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2018 Hyundai Elantra
Common Problems

Ranked from 79 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

12
High severity
15
Medium
5
Low

32 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Engine Seizure Due to Excessive Oil Consumption

    13complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine seizes due to excessive oil consumption, leading to a complete loss of power and requiring a full engine replacement.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    9complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine frequently stalls at idle, especially when starting or stopping, due to a malfunctioning stop-start system.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Engine Stall During Driving

    7complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine randomly shuts off while driving, causing loss of power and control.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Engine Misfires and Check Engine Light On

    5complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    Engine misfires and the check engine light come on frequently, indicating underlying engine issues.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  5. 5

    Check Engine Light On with Unexplained Issues

    4complaints
    Low severityEngine

    The check engine light frequently illuminates without clear issues being identified by mechanics or diagnostics.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 12 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Electrical System Failures Causing Random Shutdowns

    4complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The car randomly shuts off while driving, often without warning lights, posing a safety risk.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Engine Stall at Idle

    4complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine stalls at idle, often due to issues with the stop-start system or fuel supply.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  8. 8

    Exterior Lighting Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Headlights and other exterior lights malfunction, including unexpected turns on/off and failure to illuminate properly.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.52 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Airbag Deployment Failure

    3complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The airbags failed to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury or death.

  10. 10

    Engine Failure Due to Timing Chain Issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    Timing chain issues cause engine failure, leading to the need for major repairs or engine replacement.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Engine Internal Failure Leading to Complete Engine Replacement

    3complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine suffers from internal failures such as cylinder scoring, leading to a complete engine replacement.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  12. 12

    Engine Internal Parts Failure

    3complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine experiences internal part failures leading to stalling and potential catastrophic failure.

  13. 13

    Engine Misfire and Stalling

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine misfires and stalls at various speeds, often after routine maintenance.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  14. 14

    Engine Randomly Dies While Driving

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine randomly dies while driving, causing loss of power and difficulty in maneuvering, often without warning.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  15. 15

    Engine Sudden Stalling During Driving

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine suddenly stalls during driving, often without warning, leading to unsafe conditions and the need for frequent repairs.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  16. 16

    Paint Peeling from Hood and Top of Car

    3complaints
    Low severityOther

    Paint on the hood and top of the car begins to peel off within a few years of purchase, despite proper maintenance.

  17. 17

    Vehicle Suddenly Shuts Off

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The vehicle unexpectedly shuts off while driving, often due to electrical or engine issues, posing a safety hazard.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  18. 18

    Airbag Malfunction

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The airbags fail to deploy during a collision, potentially increasing the risk of injury.

  19. 19

    Air Bags Fail to Deploy During Accidents

    2complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The air bags fail to deploy during accidents, despite the air bag warning light being on, posing a safety risk.

  20. 20

    Brake Malfunction Causing Loss of Control

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brakes fail to work properly, especially in wet conditions, leading to loss of control.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  21. 21

    Electrical System Issues Causing Phone Charging Problems

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The electrical system prevents the car's charging system from properly charging phones, leading to flickering lights and charging issues.

  22. 22

    Engine Failure Due to Ignition Coil Pack Failures

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    Recurrent ignition coil pack failures cause engine stalling and require multiple replacements, leading to engine failure.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  23. 23

    Engine Overheating

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine overheats, causing the car to stop running or have reduced power.

    $150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  24. 24

    Engine Overheating and Fluid Leaks

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine overheats and leaks oil, requiring frequent maintenance and repairs.

    $150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  25. 25

    Engine Seizure

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine seizes up, often due to internal component failures such as connecting rod bearing or crankshaft end/bearing issues.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 1220 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  26. 26

    Engine Stall During Acceleration

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine stalls during acceleration, causing hesitation and reduced power.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  27. 27

    Excessive Fuel Consumption

    2complaints
    Low severityFuel system

    The car consumes an excessive amount of fuel, often without a clear cause, leading to frequent refueling stops.

  28. 28

    Fuel Line Failure

    2complaints
    High severityFuel system

    The fuel line cracks or sprays fuel onto the engine, causing a fire hazard and loss of vehicle control.

    $300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 26 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  29. 29

    Steering Column Vulnerability to Theft

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering column can be easily removed, allowing the car to be hotwired and stolen.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  30. 30

    Steering Wheel Locks Up Periodically

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering wheel occasionally locks up, preventing left or right turns, requiring the car to be turned off and on to reset.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  31. 31

    Suspension Issues Causing Vehicle Swaying

    2complaints
    Medium severitySuspension

    The vehicle sways side-to-side, especially on highways with grooves or lines in the pavement, affecting stability and control.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  32. 32

    Suspension Noise and Creaking

    2complaints
    Low severitySuspension

    The suspension emits creaking noises when turning on uneven surfaces, indicating potential wear or damage.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Recalls | WrenchConnect