2018 Hyundai Elantra
Common Problems
Ranked from 79 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
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.
- 1
Engine Seizure Due to Excessive Oil Consumption
13complaintsHigh severityEngineThe 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 · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
9complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls at idle, especially when starting or stopping, due to a malfunctioning stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Stall During Driving
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine randomly shuts off while driving, causing loss of power and control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine Misfires and Check Engine Light On
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and the check engine light come on frequently, indicating underlying engine issues.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Check Engine Light On with Unexplained Issues
4complaintsLow severityEngineThe check engine light frequently illuminates without clear issues being identified by mechanics or diagnostics.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Electrical System Failures Causing Random Shutdowns
4complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe car randomly shuts off while driving, often without warning lights, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Engine Stall at Idle
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, often due to issues with the stop-start system or fuel supply.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Exterior Lighting Issues
4complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights and other exterior lights malfunction, including unexpected turns on/off and failure to illuminate properly.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Airbag Deployment Failure
3complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe airbags failed to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- 10
Engine Failure Due to Timing Chain Issues
3complaintsMedium severityEngineTiming chain issues cause engine failure, leading to the need for major repairs or engine replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine Internal Failure Leading to Complete Engine Replacement
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine suffers from internal failures such as cylinder scoring, leading to a complete engine replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Engine Internal Parts Failure
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences internal part failures leading to stalling and potential catastrophic failure.
- 13
Engine Misfire and Stalling
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and stalls at various speeds, often after routine maintenance.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine Randomly Dies While Driving
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine randomly dies while driving, causing loss of power and difficulty in maneuvering, often without warning.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Engine Sudden Stalling During Driving
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe 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 · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Paint Peeling from Hood and Top of Car
3complaintsLow severityOtherPaint on the hood and top of the car begins to peel off within a few years of purchase, despite proper maintenance.
- 17
Vehicle Suddenly Shuts Off
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle unexpectedly shuts off while driving, often due to electrical or engine issues, posing a safety hazard.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Airbag Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe airbags fail to deploy during a collision, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
- 19
Air Bags Fail to Deploy During Accidents
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe air bags fail to deploy during accidents, despite the air bag warning light being on, posing a safety risk.
- 20
Brake Malfunction Causing Loss of Control
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail to work properly, especially in wet conditions, leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Electrical System Issues Causing Phone Charging Problems
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe electrical system prevents the car's charging system from properly charging phones, leading to flickering lights and charging issues.
- 22
Engine Failure Due to Ignition Coil Pack Failures
2complaintsMedium severityEngineRecurrent ignition coil pack failures cause engine stalling and require multiple replacements, leading to engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Engine Overheating
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine overheats, causing the car to stop running or have reduced power.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Engine Overheating and Fluid Leaks
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats and leaks oil, requiring frequent maintenance and repairs.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 25
Engine Seizure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe 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 · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 26
Engine Stall During Acceleration
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls during acceleration, causing hesitation and reduced power.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Excessive Fuel Consumption
2complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe car consumes an excessive amount of fuel, often without a clear cause, leading to frequent refueling stops.
- 28
Fuel Line Failure
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe 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 · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 29
Steering Column Vulnerability to Theft
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering column can be easily removed, allowing the car to be hotwired and stolen.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Steering Wheel Locks Up Periodically
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe 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 · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 31
Suspension Issues Causing Vehicle Swaying
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe 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 · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 32
Suspension Noise and Creaking
2complaintsLow severitySuspensionThe suspension emits creaking noises when turning on uneven surfaces, indicating potential wear or damage.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
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.