If you’re in the market for a compact car that’s stylish, spacious, and fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Elantra is an attractive option. It only gets better with every new iteration, projected to depreciate by a measly 22% even after five years of use.
While it boasts many great features and good reviews, is the Hyundai Elantra actually a reliable vehicle?
Are Hyundai Elantras Reliable?
The Hyundai Elantra is generally considered to be a reliable sedan. Relatively spacious for its class, it features a well-tuned powertrain, a sleek and user-friendly infotainment system, and above-average fuel efficiency. Many owners report that their Elantras have stood the test of time and continue to be reliable today—in part due to diligent maintenance.
Some Hyundai Elantras, like the 2008 and 2018 models, have a better reputation than others, often on the receiving end of positive reviews from satisfied owners online. On the other hand, some owners complain about interior functionality wearing earlier than expected.
To illustrate how reliable Hyundai Elantras are, here are the reliability ratings for its latest model from popular review sites:
- Car and Driver: 8.5/10
- JD Power: 83/100
- RepairPal: 4.5/5
- Edmunds: 7.8/10
RepairPal notes that the Elantra’s average annual repair cost is only around $452, meaning it has above average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Elantra is generally one of the more reliable vehicle models on the market today.
What Are the Most Common Issues with the Hyundai Elantra?
While the Hyundai Elantra is a fairly reliable vehicle model, it is not without its share of problems. Below are some of the common issues associated with Hyundai Elantras and the affected model years:
Miles Per Gallon Not As Advertised
Quite a number of 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners have reported their vehicle’s miles per gallon (MPG) not being as advertised. Others maintain that despite using their Elantra strictly for city driving or as a daily driver, the MPG was still lower than advertised for other Elantras.
Despite this issue being well known across other Hyundai Elantra owners, there have been no reported recalls issued by Hyundai to address this. However, there is an ongoing Hyundai MPG Reimbursement Program that unsatisfied owners can apply for to to get their reimbursement for poor MPG.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
Engine Performance Issues (and Some Engine Failures)
Several Elantra model years have reported loss of power, stalling, and occasional outright engine failure. But a very common complaint among owners is engine stalling. Several Elantra owners have complained on online forums that their vehicle’s engine would just completely shut off without warning or would throttle itself out of nowhere. This is especially worrisome since it could happen in the middle of a busy highway.
Despite the serious nature of this complaint, there have been no known recalls. However, for issues with the piston oil rings, which could also lead to engine problems, Hyundai issued a recall to prevent engine damage, stalling, and fires.
Affected Model Years:
- 2006
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2014
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Transmission Problems
Faulty speed sensors in the transmission can cause incorrect shifting, and sometimes the transmission will slip.
Other transmission-related issues some owners have experienced are that the transmission won’t shift out of park, as well as IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) issues due to module calibration errors.
Affected Model Years:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2017
- 2020
Faulty Airbag Warning Light
Another issue involves the airbag warning light intermittently switching on and off.
Other problems include inflator problems, malfunctioning front airbag sensor controls, and failure to deploy during collisions.
Affected Model Years:
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
Erratic Dashboard Warning Lights
Some drivers have encountered issues with all dashboard warning lights illuminating when there is no malfunction.
Affected Model Years:
- 2006
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2017
- 2018
Steering Problems
Typical problems with certain Elantras include electronic power steering locking up at highway speeds or on cruise control, as well as knocking during turns due to a malfunctioning steering coupler.
A limited quantity of Hyundai Elantras equipped with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) were recalled by Hyundai in 2017. A defective EPS connector in the impacted units may have led to the power steering cutting off due to a power outage.
Affected Model Years:
- 2007
- 2012
- 2013
- 2017
Premature Tire Wear
Some owners of the older Hyundai Elantras report that they have experienced premature tire wear despite the mileage being relatively low. Others report as low as tire pressure problems as early as below 13,000 miles. Replacing the tire with a new one should come under the warranty for the first replacement.
Affected Model Years:
- 2007
- 2012
- 2013
Service Brake Problems
In 2017, Hyundai recalled over 33,000 Hyundai Elantras manufactured that year because a manufacturing defect caused the diaphragm in the brake booster to come loose, resulting in a vacuum leak that decreased the effectiveness of the power brake assist and, in the worst case, prevented the power brake assist from working.
Also, there have been Issues reported such as low brake fluid, damaged brake system electronics, and faulty brake light bulbs.
Affected Model Years:
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2019
- 2020
What Are the Best Model Years for the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra continues to be a go-to choice for those looking for a sedan that’s the best value for their buck. As such, several model years easily stand out from the rest. These models are widely known as reliable, with fewer reported issues and recalls, making them the best options for value-conscious buyers.
The model years of the Elantra generally regarded to be among the best include:
- 2008
- 2018
- 2020
- 2021
FAQ
How long do Hyundai Elantras last?
With proper maintenance, Hyundai Elantras can easily last 150,000 to 250,000 miles or more. This translates to 10-15 years of dependable service, assuming regular oil changes, tire rotations, and maintenance are regularly performed.
Do Hyundai Elantras built in South Korea have better build quality and reliability?
Comments from Elantra owners online suggest that Hyundai Elantras built in South Korea generally have a reputation for better build quality and reliability in comparison with those manufactured elsewhere. It’s important to note, however, that this assumption was never confirmed or denied by Hyundai, so it should be taken with a grain of salt.