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2018 Hyundai Elantra problems

What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.

284owner complaints
0safety recalls
12involved a crash

Also reported: 7 fires, 6 people injured, 1 deaths. Each complaint is counted once even if it lists several components.

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Most reported problems

Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 284.

Engine142
Usually 11,500–73,500 miles (middle half of 39 reports with mileage)
Unknown or other54
Usually 3,765–63,378 miles (middle half of 11 reports with mileage)
Electrical system43
Usually 11,475–48,375 miles (middle half of 8 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Ignition › anti-theft › immobilizer/proximity › key/sender (2)
Power train24
Usually 16,450–53,875 miles (middle half of 8 reports with mileage)
Fuel/propulsion system19
Usually 4,912–11,925 miles (middle half of 4 reports with mileage)
Exterior lighting16
Usually 493–1,279 miles (middle half of 2 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Headlights (1)
Steering16
Usually 1,712–49,109 miles (middle half of 7 reports with mileage)
Service brakes15
Usually 18,125–45,650 miles (middle half of 6 reports with mileage)
Structure15
Usually 23,165–53,000 miles (middle half of 3 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Body (15)
Vehicle speed control13
Usually 2,800–39,625 miles (middle half of 7 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Accelerator pedal (1)

When problems show up

Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.

Engine

39 reports with mileage · median 38,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Unknown or other

11 reports with mileage · median 29,800 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Electrical system

8 reports with mileage · median 26,500 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Safety recalls (0)

Recalls that cover the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.

Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov

No safety recalls on file for this model year.

Questions to ask the seller

Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.

142 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 11,500 and 73,500 miles.

Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.

43 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 11,475 and 48,375 miles.

Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.

24 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 16,450 and 53,875 miles.

Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.

19 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system.

Do all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work? Any headlight replacements or moisture inside the lenses?

16 owner complaints mention the exterior lights.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.

Compare all years on one chart

Source: NHTSA complaints file (FLAT_CMPL, updated 2026-10-21) and NHTSA recalls file. Page generated 2026-10-22.

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