Elantra (MD)
Engine Reliability Ratings
DOHC MPI NU
1.8LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC GDI NU
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Elantra regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (8)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra problems?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra has accumulated 6,642 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Safety Systems, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Elantra engine is most reliable?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra a good used car?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 6,642 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra has 6,642 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra?
There are 8 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Elantra?
Before buying a used Hyundai Elantra, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Safety Systems, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Elantra have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 6,642 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.