Elantra (AD)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
T-GDI Kappa
1.4L 4-cyl Turbo / 128 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Hyundai Elantra Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC GDI NU
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
G 1.6 DOHC T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Elantra regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (8)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra problems?
The 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra has accumulated 1,543 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Elantra engine is most reliable?
The 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.4L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra a good used car?
The 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,543 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 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
The 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra has 1,543 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 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra?
There are 8 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2017-2020 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, Electrical System, Body/Trim, 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.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Elantra?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,543 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.