Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (21.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 1.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 138 · 21.2% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 123 · 18.9% | No official action | — |
| Air Bags | 123 · 18.9% | Recalled | Recall 13V115000 |
| Steering | 88 · 13.5% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 59 · 9.1% | Recalled | Recall 23V651000 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 44 · 6.8% | Recalled | Recall 15V871000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 650 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 15V871000 · 2015 · reported 12/23/2015
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V115000 · 2013 · reported 04/01/2013
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 2020 · reported 07/02/2020
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 2023 · reported 09/22/2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT START WHEN IN PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS A FULL CHARGE. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO PARK, AND…”NHTSA complaint 10681641 — filed 02/05/2015 · ENGINE
“MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT AND I USED THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK MY CAR. I THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT…”NHTSA complaint 10663679 — filed 12/11/2014 · ENGINE
“HELLO, WELL, I AM THE FIRST OWNER, AND THERE WAS NOT ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE. LAST THURSDAY, AFTER I STARTED MY CAR, I TRIED TO SHIFT…”NHTSA complaint 10654604 — filed 11/12/2014 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 138 of 650 NHTSA complaints (21.2%), followed by electrical system (123), air bags (123), steering (88). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
650 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 47 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 44 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V871000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
