2018 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Recalls
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.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (49.3% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 3.9× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 135 · 49.3% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 40 · 14.6% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 24 · 8.8% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 19 · 6.9% | No official action | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 · 5.5% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 15 · 5.5% | No official action | — |
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.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 274 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.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate and the check…”NHTSA complaint 11457657 — filed 03/21/2022 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. While driving…”NHTSA complaint 11457159 — filed 03/17/2022 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over but was unable…”NHTSA complaint 11449107 — filed 01/27/2022 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 135 of 274 NHTSA complaints (49.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (53), electrical system (40), power train (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?
274 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra's reported problems?
0 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.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
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.
