2018 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 282 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 12 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 6 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
282 reports, newest first.
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
Engine would randomly idle mild to very rough when started and would sometimes correct and sometimes not correct while driving. This would turn on the check engine light for a misfire on cylinder 4. All ignition coils were replaced, and same code would happen. Hyundai was aware of this being a widespread issue and did a software update (Tech Bulletin 90C042R1). The problem continued, but seemed the check engine light would not come on as soon as before the software upgrade. Took back to dealership and they said the ignition coils would need to be Hyundai brand, change cylinder 4 to OEM and still having the issue. Engine also burns about 1 quart of oil every 7000 miles and often has a rough idle, with very rough idle periodically. I feel this would put myself and others on the road in danger if the engine were to fail while driving due to the ongoing damage rough idling appears to be causing to the engine.
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2022
I'm really disappointed when I notice last Saturday that my car was stolen (Elentra SEL 2018). When I met the police officer he told me this is normal with Hyundai vehicles!! NORMAL!! Fortunately, the car has been recovered but it's undrivable. When I was with the truck driver who towed my car to my home, he told me "do you believe that I towed 7 cars from Hyundai/Kia in the last 24 hours!!!". Also, another truck driver, who towed my car from my home to the repairing shop, told me he towed 5 stolen cars (Hyundai/Kia) on the day I met him. I search on the internet and I found this is really a big issue, and people and tv news said that how it is easy for kids to steal a Hyundai car in a couple of minutes! I feel that I own a toy for kids or a piece of jerk NOT a VEHICLE!!! And of course, there is no recall from Hyundai to fix this problem.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2022
Vehicle was locked with the keys removed from the vehicle. A back window was smashed and the vehicle was stolen. They were able to start the vehicle without keys. The vehicle was recovered and deemed to be a total loss by the insurance adjuster.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard the seat belt warning alarm sound. The contact re-buckled her seat belt however, the seat belt chime was still audible. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver’s side door opened independently and later the trunk also opened independently. The contact also stated the battery had to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer due to a battery failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
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 engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that two cylinders were misfiring. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Power train, Mar 19, 2022
When taking a right turn onto a main road the car surged up to 7000rpms at at least 5mph, with no warning. Next morning taking it to work until hyundai was opened it shifted odd and the check engine light came on. On lunch taking it to hyundai the car would no longer reverse and needing pushed. After 3 weeks hyundai said gear 1 and 5 was incorrect, slipping all gears. The new transmission they put in was delayed when shifting and would continue to reverse after switching from reverse to drive then hard shift forward. It is currently getting a third transmission.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 18, 2022
In regards to my 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited currently with 47000 miles, driving and noticed the a/c temp display which also controls fan speed stopped working, display was blank. Checked all other electrical equipment inside car with no problem except that the heated seat function didn't work also.while doing an exterior inspection noticed that all lights except the headlights worked.After the interior and exterior inspection and no error codes or indicators on the dash, I had the alternator, battery and starter checked along with probe testing every fuse in the car and under the hood checked and everything was fine. The Car has been perfect up to this point which is alarming because if the headlights go out while driving at night or in the rain this is a safety problem and driving citation. My only indication of when this happens is if the a/c control display goes out. The problem is intermittent and Hopefully it won't happen again and I couldn't find any other similar things like this happening to others.
Engine, Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2022
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 and turning the steering wheel was firm. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The driver added oil to the engine. There was an abnormal sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and informed them to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2022
Whenever I come to a complete stop engine dies. At traffic light's, stop sign's, when I'm in reverse and stop to put it in drive, and when I park the car. This happened with a 2015 Sonata I had last year and it ended up being the motor had metal shavings from manufacturing. I thought Hyundai resolved this problem year's ago but, I have a 2018 doing the same thing the 2015 did.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
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 to restart the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2022
2018 White Hyundai Elantra. 9/21/2021 We first noticed the paint was peeling. The car had 39k miles on it. We proceeded to notify the dealership and they said it wasn’t covered. Over the last few months entire chunks of paint have been coming off of the hood and roof. We have multiple estimates and they all require the car to be fully repainted.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2022
My door lock was busted and my car was broken into. Then my ignition was busted in an attempted theft. These cars are easily broken into yet nothing is being done to fix it! I have paid over $800 to fix something that should not have even been an issue. Hyundai and Kia have faulty locking mechanisms that make them easily broken into and stolen. This is ridiculous! They should have put out a recall and fixed this issue. This is a 2018 and I’m still making payments. I was never informed that this is an issue with these cars or I never would have bought it. It took over a month to get my car fixed and now I’m worried to death that someone will try and steal it again. I want some kind of fix to keep my car from being so easily stolen.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2022
When I put the nozzle to pump gas, the pump shuts off and clicks as if the tank is full. I have to twist the pump in one specific position and place it about 3/4th of the way in. Sometimes I have had to leave and go to a different gas station if the accordian plastic part of the nozzle is long. It just clicks and shuts off the pump. This happened from the day I first got the car, got gas and never ceases.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2022
Heater and defrost does not work. I was unable to see out windshield. I took it for repair at dealership under warranty. They replaced a thermostat and there was no heat or defrost after. It is dangerous to drive in winter. My passenger seatbelt alarm goes off when the seat is empty. I have to pull over to lock the seatbelt to make it stop. Dealership states cannot duplicate. I have several videos of it happening.
Air bags, Dec 27, 2021, crash
When I first purchase the car It was stated that i had no issues, I have records stating this. Also, I was having tremendous issues with the tires. Four months later I encountered an car accident. I was getting off of an exit and as I was getting off there was a car in the middle of the street that was broken down with no hazardous lights on. I suspected that the car was moving but it was not. As I am braking I was somewhat too close to the car and I ended up hitting the back of the car. At this time, the air bags did not deploy. Once the car was evaluated by the insurance company the car was considered totaled. The insurance company took the car to a salvage. This could have taken my life.
Air bags, Dec 22, 2021, crash
Had a car accident, airbags did not deploy but the airbag light was on. Insurance inspector said they inflated but did not come out of their housing. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. I attached pictures of the accident to show the airbags did not deploy.
Tires, Nov 30, 2021
While driving at low speed (25mph) I could hear a sound coming from one of my tires that sounded like I had rolled over a large piece of tape. I slowed the car and it sounded like something was stuck on a tire. I pulled over and found nothing when I examined all 4 tires. In the morning I checked the tires and tire pressure was good on all 4. Drove to work and I could hear the fapping sound. As I was driving 55mph, the drivers rear tire blew apart into small 2" square pieces. The tire fragments tore through the fender-well, destroying it as well. This happened early in the morning and I was able to keep control of the vehicle. Westlake RP18 size 195/65/R15. Less than 6 months old and under 15,000 miles on them.
Structure, Nov 27, 2021
White paint peeling in less than 3 years of ownership. Jenkins Hyundai of Leesburg said they would put in a claim, but they have been non-responsive after saying they would put in a claim. No action from the dealership. The manufacturer, Hyundai, who painted the car, has also not taken any action, and have deferred the problem to the dealership. The paint should have been covered under warranty.
Engine, Nov 3, 2021
On 10/29/2021 I was driving approx 40 miles per hour when my car engine shut off with no warning and almost caused an accident with my kids in the car. I had it towed to hyundai after the care refused to restart. No check engine light anything. Was told my engine failed by the dealership I have 72000 miles on the car. This whole incident has been a nightmare
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2021
The vehicle would just randomly shut off while driving.
Steering, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained full functionality. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the steering column to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that they would provide a 60% discount on the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 13, 2021, fire
About month ago Sept the car would shut off when driving or stopping and find out it oil I had changed at the tire shop it was changed 2 n half months before that once oil changed running good low tire light ,oil light flash off and on at time well as of 10/12/2021 started do it my again so I check oil there no oil werid where oil go no leak on ground when I leave wherever I parked well went to Walmart get oil put oil in it and started driving not even more 35 miles bout sudden smoke coming from under engine then smell fire I pull over in parking lot at restaurant ran put fire out and it got worse trying grab my stuff and bf with me fire went inside car and under the car hear siren firemen coming if they hadn't gotten there when they did it almost went to the gas tank could of exploded firemen said look like electrical cause fire . Engine light ,oil and tire light were on now undrivable .
Engine, Oct 13, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated the oil and the low tire warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the ignition and drive to an independent mechanic and had oil maintenance completed. The contact stated on 10/31/2021 while driving 35 mph, she started to smell smoke and saw smoke exiting the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated the oil, the low tire, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle near a parking lot. The contact stated her boyfriend was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher from a near restaurant, but the fire continue to expand. The fire department was able to extinguish the rest of the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured nor seek medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact had a remote start system installed on the vehicle; however, the vehicle would inadvertently start. The headlights would also activate independently. The vehicle was taken on four separate occasions to the local dealer and was diagnosed that the remote was sticking. The contact was provided new remotes, remote start module, and the mechanic cleared the codes. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2021, crash
This vehicle was so easy to steal 4 kids stole it and crashed it in a 45 minute span.