GREEN CHOICE
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
GREEN CHOICE

Hyundai Elantra

Unlock Ratings
Contemporary compact sedans have grown roomier, more substantial, and more fuel efficient. These aren't the tiny, "first new cars" the segment used to be. Case in point, the Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra delivers the roominess and fuel economy to compete in this crowded segment, but it falls short in refinement and performance. User-friendliness is an Elantra strong point, aided by a relatively spacious interior.
GREEN CHOICE
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Hyundai Elantra

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
Side air bags standard. ABS and head protection air bags standard from 2007. ESC standard from 2011. FCW and AEB standard from 2020. BSW and RCTW standard from 2021.
Road Test

Contemporary compact sedans have grown roomier, more substantial, and more fuel efficient. These aren't the tiny, "first new cars" the segment used to be. Case in point, the Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra delivers the roominess and fuel economy to compete in this crowded segment, but it falls short in refinement and performance.

User-friendliness is an Elantra strong point, aided by a relatively spacious interior. Open and airy feeling inside, the cabin features a broad cockpit and one of the most spacious rear seats in the class. Controls are super simple, combining familiar buttons and knobs with a touch screen for the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door hatchback
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed Sequential
  • 6-speed Automatic
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • 1.4-liter 4 turbo (128 hp)
  • 1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (147 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Hyundai Elantra owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Songs on iPhone not available to play through Apple CarPlay. Pretty sure it's an Apple software problem, not a Hyundai issue."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Hardware replacement

"Proximity key was not working and a new battery still did not correc, they replaced the entire key"

Anonymous, OH (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Phone numbers on my phone have been wiped out since pairing with the car; not the names, just the numbers. Contact list in car has been partially wiped out."

Anonymous, TN (2018 Hyundai Elantra)

"seems a problem not fixed more than 2-3 times have them contct me if a recall 330-754-6508"

Anonymous, (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"AM radio reception cuts out on rough roads and bumps. Dealer fixed most of the issue on 2nd try, but it still acts up occasionally, especially in cold weather."

Philip F., IL (2018 Hyundai Elantra 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Minor defect in rubber seal/trim around sunroof. Fixed under warranty."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint seems very thin and chips over any little thing."

Stephen S., MO (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I purchased a White Elantra, and after it rains or a car wash there is a Black residue from the rubber seals both from the door handles and the seals around the Headlight as well as the tail lights. not sure if this issue affects other color cars other than white."

Samuel F., NJ (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The car has full of chips and rust throughout the outside of the car. I noticed that damage after 36K miles so there's no warranty on it."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

"painted chipped in the bonnet"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Elantra ECO 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Both rear brake lights went out."

Lloyd S., TX (2018 Hyundai Elantra)
Gauges

"Gauges didn't work due to the previous problem I mentioned. It was a mess."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE Unsure)
Headlights

"The new eyebrow effect headlamps on low beam block the upper half of the light for the driver with a solid line across the road. This is a safety issue. Below is lit and above is solid black, which Hyundai claims is a design feature in order to stop oncoming drivers from being blinded by the lights. Sadly, this makes driving at night unsafe for the driver of the car, as if a blanket covers the upper half of the headlamp. On straight roads the sides of the road and sidewalks along with road and street name signs cannot be seen, also the range of the light is shorter than older headlamps, barely making it across intersections. A person walking on a sidewalk is only seen from the knees down, and then only if they are close to the road. Going down a hill or driving a road with dips or hills, the range of the headlamps drops dramatically to 30 feet or less, making it impossible to stop in time if a person or animal runs in front of the car. Only with high beams on do the headlamps light the road sufficiently."

Anonymous, VA (2018 Hyundai Elantra)
Tire pressure monitor

"Intermitantly tire pressure light comes on when there is no problem with the tire pressure"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE Unsure)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"it does not see stopped car."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Hyundai Elantra)

"does not beep. it does not see stopped car."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Hyundai Elantra)
Pipes

"The exhaust pipe between the muffler and catalytic converter came apart at the flange. I think it's a factory defect. Haven't repaired it yet."

Anonymous, MD (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"wear very quickly"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Parking brake

"during cold weather the parking brake locked up and would not disengage. We had the dealer take a look and they told us in somehow damage rotor and tire. That should not be possible."

Matthew J., TX (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"I'm unsure if it was rotors. A part of the brake system became caught under the rotor, producing a distinct grinding noise. The repairman at the dealer where I purchased the car said this is a problem that infrequently happens. Cost to repair was $500."

Anonymous, MN (2018 Hyundai Elantra)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Radiator thermostat plug was loose when car was delivered. Coolant leaked out and engine overheated although dashboard temperature reading was normal. Finally, the car stalled and needed to be towed back to the dealer."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"The engine and suspension has too many squeaks and is generally noisy. Also, in the suspension there's lots of rattling, especially when turning. However, it does not always happen."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Evaporator

"Evaporator drain plug became clogged. Common problem on all 3 of our Hyundai vehicles."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Heater system

"Heater will be stucked when I change for Air condition"

Anonymous, QC (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"oil warning lamp lit...oil pump malfunctioned, new engine put in under warranty"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"at 2100 miles engine seized due to broken water pump"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Brand new car drove home 12 miles and had a check engine light,tested with OBD devise displayed fault code P0016 which is Camshaft Position Correlation problem. It took the dealership 10 days to diagnose and fix the problem. They replaced the CVVT intake assembly. Now car runs fine. After reviewing the cars repair history it shows the dealer had the same code on this car one month earlier but just cleared the code without fixing the problem."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Hyundai Elantra)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Front struts went bad after only about 10000 miles. Yhey were replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, PA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"Suddenly nothing worked on the car. Couldn't shift to reverse, all sorts of warning lights. Turning off the car, the radio would still be on. It was a mess. Car had to be towed to the dealer to be fixed"

Anonymous, IL (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE Unsure)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Engine has always used oil. Especially in the first 10,000 miles. Now it uses about a quart every 5000 miles or so. The ping happens when the car is cold. When it warms up it completely disappears. I end up having to warm the car up in cold temperatures for at least 5 minutes because I am afraid of damaging the engine. Hyundai of course doesn't hear it and told me I was using the wrong gas. Typical misdirection. I tried the gas they recommended and it made zero difference. They actually had a write up on this and gave it to me which leads me to think this is not an isolated incidence. I had a 2016 Elantra with the 1.8 Liter engine and it ran perfect until I traded it in at 100,000 miles. The 1.8 liter also never burned a drop of oil."

Anonymous, WA (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Finish peeling off."

Paul M., NV (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

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