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2018 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

91 reports with mileage · 190 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 140 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports7 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

281 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2025
Engine

Burning oil. Multiple misfires. Replacing spark plugs more often than should have to. Engine knocking.

NHTSA ODI #11678104

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2025
Engine

The crankshaft needed replacement The oil pump broke at 107,000 miles

NHTSA ODI #11677986

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2025
Engine

I started my vehicle and it was running sluggish and low idle. I had an engine light and when I tried to drive there was a clanking sound. When I had the engine light tested I received the following codes: P0017 - Crankshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B, P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected, P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Det…

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I started my vehicle and it was running sluggish and low idle. I had an engine light and when I tried to drive there was a clanking sound. When I had the engine light tested I received the following codes: P0017 - Crankshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B, P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected, P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected, P0301, P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over Advanced (Bank 1), P0030 H02S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1, Sensor 1) I had it towed to my nearest Hyundai dealer in Tacoma, WA. After they did a diagnostic they said that they would have to replace the engine due to a shearing of a pin, leading to the belt jumping and causing issues. I am the only owner of the vehicle, I have had all my oil changes on time and my vehicle is 137,000 miles. This should not be happening in a vehicle with such low mileage. In reading online, this is an issue that Hyundai is aware of but not concerned with. There was no warning beforehand. This could have led to my engine stalling on the the freeway at freeway speeds and thus could have caused a great accident and bodily harm to myself and others. Hyundai has denied responsibility but knows this is an ongoing issue with it's poorly manufactured engines. I was not informed of all the problems of Hyundai vehicles before I purchased mine. I have yet to receive help from Hyundai Customer Service or the Hyundai Dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11675752

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2025
Engine

Burning oil internally. Adding 1 quart about every 1000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11669500

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I am writing to report an issue with a paint recall repair performed on my Hyundai vehicle. The vehicle was repaired in 2023 at Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf. However, the paint has started peeling within one to two years of the repair, which indicates that the issue was not properly resolved. I spoke with Hyundai corporate office w…

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I am writing to report an issue with a paint recall repair performed on my Hyundai vehicle. The vehicle was repaired in 2023 at Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf. However, the paint has started peeling within one to two years of the repair, which indicates that the issue was not properly resolved. I spoke with Hyundai corporate office which offered no solutions and deferred me to the dealership whom performed the repainting. After speaking with the dealership I was told that is just what happens with this color vehicle and that a ticket of some sort was submitted and denied by corporate to fix the issue. I am seeking assistance from the NHTSA to address this matter and ensure that the recall repair is appropriately handled.

NHTSA ODI #11667888

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2025
Engine

Formal Complaint: Engine Failure in 2018 Hyundai Elantra To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a severe and unresolved issue with my 2018 Hyundai Elantra, which has been problematic since the time of purchase and has now suffered a complete engine failure. Despite regular maintenance and respo…

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Formal Complaint: Engine Failure in 2018 Hyundai Elantra To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a severe and unresolved issue with my 2018 Hyundai Elantra, which has been problematic since the time of purchase and has now suffered a complete engine failure. Despite regular maintenance and responsible use, the vehicle has proven to be unreliable and unsafe. 1. Nature of the Problem The most recent and critical issue involves total engine failure. On May 12, 2025, I brought the vehicle to North Freeway Hyundai due to the car not starting. Their official diagnostic report revealed that the engine needs to be replaced. Additionally, the inspection showed issues with the transmission cooler coolant lines leaking, EFI system, camshaft exhaust, radiator hoses, and the battery. These problems affect essential systems that are critical to both the performance and safety of the vehicle. 2. History of the Problem From the beginning, the vehicle experienced a series of mechanical issues. These included engine stalling, warning indicator lights, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency. I consistently took the car in for service and maintenance, yet the problems worsened. In the days leading up to the failure, the vehicle had trouble starting, made abnormal noises, and eventually stopped working entirely. 3. Risk to Safety The failure of the vehicle to start without warning has placed me in unsafe and potentially dangerous situations, including being stranded in public places. The risk of the car stalling during operation could have endangered not only my safety but also the safety of other road users. This is a serious safety concern that should not be ignored. 4. Diagnosis Confirmation The diagnosis by North Freeway Hyundai confirmed that the engine failure is complete and that replacement is necessary. The service notes also included a recall campaign (24-01-009H-1) for anti-theft software and decals. These issues further demonstrate

NHTSA ODI #11666357

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2025
EnginePower Train

While driving on the expressway, my vehicle suddenly stalled out. I was able to restart in but the car would not go over 25mph. I was able to pull off the next exit and call for a tow truck. My vehicle was brought to a local shop and they pulled the engine and find that it was shot. Due to Hyundai, they requested to do their own…

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While driving on the expressway, my vehicle suddenly stalled out. I was able to restart in but the car would not go over 25mph. I was able to pull off the next exit and call for a tow truck. My vehicle was brought to a local shop and they pulled the engine and find that it was shot. Due to Hyundai, they requested to do their own diagnostic and found the same issue. The vehicle ad less than 80,000 miles on it. I received an invoice for repairs required which was over $16,000 in repairs including replacing the engine. I pleaded that they cover the engine and this seems to be a recurring issue with this model. They refused. I am stuck with a vehicle I cannot a drive and is now sitting in my driveway with no option but to wait for a open recall.

NHTSA ODI #11665672

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2025
Engine

I am filing this Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) regarding critical safety defects in my 2018 Hyundai Elantra related to: - Recurrent ignition coil pack failures (3 replacements since 10/2018) - Engine stalling at low speeds (6 incidents since 10/2018) - Dealer refusal to apply TSB 20-01-008H ECM update despite matching symp…

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I am filing this Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) regarding critical safety defects in my 2018 Hyundai Elantra related to: - Recurrent ignition coil pack failures (3 replacements since 10/2018) - Engine stalling at low speeds (6 incidents since 10/2018) - Dealer refusal to apply TSB 20-01-008H ECM update despite matching symptoms Technical Background: Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 20-01-008H (February 2020) specifically addresses: - Misfire detection logic flaws in 2018-2019 Elantra 2.0L engines - Required ECM software update (ROM ID AD8SP2AS673D) - Updated ignition coils (P/N 27300-2E601) Safety Incidents: 2025: Stalling event at 25 mph approaching traffic light (no crash) 2021, 2023, 2024: Multiple misfire codes (P0300-P0304) with check engine light Dealer Interactions: - Round Rock Hyundai refused ECM update on 05/2025 claiming "VIN not in campaign" - Round Rock Hyundai refused coil replacements on 05/2025 claiming not under warranty - Service advisor acknowledged stalling/coil failure pattern matches TSB criteria Formal Requests: - Investigate Hyundai's VIN filtering for TSB 20-01-008H applicability Require Hyundai to: - Perform ECM software update per TSB specifications - Replace all coils with updated P/N 27300-2E601 - Reimburse previous coil replacement costs $1700 (6 coils over 7 years) - Open recall investigation for 2018 Elantra ignition systems Attachments available upon request. I authorize NHTSA to share my contact information with Hyundai Motor America. This defect creates unreasonable safety risks through sudden power loss and compromised vehicle control.

NHTSA ODI #11665576

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2025
Engine

Check engine light came on , car was sluggish and stalled on highway , was able to glide over to the side . Would not start . This is the 4th time this happened to this vehicle , in the past I was able to put in neutral and restart . They fixed it 3 times but they are now Hyundai is now saying it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI #11664163

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2025
Unknown Or Other

AFTER ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRAGE MY CAR WILL LOCK ME OUT. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE CAR DOOR WITH THE KEY FOB OR BY USING THE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. I DON'T KKOW IF IT WILL LOCK ME IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS, SINCE THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED. HAD TO CALL AAA TO GET BACK INTO CAR. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WAITED TWO HOURS AND T…

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AFTER ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRAGE MY CAR WILL LOCK ME OUT. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE CAR DOOR WITH THE KEY FOB OR BY USING THE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. I DON'T KKOW IF IT WILL LOCK ME IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS, SINCE THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED. HAD TO CALL AAA TO GET BACK INTO CAR. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WAITED TWO HOURS AND THE CAR OPENED USING KEY FOB.

NHTSA ODI #11663694

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Hyundai Elantra problems