Last updated: 2026-03-04
Hyundai Elantra Reliability by Year
The Hyundai Elantra averages 78/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Hyundai Elantra Reliability Overview
The Hyundai Elantra, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a good reliability score of 78/100, with a notable improvement in recent years, particularly in 2025 with a score of 89/100. Common issues reported by owners include engine and electrical system problems, especially in earlier models, while later models see fewer complaints, with significant reductions in complaint rates by 2025. The Elantra's estimated annual repair cost of $452 is below the compact car average, suggesting it may appeal to budget-conscious drivers seeking a reliable and cost-effective option.
Current generation: 7th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2024.
Best & Worst Hyundai Elantra Years
Best Hyundai Elantra Years to Buy
The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2025 with a reliability score of 87/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (85/100) and 2019 (78/100).
Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Elantra year is 2020 with a score of 72/100, primarily due to engine (65) issues.
See full Hyundai Elantra years-to-avoid analysis →Hyundai Elantra Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Elantra reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 87/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Hyundai Elantra
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
0 recalls · 21 complaints
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Lane Departure (7), Unknown Or Other (7), Service Brakes (2).
2024 Hyundai Elantra
1 recalls · 50 complaints
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 50 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (13), Unknown Or Other (11), Steering (5).
2023 Hyundai Elantra
4 recalls · 146 complaints
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 146 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (27), Unknown Or Other (21), Power Train (18).
2022 Hyundai Elantra
13 recalls · 139 complaints
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 139 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Seat Belts (28), Electrical System (25), Unknown Or Other (16).
2021 Hyundai Elantra
10 recalls · 147 complaints
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 147 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (32), Seat Belts (21), Forward Collision Avoidance (18).
2020 Hyundai Elantra
3 recalls · 212 complaints
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 19 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (65), Power Train (39), Exterior Lighting (20).
2019 Hyundai Elantra
1 recalls · 195 complaints
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 195 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (64), Exterior Lighting (44), Electrical System (26).
2018 Hyundai Elantra
1 recalls · 309 complaints
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 309 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (98), Unknown Or Other (41), Electrical System (39).
Hyundai Elantra Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$452
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
9%
$74 below the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #8 of 36 among compact cars.
Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Hyundai Models
Compare all Hyundai models by reliability
Compare Hyundai Elantra With Similar Sedans
The Hyundai Elantra competes with other compact sedans such as Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla.
Nissan Sentra reliability
9 years tracked · 829 complaints
Honda Civic reliability
9 years tracked · 2921 complaints
Toyota Corolla reliability
9 years tracked · 1274 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Nissan Altima reliability
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- The Hyundai Elantra has good reliability with an average score of 78/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra?
- The best year for the Hyundai Elantra is 2025 with a reliability score of 87/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Hyundai Elantra analysis →
- What are the Hyundai Elantra years to avoid?
- The Hyundai Elantra years to avoid include 2020 (72/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Elantra?
- The Hyundai Elantra has an estimated annual repair cost of $452, which is $74 below the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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