Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Hyundai Elantra Reliability Report
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 195 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
195
Complaint Rate
11.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$452
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (78)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (47)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a facelift 2019 update for the Sixth generation (AD).
- Changes: New LED headlights and taillights; Increased safety features.
- Year 3 in this generation (2017–2020).
- 6th generation Elantra (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2017: Sixth generation (AD) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year (Refresh)
2019 received a facelift 2019 update for the Sixth generation (AD).
Should You Buy the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
At 78/100, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 received a facelift 2019 update for the Sixth generation (AD).
Owners log 195 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (64). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, which scored 6 points lower. See also the 2018 Hyundai Elantra for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$74 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (78 complaints)
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING issues reported (47 complaints)
Compare 2019 Hyundai Elantra With

2019 KIA Forte
Reliability: 67/100

2019 Nissan Sentra
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Honda Civic
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 77/100

2019 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (78)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (47)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
11
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Hyundai Elantra Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Consequence
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Buying a used 2019 Hyundai Elantra? Check its history first
Every 2019 Hyundai Elantra has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.7%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai ElantraRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$452
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–35 MPG
Running cost: $2,150–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
22–32 city / 30–40 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 32 | 40 | 35 | $1,700 |
| Elantra SE 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 29 | 38 | 33 | $1,800 |
| Elantra 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 | 37 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Elantra 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Elantra 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Elantra GT 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Elantra GT 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Elantra GT 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Elantra 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Hyundai Elantra.
Check for engine knocking or excessive oil consumption
Test high beam headlights for proper operation
Inspect for any engine stalling or rough idling
Verify that all recall repairs have been completed
Test transmission for hesitation or hard shifting
Inspect paint for chipping, especially on the roof and rear window areas
2019 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems by Component
195 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
78 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent engine failures with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, often citing issues such as stalling, excessive oil consumption, and knocking sounds. Complaints frequently mention engine failures at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 35,000 miles, and others at higher mileages such as 160,000 miles. Symptoms typically include the check engine light illuminating, loss of power, and the engine seizing, sometimes without warning. Safety implications are noted, with one report involving a crash and another describing a fire hazard due to oil leaks. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine problems and the associated safety risks.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
47 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the high beam headlights on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, where the high beams fail to activate despite the indicator light showing they are engaged. Symptoms often include the low beams functioning normally while the high beams remain inoperative, sometimes accompanied by a sound from the actuator without any change in light output. These issues are commonly noted around 50,000 to 52,000 miles. Complaints suggest that the problem may be related to the mechanism that raises the shield for the high beams. Affected owners express safety concerns, particularly when driving on dark roads, although no crashes are specifically linked to this issue in the provided complaints. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs associated with this recurring headlight malfunction.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
31 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the electrical system of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, including problems with headlights, engine stalling, and anti-theft system vulnerabilities. Complaints frequently mention headlights failing to stay on high beam or going out entirely, affecting night visibility and failing safety inspections. Engine stalling is another common issue, with some vehicles shutting off mid-drive without warning, often accompanied by a lack of warning lights on the dashboard. These issues are sometimes linked to mileage as low as 37,000 miles. Additionally, the anti-theft system's lack of standard engine immobilization has led to thefts and related damages. Safety implications are notable, with three reported crashes and two injuries potentially linked to these electrical failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used 2019 Hyundai Elantra.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to engine performance, including unexpected engine shut-offs while driving and engine knocking, often linked to recall-related concerns. Complaints describe incidents of the vehicle losing power at high speeds, with some reports of the engine emitting smoke or unusual noises. Paint chipping on the roof and rear window areas is also commonly mentioned, with several owners noting the problem despite regular maintenance. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes due to brake failures and engine shutdowns, including one incident involving a fire. These issues often appear at mileage under 50,000, posing potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
POWER TRAIN (10 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
10 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to the vehicle's power train. Common symptoms include hesitation and hard shifting in the transmission, often described as occurring in both normal and sport modes, with mileage around 55,000 to 63,000. Additionally, several owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while idling or driving, with no warning lights or error codes present. Safety implications are noted, as some incidents occur while the vehicle is in motion, posing a risk of loss of control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model, particularly regarding transmission performance and reliability.
STEERING (9 complaints)
STEERING
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to the steering system, including difficulty maintaining a straight line and the steering wheel failing to re-center after turns. Symptoms described include a rubbing noise when steering and vibrations at higher speeds, with some reports indicating the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn. Several complaints involve serious safety incidents, including two crashes, one of which resulted in a fire and a fatality. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, suggesting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra report issues primarily related to vehicle speed control, with symptoms including unintended acceleration, stalling, and failure to accelerate. One owner describes a crash resulting from the accelerator getting stuck, while others mention stalling during motion and abnormal knocking sounds. These problems are reported at mileages ranging from 45,000 to approximately 50,400 miles. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported and multiple instances of stalling while driving, which could pose risks in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly when considering vehicles around this mileage range.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra report issues with the service brakes, including abnormal rubbing sounds and extended braking distances when the brake pedal is depressed. One complaint describes a crash situation where the brake pedal went to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle, requiring the use of the emergency brake. These brake issues are noted at varying mileages, from as low as 6,000 to around 147,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one incident involved a collision and potential loss of braking control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, especially regarding brake responsiveness and reliability.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra report airbag deployment issues. One specific complaint describes an incident where the front airbags deployed after the vehicle hit a center divider at approximately 1 MPH, with no visible body damage. This suggests an unexpected airbag activation under low-impact conditions. The complaint does not specify mileage or timeline patterns. No injuries or additional safety implications, such as loss of control, are mentioned. Buyers should be aware of potential airbag deployment sensitivity in low-speed impacts.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra report issues involving engine failure, often linked to internal oil leaks and piston damage. Symptoms typically include abnormal engine noises, sudden loss of power, and illuminated warning lights, particularly engine and oil indicators. These issues have been observed at mileages of approximately 89,000 and as high as 196,000. There are no reports of crashes or fires, but the sudden stalling of the vehicle poses a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these concerns, especially since repairs can involve significant engine work such as piston or complete engine replacement.
When Do 2019 Hyundai Elantra Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Hyundai Elantra Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Hyundai Elantra Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2025
2024
2019
(Current Model)
Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Elantra year is 2020 with a score of 72/100, primarily due to engine (65) issues.
Hyundai Elantra Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Elantra reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Hyundai Elantra Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 87/100 | +2 | Excellent | 0 | 21 |
| 2024 | 85/100 | +10 | Excellent | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 75/100 | +1 | Good | 4 | 146 |
| 2022 | 74/100 | -1 | Good | 13 | 139 |
| 2021 | 75/100 | +3 | Good | 10 | 147 |
| 2020 | 72/100 | -6 | Good | 3 | 212 |
| 2019(selected) | 78/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 | 76/100 | — | Good | 1 | 309 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?
Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Hyundai Elantra without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Hyundai Elantra.
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