Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Hyundai Elantra Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 13 recalls and 139 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2022 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (CN7).
Recalls
13
Complaints
139
Complaint Rate
11.9
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$452
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
13 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (CN7).
- Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 7th generation Elantra (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2021 (redesign year) vs 2022+ pricing and recalls.
Seventh generation (CN7)
Should You Buy the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (CN7).
With 139 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to seat belts (28). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2021 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
- Above-average recall count
- SEAT BELTS issues reported (28 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several recurring issues with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra's electrical system (25 complaints)
Compare 2022 Hyundai Elantra With
2022 Nissan Sentra
Score: 77/100
2022 Honda Civic
Score: 66/100
2022 Toyota Corolla
Score: 82/100
2022 Toyota Camry
Score: 84/100
2022 Nissan Altima
Score: 83/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 13 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- SEAT BELTS (28)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18)
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- STEERING (5)
- ENGINE (5)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- WHEELS (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
Recall Overview
13
recalls on record
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra has 13 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.9
per 10k soldSegment avg: 16.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
6
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Recall Details
13 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
AIR BAGS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.
Consequence
A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.
SEAT BELTS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Consequence
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
2022 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai Elantra Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2022 Hyundai Elantra
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test horn functionality to ensure it works properly
- Check for any warning lights related to forward collision avoidance systems
- Inspect rearview camera for proper operation when reversing
- Verify cruise control does not set unexpected speeds
- Test brakes for any unexpected activation or noise
- Ensure engine accelerates smoothly without hesitation
Check Any 2022 Hyundai Elantra's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Elantra in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Hyundai Elantra with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems by Component
139 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SEAT BELTS
28 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to the seat belt recall, specifically citing delays in obtaining parts for necessary repairs. Complaints often describe receiving recall notifications but experiencing long wait times, sometimes over several months, for the parts needed to address potential seat belt pretensioner failures. While most owners have not experienced an actual seat belt failure, one report details a seat belt tightening excessively around a passenger, requiring the belt to be cut. The potential safety risk involves the seat belt pretensioner deploying improperly, potentially projecting metal shrapnel into the vehicle's interior, which could lead to injury if not addressed. Buyers should be aware of these ongoing recall-related delays and potential safety implications.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention horn failures, with some stating the horn fails after approximately 10,000 miles, leading to potential safety hazards as drivers are unable to alert others in emergency situations. Rearview camera malfunctions are also commonly noted, affecting visibility during reverse parking, with some owners linking this to a lack of applicable recalls. Additionally, multiple owners describe hybrid system failures, including sudden loss of power and stalling at highway speeds, which poses significant safety risks. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some appearing as early as 17,000 miles, and raise concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety for potential buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra report several recurring issues, with the most common being problems related to the horn and backup camera failures. Multiple owners describe the horn as intermittently failing or blowing fuses, which poses a safety risk as it impairs communication with other drivers. Backup camera malfunctions are often noted, with some owners stating the camera ceases to function entirely, affecting rear visibility. Additionally, several complaints mention issues with traction control and electronic stability control engaging unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to jerk or lose power, often without any diagnostic codes being recorded. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as a few months after purchase. There is at least one report of a crash involving unintended acceleration while parking, highlighting potential safety implications.
POWER TRAIN (14 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the power train of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, with common complaints including sudden loss of power, stalling, and failure to accelerate. Symptoms frequently mentioned include delayed acceleration, harsh or rough shifts, and vehicles entering a limp mode where they cannot exceed low speeds. These issues often occur around 15,000 to 28,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one incident involving a vehicle rolling out of a garage and striking another car, as well as multiple reports of sudden power loss while driving, creating hazardous situations. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly with hybrid models, and consider the reported problems with camshaft sensors, transmission, and hybrid system malfunctions.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
11 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, including false activations of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Complaints often describe the AEB triggering unexpectedly, even when no vehicles are nearby, leading to abrupt stops and, in one case, an injury from sudden braking. Multiple owners mention persistent warning lights indicating a forward safety system fault, often linked to diagnostic trouble code C162078, which points to radar misalignment. These issues typically occur at various mileages, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of control and reduced effectiveness of other driver assistance features, which may be concerning to prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly involving unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Complaints describe scenarios where the AEB engages without warning, causing the car to swerve or abruptly decelerate, often occurring at highway speeds and sometimes repeatedly in the same locations. Some owners report complete brake failure, leading to collisions, with one incident resulting in an injury. Brake noise and ineffective braking performance are also noted, typically at lower speeds or when coming to a stop. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 2,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported safety implications, including loss of control and crash incidents.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. A common problem involves the cruise control system, which can unexpectedly set itself to high speeds, such as 110 mph or 120 mph, without driver input. This issue often requires drivers to manually turn off the cruise control or brake to prevent unintended acceleration. Another symptom described is unintended acceleration when the cruise control is not engaged, which has led to near-collision situations. These problems are mentioned across various usage timelines, with some occurring as early as 20,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as these issues have the potential to cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of accidents.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra report issues primarily related to steering difficulties accompanied by warning lights. Several complaints describe incidents where the steering becomes heavy and difficult to manage, often alongside multiple dashboard warning lights such as forward collision, rear cross traffic, and vehicle stability control warnings. These issues are reported at mileages under 20,000, with some incidents occurring after a flat tire or during driving in adverse conditions like snow. Safety implications are noted as the steering difficulties can lead to challenging driving conditions and potential loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially concerning the impact on vehicle handling and the potential need for repairs or recalls.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, engine failure, and illuminated warning lights, sometimes accompanied by error codes like P030400 and P2261. These problems often occur at varying mileage, with some reports as early as 250 miles and others around 34,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with instances of the vehicle stalling at highway speeds and difficulties in accelerating, which may pose risks during maneuvers like merging or lane changes. Buyers should be aware of potential engine failures and power loss, as these issues may require significant repairs or replacements.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra report issues with air bag deployment during collisions. In one instance, the air bags deployed correctly when the vehicle collided with a deer at approximately 68 mph, resulting in injuries to the driver. However, another owner describes multiple crashes, including a T-bone accident at 45 mph, where the air bags failed to deploy, and the vehicle's automatic emergency response system did not contact emergency services. These incidents occur at varying mileages, with one report at around 60,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as complaints involve crashes and injuries, highlighting potential inconsistencies in air bag deployment and emergency system response.
When Do 2022 Hyundai Elantra Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. 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(selected) | 74/100 | -1 | Good | 13 | 139 |
| 2021 | 75/100 | +3 | Good | 10 | 147 |
| 2020 | 72/100 | -6 | Good | 3 | 212 |
| 2019 | 78/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 | 76/100 | — | Good | 1 | 309 |
2022 Hyundai Elantra Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 101 | 9 | 4 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 38 | 4 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 139 | 13 | 7 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?
How many recalls does the 2022 Hyundai Elantra have?
Is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra expensive to maintain?
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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