Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Hyundai Elantra Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 146 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2023 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (CN7).
Recalls
4
Complaints
146
Complaint Rate
10.9
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
4 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (CN7).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 7th generation Elantra (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Seventh generation (CN7)
Should You Buy the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (CN7).
With 146 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 electrical system (27). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, which scored 10 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (27 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (18 complaints)
Compare 2023 Hyundai Elantra With
2023 Nissan Sentra
Score: 80/100
2023 Honda Civic
Score: 74/100
2023 Toyota Corolla
Score: 73/100
2023 Toyota Camry
Score: 79/100
2023 Nissan Altima
Score: 84/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21)
- POWER TRAIN (18)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (13)
- ENGINE (12)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
- STEERING (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
- AIR BAGS (6)
- LANE DEPARTURE (6)
- TIRES (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.9
per 10k soldSegment avg: 9.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
16
Fires
0
Injuries
9
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Consequence
An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
Consequence
Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.
2023 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: 0.0%
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 2023 Hyundai Elantra
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test horn functionality multiple times
- Check for unexpected emergency braking at highway speeds
- Inspect for engine stalling or power loss during test drive
- Verify cruise control operates correctly and does not accelerate unexpectedly
- Ensure backup camera and sensors work properly
- Check for any signs of oil leaks or excessive oil consumption
- Confirm airbag warning lights are not active and airbags deploy correctly
Check Any 2023 Hyundai Elantra's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems by Component
146 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
27 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, notably involving horn failures and battery-related problems. Complaints frequently mention the horn becoming inoperable, often requiring multiple replacements, and a recurring issue where the battery drains overnight, sometimes necessitating replacement after just a few months. Additionally, several owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power while driving, with some incidents involving complete shutdowns and multiple warning lights, often at mileage around 7,000 miles. Safety implications include instances where the vehicle's emergency brake engages without driver input, and there is one reported crash with associated injuries. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering a used 2023 Hyundai Elantra, particularly regarding horn reliability and unexpected power loss.
POWER TRAIN
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, particularly concerning the transmission and hybrid system faults. Common symptoms include slipping or jerky transmission shifts, unexpected loss of power, and instances of the vehicle entering limp mode, often triggered by rain or car washes affecting the knock sensor. These problems are noted at various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 11,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two crashes reported, one resulting in an injury, due to sudden power loss or unintended acceleration. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle with around 15,000 to 20,600 miles, where several complaints originate.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2023 Hyundai Elantra experiences frequent issues with its forward collision avoidance system. Complaints frequently mention unexpected automatic emergency braking when no vehicles or obstacles are present, often occurring at highway speeds ranging from 60 to 80 MPH. Symptoms include sudden deceleration, activation of emergency braking alerts, and the car taking control without driver input. One incident involved a crash where the forward collision warning failed to activate, resulting in a collision with a stationary object. These issues typically occur within the first few months of ownership, with mileage as low as 750 miles. The unexpected braking poses a risk of rear-end collisions and loss of vehicle control, which are significant safety implications for potential buyers.
ENGINE (12 complaints)
ENGINE
12 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the engine losing power or stalling, often without warning. Common symptoms include the vehicle losing motive power while driving, sputtering, and stalling at slow speeds or during gear shifts, which can occur at various speeds including highway conditions. Several complaints involve the engine shutting off unexpectedly, with some owners noting a message to shift to neutral and restart. These issues typically arise within the first year of ownership, with some reports mentioning as few as 290 miles on the odometer. Safety implications are significant, as these failures can occur in traffic or on highways, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, there are reports of oil leaks and coolant system failures, although these are less frequently mentioned.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra's vehicle speed control, particularly related to cruise control and braking systems. Multiple complaints describe the cruise control unexpectedly accelerating to 110 mph and being difficult to deactivate, with some owners noting this occurs after setting cruise control at lower speeds and persists until the vehicle is restarted. This issue is reported at low mileages, such as 50 miles. Additionally, owners frequently mention unintended deceleration or phantom braking, sometimes linked to Forward Collision Avoidance systems, which can cause abrupt speed changes and skidding. These issues present potential safety risks due to sudden speed changes and loss of control, with some problems remaining unresolved despite dealer visits.
STEERING (7 complaints)
STEERING
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly related to the lane assist feature and steering control under various conditions. Complaints describe the vehicle independently steering to the right when lane assist is active, sometimes resulting in crashes, and steering wheel lock-up during adverse weather, leading to loss of control. Additionally, some owners experience abrupt vehicle shutdowns, losing control over both steering and brakes. These issues are typically reported at mileage ranges from approximately 7,000 to 20,305 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and near-misses due to these steering-related failures, making it crucial for potential buyers to be aware of these patterns.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent false activations of the automatic emergency braking system in the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, with incidents occurring at various speeds, including highway speeds up to 70 mph. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle unexpectedly applying brakes when no other cars are in close proximity, sometimes leading to sudden stops that could potentially cause rear-end collisions. These issues have been reported as early as 3,500 miles and continue beyond 11,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash where the forward collision warning system failed to detect a vehicle, resulting in significant vehicle damage. Another distinct issue involves a subframe pressing against a hard brake line, which Hyundai reportedly denies as a factory defect. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, particularly with unexpected braking at high speeds.
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the air bags in the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, particularly non-deployment during collisions. Several complaints involve crashes where air bags, including front and side, failed to deploy, resulting in injuries such as concussions and whiplash, with vehicles often declared total losses. Another issue involves delayed air bag deployment, as one owner describes air bags deploying 10-15 seconds after a minor collision. These problems are noted at varying mileages, from 31,000 to 71,000 miles, and have significant safety implications, given the injuries and total vehicle losses reported. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a used model with similar mileage.
LANE DEPARTURE (6 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra's lane departure and related safety systems. Complaints frequently mention the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system taking control and steering vehicles out of their lanes without warning, including into oncoming traffic or towards barriers, which poses significant safety risks. Additionally, some owners describe the automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly when other vehicles pass closely, even when not signaling a lane change. There are also reports of multiple safety features failing simultaneously, including lane departure warnings and blind spot monitoring, which can affect vehicle control. These issues are noted across varying mileage ranges, and one report involves a crash with an injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported incidents and the associated safety implications.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra report issues related to excessive heat and oil consumption. One owner describes the center console becoming extremely hot while driving, attributed to heat from the exhaust affecting the interior, with the issue occurring at approximately 8,000 miles. Another owner of the Elantra N variant notes a significant oil leak, with the engine consuming one quart of oil every 100 miles, leading to a recommendation for engine replacement at around 1,520 miles. While no safety incidents such as crashes or fires are mentioned, these issues could affect vehicle comfort and reliability. Potential buyers may want to inquire about these specific problems and any dealer interventions when considering this model.
When Do 2023 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(selected) | 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 | 78/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 | 76/100 | — | Good | 1 | 309 |
2023 Hyundai Elantra Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 95 | 3 | 11 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 51 | 1 | 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 146 | 4 | 16 |
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 2023 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Elantra have?
Is the 2023 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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