Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra: Reliability Compared

More ReliableHyundai Elantra reliability comparison

Hyundai Elantra

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Nissan Sentra reliability comparison

Nissan Sentra

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Hyundai Elantra currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 77/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra Generations Compare?

The Nissan Sentra is currently in its eighth generation (B18), introduced in 2020, and continues through 2025. Being in the middle of its cycle, the Sentra benefits from a mature platform, often translating to better-sorted reliability as initial issues tend to be resolved. In contrast, the Hyundai Elantra is in its seventh generation (CN7), launched in 2021, with a facelift planned for 2024. This places the Elantra early in its cycle, where newer platforms might still experience first-year issues. Both models have seen significant facelifts during their respective histories, which generally help refine and improve reliability over time.

Verdict

The Hyundai Elantra is more reliable than the Nissan Sentra, scoring 78/100 vs 77/100.

The Hyundai Elantra edges out the Nissan Sentra in reliability with a higher average score of 90/100 compared to the Sentra's 84/100. However, the Sentra boasts a lower owner complaint rate at 2.8 per 10,000 sold versus the Elantra's 3.7. Despite having more recalls, the Elantra's estimated annual repair cost is slightly lower at $452 compared to the Sentra's $491. Both models share common issues, but the Elantra's engine problems and the Sentra's electrical system issues are notable differentiators.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Elantra costs $39 less per year to repair
  2. 2Nissan Sentra has 13 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Hyundai Elantra has 3% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

3Hyundai Elantra
—
3Nissan Sentra
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai ElantraNissan Sentra
Reliability Score78/10077/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls3320
Complaints per 10k Sold3.72.8
Annual Repair Cost$452/yr$491/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk9%12%
Year Wins44

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra?

The Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Elantra showing a higher total complaint count. The Sentra's most significant issues are in the electrical system and steering, with the latter having a notable 17 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Elantra faces its most substantial challenges with the engine, accruing 273 complaints, but with a relatively low number of crash-linked incidents at three. Both models have concerns with the electrical system, but the Elantra's broader range of issues, including a higher number of complaints in the "Unknown or Other" category, suggests a wider array of potential reliability concerns.

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai ElantraNissan Sentra
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.6Very Low0.6Very Low
ENGINE0.8Very Low0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.4Very Low0.3Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
LANE DEPARTURE0.1Very Low—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
WHEELS—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
TIRES—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Sentra?

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Hyundai Elantra is slightly more economical than the Nissan Sentra, with an annual repair cost of $452 compared to $491 for the Sentra, translating to a $195 saving over five years. However, the Elantra has a higher repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year versus 0.2 for the Sentra, suggesting more frequent minor issues. Despite this, the Elantra also has a lower major repair risk of 9% compared to the Sentra's 12%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Elantra offers better value due to its lower annual repair costs and reduced likelihood of costly major repairs, despite the slightly increased frequency of shop visits.

How Does Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai ElantraNissan SentraEdge
202587/1000R / 21C78/1003R / 15CHyundai Elantra
202485/1001R / 50C79/1003R / 23CHyundai Elantra
202375/1004R / 146C80/1001R / 14CNissan Sentra
202274/10013R / 139C77/1002R / 72CNissan Sentra
202175/10010R / 147C76/1003R / 119CNissan Sentra
202072/1003R / 212C71/1004R / 193CHyundai Elantra
201978/1001R / 195C75/1002R / 212CHyundai Elantra
201876/1001R / 309C77/1002R / 181CNissan Sentra
2026(predicted)82/100(predicted)79/100(predicted)Hyundai Elantra

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Elantra scored 87/100 and the 2023 Nissan Sentra scored 80/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Elantra vs the Nissan Sentra?

If you prioritize reliability and lower major repair risk, the Hyundai Elantra might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 90/100 and a major repair risk of only 9%, it offers peace of mind on the road. Although it has a higher total recall count at 33, its estimated annual repair cost is lower at $452, and it handles issues with the engine and electrical systems effectively. However, if you value fewer owner complaints and a slightly lower repair frequency, consider the Nissan Sentra. It boasts fewer complaints per 10,000 sold at 2.8 and a repair frequency of 0.2 per year. While its reliability score is slightly lower at 84/100, it has a reasonable annual repair cost of $491 and a manageable major repair risk of 12%. Choose the Sentra if you prefer fewer day-to-day issues, particularly with the electrical system and steering.

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Elantra more reliable than the Nissan Sentra?
Based on our data, the Hyundai Elantra is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 77/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Sentra?
The Hyundai Elantra has more recalls (33) compared to the Nissan Sentra (20). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Sentra?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Sentra has a lower complaint rate at 2.8 per 10,000 sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Elantra. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Sentra?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Elantra is cheaper to maintain at $452/year versus $491/year for the Nissan Sentra.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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