Last updated: 2026-10-10

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 80/100

Skip the 2020 and 2022 Elantra. The 2020 has early engine and transmission failures plus headlight faults. The 2022 has seat belt recall repairs stuck waiting on parts, dead horns, and hybrid power loss. Buy a 2024 instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 72/1002022 74/100
Buy
2024 85/100
Model average
80/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Elantra average of 80/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202072/100Good3212Engine (65)
2202274/100Good13139Seat Belts (28)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Hyundai Elantra

Oil burning often starts between 20,000 and 27,000 miles with no visible leak, then comes ticking, power loss, stalling, or a seized engine. Transmissions also stop delivering power, some within the first few thousand miles. Owners say dealers refused coverage on engine and headlight repairs.

3 recalls212 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (65), Power Train (39), Exterior Lighting (20), Steering (18), Electrical System (16), Unknown Or Other (13)

View full 2020reliability report →
74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Hyundai Elantra

Owners report seat belt repairs waiting from two months to half a year for parts. Horns quit without warning, often around 10,000 miles. Hybrids show a Check Hybrid System warning that cuts power at highway speed, and the dual-clutch transmission shudders, slips, and is slow to engage from a stop.

13 recalls139 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Seat Belts (28), Electrical System (25), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (11), Engine (5)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Elantra Problems?

ENGINE

268 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Sudden engine failure is the main pattern.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

183 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Stalling while driving leads this category, including one shutoff at low speed that ended in a crash.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

151 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

2018: This category is a mix.

POWER TRAIN

117 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2023

2020: The transmission suddenly stops delivering power.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

80 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: High beams stop working even though the dash shows them on.

STEERING

65 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2019

2020: The most common symptom is a grinding, rubbing, or whirring noise from the steering column, mostly at low speed.

Best Hyundai Elantra Year to Buy Instead

85
ExcellentReliability score: 85 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Hyundai Elantra

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to judge, and it has far fewer owner complaints than the 2020 and 2022. It has one recall, against 13 for the 2022. Its complaints center on horns, battery drain, and false driver-attention alerts, not engine or transmission failure.

Score: 85/100 (Excellent)1 recalls50 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Hyundai Elantra has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Hyundai Elantra Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hyundai Elantra years should I avoid?
Avoid 2020 and 2022. The 2020 is hit by oil burning, engine failure, transmission failure, and headlight faults. The 2022 has the most recalls of any year, seat belt parts on back order, horn failures, and power loss on hybrids. A 2024 is the better buy.
Which Hyundai Elantra years have transmission problems?
The 2020 is the clearest case. Owners describe the car crawling at 10 to 20 mph with engine speed climbing, and some failures came within the first few thousand miles. The 2022 has dual-clutch complaints of shuddering, slipping, and slow engagement from a stop.
Is a 2025 or 2026 Hyundai Elantra a safe bet?
They rate well, but they are too new to call the best. The 2025 has few complaints and no recalls, and the 2026 has none, mostly because they have had little time on the road. The 2024 has a longer record.
Which Hyundai Elantra years have engine problems?
Engine is the top complaint area for 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the 2020 is the worst for oil burning and seizure. Owners describe low oil with no warning, then stalling or a replacement engine. Engine is not a top area for 2021 and later.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra worth buying?
Probably not. It has 13 recalls, the most of any year, and owners report seat belt repairs waiting months for parts. Horn failures, blurry rear cameras, and hybrid power loss add to the list. A 2024 is the safer choice.

How we score every Hyundai Elantra model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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