Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Elantra

1 Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Elantra average of 78/100

The Hyundai Elantra years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 72/100. The best Hyundai Elantra year to buy is 2025 87/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra scores significantly below the model average of 78/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 72/100 due to engine (65) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 78/100.

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 78/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202072/100Good3212Engine (65)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 19 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (65), Power Train (39), Exterior Lighting (20).

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 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Elantra Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Elantra model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

273 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

183 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

130 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

117 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

80 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

65 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Hyundai Elantra Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Hyundai Elantra

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 195 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (64), Exterior Lighting (44), Electrical System (26).

Score: 78/100 (Good)1 recalls195 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Hyundai Elantra Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Elantra Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Elantra years: 2020 (score: 72/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Elantra average of 78/100.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra?
The best year for the Hyundai Elantra is 2025, with a reliability score of 87/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Elantra have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Elantra has a total of 33 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Elantra worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 87/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Elantra problems?
The most common Hyundai Elantra problems are engine (273 complaints), electrical system (183 complaints), unknown or other (130 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Elantra has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Hyundai Elantra generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Hyundai Elantra generation is the Sixth generation (AD) with an average score of 75/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Elantra?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Hyundai Elantra is $452 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 87/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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