Last updated: 2026-05-15
Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX: Reliability Compared
Hyundai Elantra
Subaru WRX
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Subaru WRX? 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 75/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Hyundai Elantra and Subaru WRX Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Hyundai Elantra is more reliable than the Subaru WRX, scoring 78/100 vs 75/100.
The Hyundai Elantra edges out the Subaru WRX in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 78 versus the WRX's 75. While the Elantra has a higher number of total recalls, its owner complaint rate is significantly lower at 3.7 per 10,000 sold compared to the WRX's 5.9. The Elantra also offers lower estimated annual repair costs at $452, making it a more cost-effective choice for maintenance. However, both vehicles share common issues in engine and electrical systems, which prospective buyers should consider.
Key Differences
- 1Hyundai Elantra costs $230 less per year to repair
- 2Subaru WRX has 25 fewer total recalls
- 3Hyundai Elantra has 5% lower major repair risk
Category Scoreboard
Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Hyundai Elantra | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 78/100 | 75/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 33 | 8 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.7 | 5.9 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $452/yr | $682/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.3/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 9% | 14% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 5 (2 tied) | 1 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Elantra and Subaru WRX?
The Hyundai Elantra exhibits a higher total number of complaints compared to the Subaru WRX, with significant issues reported in the engine and electrical system categories, including crash-linked incidents. Notably, the Elantra's steering system has a concerning number of crash-linked complaints, totaling 12, which is a critical safety consideration. In contrast, the Subaru WRX has fewer overall complaints, with its most notable safety concern being the steering system, accounting for 5 crash-linked incidents. While the WRX generally has fewer issues, both models share challenges in the engine category, although the Elantra's problems are more pronounced.
| Component | Hyundai Elantra | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.8Very Low | 1.3Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | 1Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.4Very Low | 0.9Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —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 Subaru WRX?
How Does Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Hyundai Elantra | Subaru WRX | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 87/1000R / 21C | 77/1000R / 1C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2024 | 85/1001R / 50C | 78/1000R / 13C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2023 | 75/1004R / 146C | 75/1001R / 6C | Tie |
| 2022 | 74/10013R / 139C | 73/1001R / 23C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2021 | 75/10010R / 147C | 75/1001R / 12C | Tie |
| 2020 | 72/1003R / 212C | 75/1001R / 17C | Subaru WRX |
| 2019 | 78/1001R / 195C | 72/1002R / 27C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2018 | 76/1001R / 309C | 71/1002R / 40C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2026(predicted) | 82/100(predicted) | 77/100(predicted) | Hyundai Elantra |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Elantra scored 87/100 and the 2024 Subaru WRX scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Elantra vs the Subaru WRX?
Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX: Common Questions
- Is the Hyundai Elantra more reliable than the Subaru WRX?
- Based on our data, the Hyundai Elantra is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 75/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Elantra or the Subaru WRX?
- The Hyundai Elantra has more recalls (33) compared to the Subaru WRX (8). 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 Subaru WRX?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Elantra has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 5.9 for the Subaru WRX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Elantra or the Subaru WRX?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Elantra is cheaper to maintain at $452/year versus $682/year for the Subaru WRX.
- Is the Hyundai Elantra or Subaru WRX safer?
- Both the Hyundai Elantra and Subaru WRX received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Hyundai Elantra comparisons
Decided between Hyundai Elantra and Subaru WRX? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue