2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    13 stranded, 41 unsafe

    54
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 106,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who examined the engine and determined that the engine need…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1768625
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idles at the red light. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning oil odor coming from the engine compar…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1847045
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was ab…"~116,421 mi, complaint #2185258
  2. #2

    lighting exterior

    37 unsafe, 15 annoyance

    52
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LIGHTS ARE BEING REPLACED EVERY MONTH DUE TO BEING BURNED OUT THERE IS NO BRIGHT LIGHTS AT ALL.."~8,000 mi, complaint #1728160
    • "MY BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS HAVE WENT OUT ROUGHLY 5 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH AND I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO. MOSTLY OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND RANDOMLY GOES OUT. THE ENTIRE CASING WAS REPLACED AND THE ISSUE IS STILL OCCURRING."~30,000 mi, complaint #1586274
    • "BOUGHT NEW, NO ACCIDENTS. JUST NOTICED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THAT THE HIGH BEAMS DON'T WORK. I CAN SEE THEM 'NUDGE' A LITTLE WHEN I TRY TO ENGAGE THEM, BUT NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS."~38,000 mi, complaint #1741191
    • "ON OCTOBER 28, 2020 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO JOE HOLLAND CHEVROLET IN CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA BECAUSE MY HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A FAULTY HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THAT I WAS AT LEAST THE THIRD PERSON THAT DAY WITH T…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1707184
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH at night, the high-beam headlights failed to work as needed. The contact was able to drive to her destination; however, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable at ni…"~95,900 mi, complaint #1849491
  3. #3

    engine stall or no start

    6 stranded, 27 unsafe

    33
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 111,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The owner brought the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the contact, diagnosed the vehic…"~29,428 mi, complaint #2011773
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illumin…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1864753
    • "Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truc…"~132,194 mi, complaint #2053105
  4. #4

    engine oil consumption

    10 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Engine is burning oil between oil changes. Less than 60,000 miles. Worried engine is exhibiting symptoms of others involved in Hyundai recall."complaint #1816546
    • "The engine is burning a lot of oil. It only has 125000 miles on it and no leaks. I am worried engine will stall while driving due to low oil."complaint #1884656
    • "The vehicle has demonstrated a recurring and dangerous problem of stalling while in operation, without any warning indicators or lights. This fault has not only persisted but has also led to a near-collision incident, underlining its severity. The first occur…"complaint #1959727
    • "Problemas con el motor, específicamente la lubricación. El vehículo fue reparado y aún continuó con los problemas de lubricación, incluyendo los llamados " sprocket" que se dañaron. He leído que Hyundai a retirado muchos vehículos por este mismo problema."complaint #2049127
    • "My engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. I have always maintained the vehicle's engine on-time or early and now I am needing to top-off oil many times between frequent oil changes. I am now having to add a quart a week and am changing the oil every two thousa…"complaint #2063453
  5. #5

    key fob and immobilizer

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car was stolen. I'm waiting to hear how much repairs will cost. The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requir…"complaint #1834741
    • "Sometimes the car will not start batter is testing good replaced it anyway same for starter and Is Alternator and still happens hyundai dealership said they don't know. Now the car will start to break on its own saying something is there even when in open pa…"complaint #1866889
    • "Hyundai Elantra was stolen for the 2nd time AFTER Hyundai's immobilizer was supposedly installed in the vehicle. Car was parked and locked in a secured employee parking lot with cameras. Rear window was busted out steering column torn down and ignition switch…"complaint #1867232
    • "Anti theft system does not have standard engine immobilization, highly theft rate, owner at risk of danger while using vehicle if car jacked which is a high possibility since the Kia boys posted how to steal this particular vehicle. Hyundai will upgrade the an…"complaint #1880701
    • "A safety recall performed by Hyundai automotive company was completed on 10.4.2022 to remedy a known security flaw in Kia/Hyunai vehicles made between 2011 and 2022. This recall was performed successfully by a certified Hyundai dealer. Since this, the vehicl…"complaint #2147174
  6. #6

    other

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Hyundai and Kia vehicles are so easy to steal. No security system. Can break back window and peel back steering column/drive away in less than 90 seconds. Hyundai and Kia Motors aren’t doing anything to address to the issue and car theft to these vehicles is n…"complaint #1794545
    • "I have gotten notice for a recall three times from the manufacturer and/or dealership and everytime I take it in, something is wrong and there's an excuse as to why the recall isn't being done. As a matter of fact your site shows that there is no active recall…"complaint #1825035
    • "Vehicle caught on fire. There were not any warnings, and no alarms went off prior to this."complaint #1985725
    • "Car got broken into, back window smashed. Ignition ripped out, someone tried stealing it, even though I got the recall fixed. try to steal vehicle with USB cord. "complaint #2050339
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was stationed in Guam when the vehicle was purchased. The vehi…"complaint #2113196
  7. #7

    timing belt or chain

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1863694
  8. #8

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "SEAT BELT SENSOR ACTIVATES WITH VERY LITTLE WEIGHT IN THE SEAT (LESS THAN 10 LBS) THE ALARMS CONTINUES TO GO OFF EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY. IVT TRANSMISSION KNOWN BY CVT. I SKATE WHEN I SLOWLY ACCELERATE IN OCCASIONS APROXMATE 5 TO 20 SECONDS. GIVES ME A SL…"~13,500 mi, complaint #1646589
    • "SEAT BELT SENSOR ACTIVATES WITH VERY LITTLE WEIGHT IN THE SEAT (LESS THAN 10 LBS) THE ALARMS CONTINUES TO GO OFF EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS"~28,000 mi, complaint #1627826
  9. #9

    wiring harness

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "AFTER HAVING MY 2019 HYUNDAI THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW MY HEADLIGHTS QUITE SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAMS AND WOULD ONLY RUN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BUT INSTEAD OF BEING BRIGHT THEY WERE DIMMER THAN WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO BE. I TRIED TO EXCHANGE THE HEADLIGHTS TO SEE I…"complaint #1648595
    • "The system that was affected was the engine, and inspection is available. We were all in seatbelts at the time of the incident. PepBoys has confirmed it is an electrical issue and they can't repair it and must be done by the original manufacturer. The warning…"complaint #1755234
    • "The electrical plate for the right daytime running light must have fallen out of the engine compartment, according to the dealer service center, because it was no longer there. A warning light appeared on the dashboard system as a yellow triangle enclosing a…"complaint #1948607
    • "Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would…"complaint #2201633
  10. #10

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engin…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1756834
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 53 MPH, A DEER COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE COASTING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE MEDIAN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POL…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1621017
  12. #12

    software or update

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEN STOLER HYUNDAI ([REDACTED ADDRESS], OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. SINCE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1747212
  13. #13

    steering electric assist

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE SET DRIVING MY RPMS WENT TO 8 HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE ENDED UP CROSSING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC HITTING THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOING DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH."~40,000 mi, complaint #1723229
  14. #14

    adas blind spot

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CAR REPEATEDLY HAS THE BLIND SPOT SENSOR SYSTEM ALARMING OUT AND SHUTTING OFF TILL CAR IS RESTARTED, COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU DONT REALIZE THAT IT IS NO LONGER WORKING. 10 TIMES BETWEEN 275 MILES AND 1300"complaint #1569455
    • "Many times after only a few minutes of driving the blind spot warning ⚠️ light comes on that it is unable to report any vehicles in this area. This light will stay on preventing any vehicle warnings of approaching vehicles. This light will stay on the duration…"complaint #1758085
  15. #15

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE CAR HAS HAD 4 EPISODES OF A DISCHARGED BATTERY OVER APPROXIMATELY 4MONTHS BETWEEN 11K AND 14K MILES. IT BEGAN WHEN THE CAR WAS LESS THEN A YEAR OLD. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP EACH TIME. THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY THE 2ND TIME. THE 3 AND 4 TIMES THE CAR…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1720124
  16. #16

    engine cooling

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that their vehicle began to emit a burning rubber type of odor that could at times caused them a headache. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the issue.…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1767514
  17. #17

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Have a 2019 Hyuandi Elantra. Purchased in 2020 now only 6 years old the white paint on roof of car and around rear window the paint is chipping off. I have a softball size area in roof is all chipping off. I take very good care of my car and can’t believe t…"complaint #2107033
    • "“I am reporting the paint failure on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra as a safety-related concern. The widespread peeling has exposed bare metal, creating a risk of corrosion that can weaken body panels and potentially affect structural safety. This also reduces the ve…"complaint #2182355
  18. #18

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE TIRES SIZED 225/40 R18 TIRES ARE CRACKING ON THE SIDEWALL. I HAD A 2018 MODEL OF THIS SAME VEHICLE AND IT HAPPENED ON THOSE TIRES AS WELL. I JUST NOTICED THIS LAST NIGHT ON THE 2019 MODEL."~30,000 mi, complaint #1736955
  19. #19

    adas collision warning

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was pulling into my driveway to do a 3 point turnaround and my cars forward collision warning came on, then the tire pressure light as well. There was nothing around me. I put the car in park shut it off and left it off. I figured if it the lights were still…"complaint #1903233
  20. #20

    airbag system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t f…"complaint #1853210
  21. #21

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car is very hard to keep in a straight line going down the road. Constant inputs have to be given to keep the wheel at center as the wheel will not re-center after small inputs (I.e. changing lanes, gentle curves in road, etc.). I feel it is a safety hazar…"complaint #1900876
  22. #22

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning ligh…"~147,000 mi, complaint #2066871
  23. #23

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "MY REAR AXLE HAS LOAD NOISE WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT'S WINDING AND SOUNDING LIKE AN OVERSIZED SEMI."complaint #1714720
  24. #24

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My late mother’s 2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX] ) was brought to Johnson Hyundai of Apex on 4/14/2025 for a known paint defect recall affecting the roof and roof rails. I was handling this vehicle as part of her estate. While the car was in the custody of th…"complaint #2096395
  25. #25

    horn

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Electric Horn is not working Horn issue Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-BE-005H published on Hyundai Tech Info under Hyundaidealer.com but it does not include 2019; It includes 2020 -2022 model years "complaint #2151040
  26. #26

    instrument cluster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Four times while driving this vehicle in the last 5 days, all of the warning lights on the cluster light up and the speedometer and temperature indication stop working. In addition the turn signals will not work. If using the cruise control, it turns off. In a…"complaint #1802751
  27. #27

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE WIND NOISE IS VERY BAD AT ANY SPEED AND THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS VERY BAD ON BUMPS."complaint #1551445
  28. #28

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Driver side lock cannot be opened. Defect "complaint #2152755
  29. #29

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " 4 year old was buckled into carseat, seat belt would not loosen for him to get out, seat belt was tightening against his t Stomach and daycare faculty had to cut him out Dealership cost will be 621.00 to repair. Not covered under warranty "complaint #1763240
  30. #30

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MAY 2019 VEHICLE WENT IN HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED DUE TO A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED WHETHER IN TOWN OR HIGHWAY OR PARKED. NOV 2020 CRASH AVOIDANCE SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT NO ON…"~11,622 mi, complaint #1728125
  31. #31

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD MY SUNROOF EXPLODED SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR VERY LOUD POP. MY VISOR WAS CLOSED SO GLASS DIDN'T LANDED ON ME."~30,000 mi, complaint #1681810
  32. #32

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The suspension on this vehicle is out of control. The vehicle jumps, and It moves from one side to another over any road bump. The car only has 60,000 miles and it shouldn't be doing that, it's unsafe and it can cause an accident. "complaint #2076249
  33. #33

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car was a total lost after car did not break, and instead the accelerator got stuck. My car went straight into a pole, causing the accident. Car was purchased 2 weeks prior, the dealer did not acknowledge it was a defect, and I lost my deposit of $7000."complaint #1975853
  34. #34

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact rented a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the tire pressure monitoring system would remain illuminated although the tire air pressure was at the correct levels. Additionally, while driving at speeds exceeding…"~63,270 mi, complaint #1763716
  35. #35

    transmission automatic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicle has experienced multiple hard and delayed transmission changes. Both up and downshift will jerk and had hard gear changes. Cold or warmed up the transmission will exhibit this issue. In regular or sport mode the issue is present."complaint #1882937

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HYUNDAI ELANTRA directly.