Hyundai Elantra GT Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 119 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 119 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Hyundai Elantra GT, across 8 model years (2013–2020). The 2018 model year has the most complaints (51). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Peak: 2018, with 51 complaints
2013: 5201352014: 8201482015: 1201512016: 7201672017: 262017262018: 512018512019: 142019142020: 720207

n = 119 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Hyundai Elantra GT years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Elantra GT year: 2017, 2018, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2018 Elantra GT: 51 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2017 Elantra GT: 26 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2019 Elantra GT: 14 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2015 Elantra GT: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2013 Elantra GT: 5 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2016 Elantra GT: 7 complaints, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Hyundai Elantra GT problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine7980
Power Train1240
Electrical System940
Service Brakes940
Fuel/propulsion System730
Vehicle Speed Control540
Exterior Lighting420
Forward Collision Avoidance410
Tires430
Steering330
Suspension320
Air Bags210
Engine and Engine Cooling220
Lane Departure210
Service Brakes, Hydraulic220
Visibility/wiper220
Back Over Prevention110
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Seats110
Wheels110

All Hyundai Elantra GT model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2020 Elantra GT704★Engine
2019 Elantra GT1404★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2018 Elantra GT5114★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2017 Elantra GT2605★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2016 Elantra GT715★Engine
2015 Elantra GT105★Engine
2014 Elantra GT805★Engine
2013 Elantra GT505★Air Bags

More from Hyundai: all Hyundai models · Hyundai VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai Elantra GT years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2017 (26), 2018 (51), 2019 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Elantra GT year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Hyundai Elantra GT?

Engine, with 79 complaints across 8 model years.

How many recalls does the Hyundai Elantra GT have?

2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.