2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 1, 2026 · 51 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Elantra GT years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. That is the most of any Elantra GT model year in the database (8 years). The most reported problem area is engine (30 complaints, 59%), typically at around 32,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire, 1 injury. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine30 · ~32,000 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~300 mi
Power Train5 · ~19,000 mi
Electrical System4 · ~20,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Fuel/propulsion System4 · ~444 mi
Service Brakes4 · ~11,400 mi
Exterior Lighting3 · ~250 mi
Lane Departure2
Tires2
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine3059%32,000——
Unknown or Other714%300——
Power Train510%19,000——
Electrical System48%20,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance48%———
Fuel/propulsion System48%444——
Service Brakes48%11,400——
Exterior Lighting36%250——
Lane Departure24%———
Tires24%———
Vehicle Speed Control24%800——
Back Over Prevention12%———
Steering12%———
Suspension12%87——
Visibility/wiper12%3,765——
Wheels12%17,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 10 complaints
2018: 6201862019: 6201962021: 6202162022: 102022102023: 4202342024: 6202462025: 7202572026: 620266

n = 51 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly; electrical systemDec 14, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V891000 · 86 vehicles

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.

Risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L Nu GDI engine) has completely shut off while driving on three separate occasions: approximately June 2, 2026 (first occurrence), June 23, 2026, and September 14, 2026. The stalls happened on the highway at highway speed, while pulling into a parking spot, and on a…

Engine · received Oct 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768301

I am seeking legal assistance regarding an engine failure in my Hyundai and Hyundai’s refusal to cover the replacement. I purchased the vehicle from a used-car dealership in Walpole, Massachusetts, on April 22, 2024. At the time of purchase, I was not informed that the vehicle had a known engine…

Engine · received Sep 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764027

The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request…

Engine · received Apr 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11730804

Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are…

Engine · received Jan 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11711527

I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am…

Engine · received Jan 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11711029

Other Hyundai Elantra GT years

← 2017 Elantra GT · 2019 Elantra GT →

See all Hyundai Elantra GT problems by year, every Hyundai model, or the Hyundai VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

Owners most often report engine, unknown or other, power train problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 30 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Elantra GT model years, the 2018 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.